Get Screened ­ It Could Save Your Life!

 

 

A cancer diagnosis isn't what it used to be.

 

If discovered early, the disease often can be treated and managed successfully. To detect cancer in its earliest stages, however, depends a lot on individual diligence to have annual mammograms (for women) or a prostate-specific antigen blood test (for men), as well as other age-appropriate checkups.

 

Adhering to the following cancer screening guidelines while also practicing healthy lifestyle habits -- such as avoiding tobacco, limiting sun exposure and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables -- are the primary ways people can take control of their cancer risk.

 

Breast Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Although breast cancer can occur in women of all ages (and some men), it most commonly affects women age 40 and over. Women also are at increased risk if they:

 

· Have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial or colon cancer before menopause.

 

· Have had an abnormal breast biopsy result (atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia).

 

· Started their first menstrual period before age 12.

 

· Begun menopause after age 55.

 

· Never had children or had their first child after age 30.

 

· Are of higher education and socioeconomic status.

 

· Have been on long-term estrogen therapy.

 

Screening recommendations

 

· Monthly breast self-examination, beginning at age 20.

 

· Breast exam by a physician or nurse every three years from ages 20 ­ 40 and yearly thereafter.

 

· Annual mammograms, beginning at age 40. Try to have your clinical breast exam near the time of your regularly scheduled mammogram. If breast cancer runs in your family, your physician may want to start mammograms at an earlier age.

 

· Genetic counseling and testing for women at increased risk. This guideline should be discussed with your physician.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

Aside from the known risk factors contributing to breast cancer, a high-fat diet, physical inactivity and having more than two alcoholic drinks per day also are thought to influence the development of the disease. Reducing fat intake to no more than 30 percent of total calories daily, exercising regularly and avoiding or limiting alcohol are suggested ways to prevent breast cancer.

 

Prostate Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Prostate cancer occurs more frequently in men age 50 and older, although it may occur in younger men as well. Men also are at higher risk if they:

 

· Have a family history of prostate cancer.

 

· Are African-American. While men of all races can get prostate cancer, African-American men have the highest incidence of the disease in the world.

 

Screening recommendations

 

· Annual digital rectal exam after age 50.

 

· Yearly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test after age 50 should be offered, along with appropriate discussion with your physician bout the value of the test.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

Since a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables are suspected risk factors associated with prostate cancer, it's advisable that men limit their fat intake to 30 percent of total daily calories and eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Regular exercise also is recommended.

 

Colorectal Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Colorectal cancer can occur in men and women of any age, but more frequently occurs in people age 50 and older, and individuals who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Screening recommendations

 

· Annual stool test for hidden blood, beginning at age 50.

 

· Flexible sigmoidoscopy (a procedure that inspects the lower portion of the colon and rectum) every five years, beginning at age 50.

 

Additional screening options include:

 

· Colonoscopy (a procedure that examines the entire colon) every 10 years.

 

· Double contrast barium enema (a special X-ray of the large bowel) every five to 10 years.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet and limiting red meat consumption can help decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, as can daily doses of exercise. Since cigarette smoking also is a suspected culprit in the development of this and other cancers, kicking the habit is highly encouraged.

 

Ovarian Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Ovarian cancer accounts for four percent of all cancers among women, occurring between the ages of 50-80. Women are also at risk for this disease if they:

 

· Have never had children.

 

· Have had breast cancer or a family history of breast and ovarian cancer.

 

Screening recommendations

 

· Transvaginal ultrasound.

 

· CA 125 blood test. This tumor marker is produced by ovarian cells.

 

· Genetic testing for those at increased risk. This guideline should be discussed with your physician.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

Ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer" because it is often void of symptoms and is not detected until in its late stages. If you have a strong family history of the disease, be sure to tell your physician who may recommend yearly screenings, beginning at an early age.

 

Skin Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Men and women of all ages are equally at risk for developing skin cancer. Risk factors include:

 

· Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, found in sunlight and tanning booths.

 

· A fair complexion.

 

· A family history of skin cancer.

 

· Occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic or radium.

 

· Three or more severe blistering sunburns as a child or teenager.

 

Screening recommendations

 

· Monthly self-exams, beginning at age 18.

 

· Regular examinations by a health care professional for those at high risk.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

The number one way to prevent skin cancer is to limit time spent in the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- a time when the sun's rays are most damaging. If avoiding exposure at this time is not possible, be sure to cover up with a hat and sunglasses, and lather on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming or heavy perspiration.

 

Also, be aware of any suspicious-looking mole or sore. If you're unsure about what these may look like, remember the ABCD warning signs: Asymmetry of the mole, Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform and Diameter greater than the size of an eraser on a pencil head.

 

Cervical Cancer

 

Who's at risk?

 

Women of all ages and those who:

 

· Have had sexual intercourse at an early age.

 

· Have multiple sexual partners.

 

· Smoke.

 

Screening recommendations

 

Annual Pap test with a pelvic exam beginning at age 18 or earlier if sexually active. After three or more consecutive exams with normal findings, a physician may choose to do them less frequently.

 

An ounce of prevention

 

Since cervical cancer most often is associated with sexual behavior and sexually transmitted diseases, it's advisable for partners to practice safe sex with the use of condoms.

 

FYI

For more information about cancer screening and early detection, call for a free copy of M. D. Anderson's Road Map to Cancer Prevention brochure at (713) 794-4257, or Under Cover brochure at (800) 342-5454.

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