Cancer is term that encompasses over 100 specific diseases. All those specific diseases start out the same way – a group of abnormal cells start to replicate out-of-control. The replication can lead to illness and even death. As we continue with our cancer research we are discovering that early detection is key for many types of cancer.
The American Cancer Society continually updates their list of early detection methods and guidelines for certain types of cancer.
The bladder is the organ that holds urine that is waiting to be voided. Currently, scientists are not sure of the cause of the bladder cancer, but we do think smoking increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. The Great American Smokeout is November 15 and is an excellent time to quit smoking.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer include:
For more information on bladder cancer, visit:
The second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women is breast cancer, second only to skin cancer. About 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Women in the U.S. have the second highest death rate for breast cancer, with lung cancer being the most prevalent cause of cancer death.
Risk Factors:
Scientists and researchers cannot definitively find any cause that is directly linked to breast cancer, however, there are known risk factors that are used to screen patients. These risk factors alone do not completely include or exclude a patient. Studies have been performed that show that those who develop breast cancer did not have any risk factors commonly associated with breast cancer.
Breast cancer may or may not exhibit any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer begins to grow, the patient can see symptoms that may be possible signs of breast cancer.
Prevention is key and having yearly mammograms or breast exams are of the up-most importance in finding breast cancer early and in a very treatable phase. Women are recommended to start having mammograms as early as age 40 every 1 to 2 years. Those under the age of 40 are recommended to have clinical breast examinations (with the aid of a physician) or self-examinations every 1 to 3 years. Those with an increased risk, due to family history or otherwise, are recommended to start having mammograms at an earlier age.
Slightly higher risk if menstruation started before age 12. A woman’s risk increases if a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. (About 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.). Regarding the risk factor of specific genes, these genes can carry mutated information from either mother/father or both. By inheriting these mutated genes, a woman is up to 80% likely to develop breast cancer.
Slightly higher risk if woman has first child after the age of 29 versus those who gave birth before turning 29 years old.
References:
Breast Cancer. Lexicomp.com. Sept. 2011. Web. 8 July 2012.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors. UCsFHealth.org. University of California San Francisco. Web. 12 July 2012.
General Information About Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute. 21 June 2012. Web. 2 July 2012.
The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam. Breastcancer.org. 15 Mar. 2012. Web. 5 July 2012.
U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics. Breastcancer.org. 14 Mar. 2012. Web. 5 July 2012.
Not all cancers are created equal. And not all cancer screening is equally effective at saving lives. For example, some doctors order ovarian cancer screening. But the tests used to help spot ovarian cancer often cause false alarms, increase costs, and lead to unnecessary procedures – without saving lives.1
Other types of screening, such as for cervical or colon cancers, are much more helpful at preventing cancer or finding it early and reducing deaths. Here’s what you need to know about new screening guidelines for these two cancers.
Cervical cancer. In the past few decades, screening has helped reduce deaths from cervical cancer. Researchers have learned a great deal about the best ways to screen for this type of cancer. As a result, the American Cancer Society (ACS) revised its guidelines. One of the big changes in the screening guidelines has to do with how often to get a Pap test.2
The ACS included guidelines for both the Pap test and HPV (human papilloma virus) test. The Pap test can find early cell changes or cancer. The HPV test finds certain infections that can lead to cell changes and cancer.
According to the new guidelines, cervical screening for women should begin at age 21, even if you have had the HPV vaccine. The ACS recommends:
You may need to be screened more often if you are at high risk for cervical cancer. You don’t need screening at all if you have had your uterus and cervix removed and have no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer.2 Colon cancer. In the U.S., colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Recent studies show that screening prevents colorectal cancers. It also cuts deaths from the disease. Still, only 6 in 10 adults 50 and older get screened.3
New guidelines from theAmericanCollegeof Physicians (ACP) now focus on each person’s individual risk.
Want to learn more about these or other types of cancer? http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/cancerscreeningguidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer
Or, need to understand an upcoming test or procedure? Go to www.healthmart.com where you’ll find a wealth of information on these and many other topics.
Sources
MedlinePlus: “Ovarian cancer screening popular despite guidelines.” Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_121627.html. Accessed March 23, 2012.
ACS: “New Screening Guidelines for Cervical Cancer.” Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/new-screening-guidelines-for-cervical-cancer. Accessed March 23, 2012.
HealthDay: “New ColonCancer Screening Guidelines Focus on Individual Risk.” Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122594.html. Accessed March 23, 2012.
Colon cancer starts in the large intestine, and is one of the most deadlist forms of cancer. However with new medical innovation colon cancer is often completely curable if detected early. The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal screening for all men and women start at age 50.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer include:
Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in America. It kills more men and women than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined.Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer.
Smoking Cession is a great way to improve your health and decrease your risk of developing lung cancer.
November 15 is an excellent time to quit smoking. An annual initiative of the American Cancer Society, The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to plan to quit smoking. The American Cancer Society has a wealth of resources to help motivate patients to kick the habit.
Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate. The prostate gland wraps around the male’s urethra and aids in reproduction. Prostate cancer is the most common cause of death in men greater than 75 years of age.
Many of the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) are the same as Prostate Cancer. As men age it is important to talk with their healthcare providers about Prostate Cancer and BPH.