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What Is Cancer?
Cancer is uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Growth of Cancer Cells
Size of cancer cells: One million
cancer cells = head of a pin
One billion cancer cells = a small grape
230 = 1,073,741,824 = 1 billion cells
2-6 weeks Cancer cells
reproduce every 2-6 weeks.
2-6 weeks
2-6 weeks
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Change in bowel habits or bladder functions
Sores that do not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Lumps or thickening of breast or other
parts of the body Indigestion or difficulty swallowing Recent change in wart or mole Persistent coughing or hoarseness
Lifestyle Risks
Smoking Diet high fat and low in fruits and vegetables
Obesity/Lack of exercise
Unprotected exposure to the sun, (UV) rays
Environmental Risks
Second hand smoke
Air pollution
Industrial pollution
Chemical exposures
Inherited Risks Less than 15% of
cancers are inherited Gene mutations are
linked to some inherited cancers
Cancers that may be caused by inherited gene mutations are: Colon cancer Breast cancer Ovarian Prostate cancer Skin cancer
Colon Cancer
Most colon cancers start as a polyp
Removing polyps can prevent colon cancer
• Advance
d bleeding cancer
• A polyp
Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines
Age of 50 and older; younger if there is a family history
Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or Yearly FOBT and sigmoidoscopy every 5
years or Double-contrast barium enema every 5
years or Colonoscopy every 10 years
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Clinical breast exams (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years.
Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women.
Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer ) should know benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI)
Know myths and facts about breast cancer
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
Annual pap testing should begin with the onset of sexual activity or at age 18
Investigate pros & cons of new HPV vaccine
Pap testing should continue less frequently at the discretion of the medical provider and patient after three or more annual tests have been normal
Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Men should speak to their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening
Both prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examinations (DRE) are recommended for men over 50 and who choose to undergo screening for prostate cancer
Testicular Cancer Screening Guidelines
Doctors agree that examination of a man’s testicles is an important part of a general physical exam. It is recommended that a testicular exam be conducted during routine cancer-related checkups.
It is believed that it is important to make men aware of testicular cancer and that any unusual mass should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately.
Skin Cancer
The ABCD’s of melanoma (skin cancer):
Asymmetry: one half is not like the other
Border: the edges are jagged or irregular
Color: the color is varied, tan, red, black etc
Diameter: the diameter is larger than 8mm (the top of a pencil eraser
ABCD
Skin Cancer Prevention It is important to:
Protect your skin with hats, long sleeves and sunscreen
Do a self examination of your skin monthly
Become familiar with any moles, freckles or other abnormalities on your skin
Check for changes once a month. Show any suspicious or changing areas to your health care provider.
Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US
Second hand smoke affects everyone
Fruits and Vegetables Decrease Cancer Risks
Cancer rates could decline by up to 20% if everyone consumed 5 fruits and vegetables a day!*
Cancer fighting substances: Antioxidants Dietary fiber Carotenoids Flavenoids
