Cancer
Cancer |
| According to the Healthy People 2010, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, about half of all cancers occur in individuals aged 65 and older. The most common form of cancer in women is breast cancer and the most common form of cancer in men is prostate cancer. Lung cancer ranks second for both men and women and colorectal cancers rank third for both groups. Cancer is a term that includes a large number of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Normal cells typically move through a predictable series of stages; birth, replication and death. However, cancer cells do not move through these stages with the same predictability, cancer cells do not die with the same frequency and often produce clumps of cells or tumors. These tumors can either develop at a single site or they may travel (known as metastasis) to other places in the body through lymph or blood pathways. Left unchecked, cancer cells compete with and overtake healthy cells further compromising the body’s ability to maintain normal functioning. We have learned a lot about cancer over the years and the most exciting news is that many cancers are preventable and those that do occur are treatable with increasing success. |
My Vital Health Cancer Assessment |
The American Cancer Society has traditionally identified seven warning
signs of cancer related to the questions below:
1. Have you had a change in bowel or bladder habits?
2. Have you had a sore that does not heal?
3. Have you noticed any unusual bleeding or discharge from any
place?
4. Have you noticed a lump in the breast or other part of the body?
5. Have you experienced chronic indigestion or difficulty in
swallowing?
6. Have you noticed an obvious change in a wart or mole?
7. · Do you have a lingering cough or hoarseness?
If you answered yes to any question, please contact your physician. |
| Resources |
For more information, check out these resources: American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/content/ped_2_3x_acs_cancer_detection_g uidelines_36.asp http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/ETO_1.asp?sitearea=ETO Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/cancer/ |
| Cancer Prevention |
The CDC has indicated that as much as 50% of cancers can be prevented
by changing our lifestyle, by stop smoking, embracing a healthy diet (one of
lower fat and higher fruit and vegetable consumption), and increased
physical activities. In addition, reducing exposure to the sun especially
between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, wearing protective clothing,
and sunscreen will reduce the likelihood of skin cancers. The National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health have estimated that tens of
thousands of cancers are related to occupational exposures. Mere exposure
is often times not enough to trigger cancers to emerge. Occupational
cancers occur through a complicated and not fully understood combination
of genetic factors, frequency of seeking medical attention, chemical
presence and duration. Always work to exercise caution by reducing
exposures to chemicals in home and workplace. Know your body and visit
your doctor regularly. Cancers caught early increase chances of complete
recovery.
by changing our lifestyle, by stop smoking, embracing a healthy diet (one of
lower fat and higher fruit and vegetable consumption), and increased
physical activities. In addition, reducing exposure to the sun especially
between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, wearing protective clothing,
and sunscreen will reduce the likelihood of skin cancers. The National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health have estimated that tens of
thousands of cancers are related to occupational exposures. Mere exposure
is often times not enough to trigger cancers to emerge. Occupational
cancers occur through a complicated and not fully understood combination
of genetic factors, frequency of seeking medical attention, chemical
presence and duration. Always work to exercise caution by reducing
exposures to chemicals in home and workplace. Know your body and visit
your doctor regularly. Cancers caught early increase chances of complete
recovery.
Cancer Treatment |
| Cancer Detection |
Cancer treatments typically include:
- Surgery- removal of the
cancer cells and or affected
body parts.
- Chemotherapy- the use of
drugs to combat cancer cells
or their effects.
- Immunotherapy- is the
strengthening of the body’s
own defense to combat
cancer cells, or artificially
enhancing the immune
response of the body.
- Radiation- is the use of
energy with the purpose of
eliminating cancer cells
during replication.
- Combination- use of two or
more types of cancer
treatments.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are several simple tests
you can perform on a monthly basis that can alert you when something may
be going wrong.
Conducting mouth, skin, breast (women and men) and testicular (men)
exams you can often be alerted of anomalies at an early stage of a problem.
You can also identify an increased risk of cancer by knowing information
about family members since some cancers may have a genetic component.
Your greatest advantage is knowing your body. Other things that aid you in
your quest to detect cancers early include annual physical exam, since
physicians during these routine exams can screen for cancers such as
lymph nodes, skin, breast, and testicular cancers.
See your dentist regularly, dentists can alert you to potential cancers in the
mouth. There are some things you can do such as conducting breast self
exams (women and men). Knowing what feels normal will allow you to
recognize growths, hardness, or other anomalies in the breast. Detected
breast anomalies can be verified using mammography and ultrasound
techniques. These tests are recommended for women age 40 and older.
Also, women who are sexually active or age 21 or older should routinely
have a Pap test to check for cervical cancer cells. Please see your physician
for intervals.
Both men and women should have colorectal screening at age 50 and older
and men should routinely conduct a self-testicular exam, and participate in
prostate cancer screening [both prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital
rectal exams].
you can perform on a monthly basis that can alert you when something may
be going wrong.
Conducting mouth, skin, breast (women and men) and testicular (men)
exams you can often be alerted of anomalies at an early stage of a problem.
You can also identify an increased risk of cancer by knowing information
about family members since some cancers may have a genetic component.
Your greatest advantage is knowing your body. Other things that aid you in
your quest to detect cancers early include annual physical exam, since
physicians during these routine exams can screen for cancers such as
lymph nodes, skin, breast, and testicular cancers.
See your dentist regularly, dentists can alert you to potential cancers in the
mouth. There are some things you can do such as conducting breast self
exams (women and men). Knowing what feels normal will allow you to
recognize growths, hardness, or other anomalies in the breast. Detected
breast anomalies can be verified using mammography and ultrasound
techniques. These tests are recommended for women age 40 and older.
Also, women who are sexually active or age 21 or older should routinely
have a Pap test to check for cervical cancer cells. Please see your physician
for intervals.
Both men and women should have colorectal screening at age 50 and older
and men should routinely conduct a self-testicular exam, and participate in
prostate cancer screening [both prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital
rectal exams].
| Vital Health Strategies for: Cancer |
| 1. Seek medical and dental advice or attention if you have any symptoms. 2. Eat a healthy diet and maintain ideal weight. 3. Exercise daily. Try:
4. If you smoke, stop. 5. If you drink, do so in moderation. 6. Minimize exposure to chemicals at home, in recreational pursuits, and in the workplace whenever possible. 7.Participate in cancer prevention activities, screenings and recommended annual exams. 8. Learn to recognize and act on any warning signs. |
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