Questions & Answers

 

Q: My husband works at an electrical power plant. Does that increase his risk for developing a brain tumor?
 
A: Although the causes of brain tumors are virtually unknown, studies suggest that people who are exposed to normal doses of electromagnetic fields do not have an increased risk of developing brain cancer if they are using recommended protective equipment. Electromagnetic fields are emitted from devices that produce, transmit or use electrical power, including power plants and lines, and normal household appliances, such as electric clocks, computers, televisions and microwaves.
 
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently conducting a comprehensive study to identify environmental and genetic causes of brain cancer. In one study, researchers will ask detailed, job-specific questions about tasks performed, the use of specific chemicals and equipment, and use of recommended protective gear by persons working in or near electromagnetic fields. The results of this study should be available next year.
 
Other organizations such as the National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences (NIEHS) are working with the NCI to conduct further studies. The NIEHS encourages anyone concerned about the possible health effects caused by electromagnetic fields to contact them at 1-800-NIEHS-94.
 
Q: I'm very confused about the different breast cancer screening recommendations I've seen in the news media lately. At what age should a woman have her first mammogram?
 
A: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) agree that mammography screening of women in their 40s is beneficial.
 
These organizations recommend that all women aged 50 and over, and those in their 40s who are at average risk for developing breast cancer, should get screening mammograms every one to two years. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer should seek expert advice about whether they should begin mammography before age 40 and to determine their mammography schedule in their 40s.
 
In the past, the NCI and the ACS differed on their recommendation for the age at which a woman should begin having mammography. Now, they are working together to provide clear guidance to women concerning the risk of developing breast cancer and the value and limitations of screening mammography.
 
Because of the limitations of mammography, the NCI also strongly recommends clinical breast examination by a health care provider, as well as breast self exam as an important part of regular, routine health care for women.
 
Q: I know that all men should be screened for prostate cancer, but do different racial/ethnic groups have a greater risk of developing the disease?
 
A: Prostate cancer accounts for one of every three cancers among American men. It is twice as common in black men than in white or Hispanic men. In fact, black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.
Because researchers are uncertain why some men get prostate cancer and others do not, they are studying such things as diet and the environment to see how these factors might contribute to the disease. Some studies have shown that a diet high in fat increases the risk of prostate cancer, while a diet high in fruits and vegetables decreases the risk.
 
If detected early, prostate cancer has a 98 percent five-year survival rate. Therefore, it is recommended that men over age 50 (or earlier if there is a family history of the disease) receive a yearly prostate cancer screening.
 
Q: I have a history of ovarian cancer in my family. What kind of screening is available for women at high risk?
 
A: Knowing you are at risk for ovarian cancer is the first step in the early detection and cancer prevention process. Known risk factors include a family history of the disease, never becoming pregnant and age (over 50). Women who have had children or are taking oral contraceptives are less likely to develop the disease. Since you are at risk, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor, who will plan an appropriate schedule of checkups.
 
While regular pelvic exams increase the chances of detecting the disease well before symptoms occur, other early detection protocols are currently under investigation. One involves a blood test. Currently, scientists are exploring the usefulness of measuring the level of a tumor marker called CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is produced by ovarian cancer cells. Ovarian cancer, however, cannot be diagnosed by the presence of CA-125 alone, so scientists are studying other ways to detect the disease early, when treatment may be more successful.
 
Healthy women at risk for ovarian cancer and over age 60 are eligible to enroll in a nationwide study of screening tests for ovarian cancer. For more information, call 1-800-4-CANCER.
 
Q: Skin cancer seems to be so common and easy to treat. Do I really need to worry about protecting myself or my children from the sun?
 
A: Yes.
 
This year about one million people in the United States will develop skin cancer. About 90 percent of skin cancers are squamous or basal cell carcinomas. When detected early, the cure rate for these diseases is nearly 100 percent.
 
While all skin cancers are serious, the most dangerous is malignant melanoma. This type of skin cancer can invade the inner organs or tissues of the body. People who have had three or more severe blistering sunburns as a child or teenager are at an increased risk for melanoma. Knowing this, cancer prevention experts recommend taking precautions when out in the sun.
 
Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun, usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and protect themselves with sunscreen, hats and other protective clothing.
 
You can learn more about sun safety through M. D. Anderson's Under Cover Skin Cancer Prevention Project, a program that provides the public with information on ways to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays. If you would like a free copy of the Under Cover Skin Cancer Prevention brochure, call 1-800-322-5454.

Return to Summer 97