What is Cancer?

Cancer is a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells may grow into masses of tissue called malignant (cancerous) tumors. As cancers grow, they can invade and destroy normal tissue and may also spread to other areas of the body. Cancer that spreads to other areas or organs is called metastatic cancer. If the spread of cancer is not controlled, results in death. Many cancers can be controlled or even cured if detected and treated promptly. The importance of early detection cannot be minimized—screening programs help to detect cancer early.

Cancer is treated in one or a combination of ways:

• Surgery — the removal of the cancer by an operative procedure.
• Radiation Therapy — the use of high-energy X-rays to treat cancer. Radiation is a local or regional type of treatment (i.e., affecting only a specific area). Many cancers are treated with radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy — is chemical or drug therapy. The drugs may be given orally, by injection or by intravenous infusion. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs can affect cancer and normal cells anywhere in the body. Many cancers are treated with chemotherapy.

Cancers Seven Warning Signals

• Change in bowel or bladder habits.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
• Obvious change in wart or mole.
• Nagging cough or hoarseness.

Cancer Related Checkup Guidelines
Guidelines for the early detection of cancer in people without symptoms are recommended by the American Cancer Society as follows:

A cancer related checkup every 3 years for those 20-40 years of age and every year for those 40 years and older.

The checkup should always include health counseling and examinations for cancer of the thyroid, testes, mouth, ovaries, skin, and lymph nodes.

Women
Ages 18-39

• For breast cancer, an examination by a physician every three years, a self-exam every month, and one baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 39. For cervical cancer, a pelvic exam every year as well as a yearly Pap test (including women under 18 if sexually active).

Age 40 and over

• For breast cancer, a self-exam every month with a yearly professional exam and mammogram. For cervical cancer a yearly pelvic exam and Pap test. Uterine cancer – women at high risk for endometrial cancer should have a sample of endometrial tissue biopsied when menopause begins.

Men
Age 50 and over

• For prostate cancer a yearly digital rectal exam of the prostate gland and a prostate specific antigen blood test (PSA). For those men at high risk – a history of prostate cancer in a close family member and if you are African-American – start screening at a younger age. Consult with your doctor.

Age 15 and over

• For testicular cancer male teenagers should be taught the testicular self-exam. This should be done on a monthly basis and should always be done on a yearly basis by a professional. Highest risk age for this cancer is 15-34.

Men and Women
Age 40-50

• For colorectal cancer without symptoms a yearly digital rectal exam.

Age 50 and over

• For colorectal cancer without symptoms a yearly digital rectal exam and stool blood test. A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years after age 50. Other exams that may be suggested are the colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema. If you have a family history of colon cancer and or are experiencing symptoms – consult with your doctor.
• A digital rectal exam every year after 40, and a stool blood test every year after 50, as well as a proctoscopic exam every 3-5 years after two initial negative tests one year apart.

Minimizing Your Cancer Risk: A Common Sense Approach*

• Control weight. (Cut down on fat intake and increase exercise.)
• Eat more high-fiber foods such as whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables.
• Include foods rich in vitamins A and C in your daily diet.
• Include cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower) in your diet.
• Moderate consumption of salt-cured, smoked and nitrite-cured foods.
• Keep alcohol consumption moderate, if you do drink.
• Stop smoking.
• Wear protective clothing or sunscreen in the sun.

*American Cancer Society Recommendations