UNDERSTANDING CANCER

WHAT IS CANCER?

• Cancer is a huge group of diseases characterized by unrestrained growth and spread of odd cells.

Normal Cells Vs. Cancer Cells

• Cancer cells:– Be unable to find control over growth and

multiplication

– Do not self-destruct when they become worn out out or damaged

– Crowd out healthy cells

Growth of Cancer Cells

• Cancer cells reproduce every 2-6 weeks.• Cancer cells size:

– One million cancer cells = head of a pin

– One billion cancer cells = a small grape

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

• Change in bowel lifestyle or bladder functions• Sores that do not heal• Abnormal bleeding or discharge• Hickening of breast or other parts of the body• Difficulty swallowing• Recent change in mole• Determined coughing.

Causes Of Cancer?

LIFESTYLE ENVOURMENT GENETIC

LIFESTYLE RISK

• Smoking

• Diet high fat and low in fruits and vegetables

• Lack of exercise

• Unprotected exposure to the UV rays

• Obesity.

Environmental Risks

• Second hand smoke

• Pollution from air

• Industrial pollution

• Chemical exposures

Inherited Risks• Less than 15% of cancers are hereditary

• Gene mutations are linked to some inherited cancers

• Cancers that may be cause by inherited gene mutations are:– Colon cancer– Breast cancer– Ovarian– Prostate cancer– Skin cancer

Screening Tests and Self-exams

Screening tests:• Colon • Breast• Cervical • Prostate

Self-exams:• Testicular• Skin

Why Screening Tests?

• The dealing with cancer is most successful when the cancer is detected as early as possible, often before symptoms take place.

Colon Cancer

• Most colon cancers start as a polyps

• Removing polyps can avoid colon cancer

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Age of 50 and older• younger if there is a family history • Yearly fecal occult blood test • Elastic sigmoidoscopy every 5 years • Yearly FOBT and sigmoidoscopy every 5 years • Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years • Colonoscopy every 10 years

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 • Clinical breast exams

• about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s

• every year for women 40 and over.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Women should report any breast change promptly

to their health care providers.

• Women at increased risk should speak with their

doctors about the benefits and restrictions of

starting mammography screening earlier, having

additional tests or having more regular exams.

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Annual pap testing should begin with the onset of sexual

activity or at age 18

• examine 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

• Prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examinations are recommended for men above 50

Testicular Cancer Screening Guidelines

• It is recommended that a testicular exam be conducted through routine cancer-related checkups.

• It is supposed that it is important to make men aware of testicular cancer and that any unusual mass should be evaluated by a health care provider without delay.

Skin Cancer• The ABCD’s of melanoma of 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 etch

– Diameter: the diameter is larger than 8mm

Skin Cancer Prevention

• It is important to:– Defend your skin with hats, long sleeves and

sunscreen

– Do a self examination of your skin monthly

– Become recognizable with any moles, freckles or other abnormalities on your skin

– Check for changes once a month.

Good News!

• Other Ways to Reduce the Risks of Developing Cancer…

Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

• Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world

• Second hand smoke affects everyone

Fruits and Vegetables Decrease Cancer Risks

• Cancer rates could turn down by up to 20% if everyone consumed 5 fruits and vegetables a day!

• Cancer struggle substances:– Antioxidants– Dietary fiber– Carotenoids– Flavenoids

Limit Alcohol to No More Than

• Men – 2 drinks per day

• Women - 1 drink per day

Reduce Your Skin Exposure to the Sun

Limit time outside, between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m.

Wear defending clothing.

Prevent sunburns, especially for children under 18.

Avoid tanning beds.

Be Active…Often

• Exercise for 30 minutes or more at least 4 days a week.

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