Early Detection and Cancer Prevention

Goals of this Presentation

Reduce fear and misinformation through cancer information and education.
Increase awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection strategies. Increase knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce cancer risk.

Describe sources of information and support if you have any questions.

Risk Factors
Nearly all cancers of the lung, bladder, mouth and skin could be prevented 50-75% of cancer deaths are related to personal behaviors or habits 30% or more of all cancer deaths related to cigarette smoking 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are related to poor nutrition & inactivity leading to obesity Risk may be reduced by increasing consumption of fruits & vegetables and limiting high-fat foods

More Risk Factors

Viruses (e.g., Human Papilloma Virus-HPV, hepatitis B and C ) and bacteria (helicobacter pylori) Environmental and occupational exposures (e.g., radiation, second-hand smoke, radon, asbestos, organic vapors, and pesticides) Number of pregnancies and age at first pregnancy

More Risk Factors

Genes known to be involved or suspected of being involved in familial cancer syndromes (e.g., BRCA1) Interactions of genes with lifestyle factors, environmental, and/or occupational exposures (e.g., variations in carcinogen metabolism associated with our genes)

Steps for Cancer Prevention

Stop using tobacco Maintain a reasonable weight Increase physical activity Eat 5-9 fruits and vegetables daily Increase fiber and reduce fat Limit alcohol consumption Limit exposure to the sun

Early Detection and Screening

Screening for cancer means looking for cancer BEFORE there are symptoms. Screening may identify early cases of cancer that might never have become clinically apparent until too late.

Why a Person May Not Participate in Screening

Lack of knowledge/awareness of symptoms of cancer Cost/lack of insurance Lack of physician recommendation Language barrier Cultural beliefs Psychological factors and Socioeconomic Status (poverty, education, unemployment) Fear

Screening/Early Detection For Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women Breast Self Exam: Mammograms Ages 40-49 every one to two years Age 50 and over should participate yearly Clinical Breast Exam High risk women may need to begin screening at earlier ages

Screening/Early Detection For Colon/Rectum Cancer

Colon/Rectum Cancer Third most common cancer in both men and women

Screening/Early Detection For Colon/Rectum Cancer

Beginning at Age 50: Stool blood test annually Digital rectal exam annually Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy

Screening/Early Detection for Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer: Leading cause of cancer death Routine chest x-rays have no proven benefit. Screening Clinical Trials (e.g., National Lung Screening Trial)

Screening/Early Detection For Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer: 2nd Leading cause of cancer death in men Beginning at Age 50: DRE (Digital Rectum Exam) PSA Blood Test

Screening/Early Detection Techniques For Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer: Annual pelvic exam should be performed to try and detect an ovarian mass. Pelvic ultrasound with vaginal probe may become routine in combination with the CA125 blood tests.

Screening/Early Detection Techniques For Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Screening should begin approx. 3 years after a women begins to have sexual intercourse, but no later than 21 years old. Pelvic Exam PAP Test (Papanicolaou)

Physical Diagnostic Tests

Physical Exam
Examination of the entire body Lymph node bearing areas Abdomen is checked to detect enlargement of any organs Examination of the pelvic area in women, including PAP smear. Digital rectal exam for men and women

Lab Diagnostic Tests

Lab Tests If cancer is present blood tests can show any effects of the disease on the body. FOBT - fecal occult blood test Urinalysis examination of the urine CBC - complete blood count

Biopsies
The physical exam, lab and imaging tests may identify an abnormality but a BIOPSY is the only sure way to know whether cancer is present. In a BIOPSY, the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the abnormal area or may remove the whole area. A pathologist will examine the tissue to see whether cancer cells are present or not.