Cancer vs Puerto Ricans and Latinos

ALCOHOL

CARROTS

CHOLESTEROL

DIABETES

EARS

EYES

FOOD

GREENS

HIGH PRESSURE

HUMOR

MENTAL HEALTH

PROSTATE

STRESS

Cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group diseases in which abnormal cells multiply and spread. Cancer usually start in one part of the body. The disease can be fatal, but death rates for many major cancer sites have leveled off or declined over the past 50 years. Causes of cancer includes such factors as chemicals, radiation, viruses, hormones, immune conditions, and genes.

Who gets Cancer?

Cancer can affect anyone at any age; it strikes children as well as adults. In rare cases, babies are born with cancer. However, cases of cancer increase with age, so most cancers affect people in mid-life or older. The American Cancer Society reports that in the 1980's there were some 12 million people under medical care for cancer.

How is Cancer detected?

Self-examinations can reveal possible signs of some cancers, such as breast or skin cancer. Doctors use physical exams, blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays, and other techniques to diagnose suspected cancers. See the bottom of this page for more information on the detection of specific cancers.

How can Cancer be treated?

Cancer is one of the most treatable of all chronic diseases. It is treated with chemicals, hormones, radiation, surgery, and other therapies. The goal is not merely to prolong life but to cure the patient of the disease. Patients are considered cured if they show no evidence of cancer for five or more years. "Cured" patients have the same life expectancy as people who have never had cancer.

How can Cancer be prevented?

Some cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes. These include many skin cancers, which can be prevented by protection from the sun. it also includes all cancers caused by cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use. See bottom of page for more information.

How is the survival rate improved?

Early detection and treatment of cancer is the key to saving lives. The more promptly treatment is begun, the greater the chance that it will be successful because the cancer is in a localized stage. Self-examinations and regular screenings by doctors are vital for detecting cancer in the earliest possible stage. See the bottom of page.

Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Stop smoking. If you don't smoke, don't start. Tobacco use causes one in every five deaths in the United states.
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and cereals.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including some cancers
If you drink, do so in moderation. heavy alcohol use, especially in smokers, is linked to some cancers.
Avoid too much sun. About 90% of skin cancers can be prevented! Wear a hat, keep your shirt on, and use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
Manage stress. Stress weakens the immune system, making you less resistant to diseases, including cancer.
Get early-detection screenings. Do monthly self-exams and see a doctor promptly with suspected symptoms.
Avoid hazardous materials. Know the hazards of chemicals and other substances and materials in your workplace and community. Some may increase the risk of cancer. Wear protective gear. Follow all health and safety regulations.
Avoid unnecessary x-rays. Consult your doctor or dentist about the need for each x-ray. ask for shields to protect other parts of your body.

WHAT IS YOUR RISK?

KINDS OF CANCERS	RISK FACTORS	WARNING SIGNS & EARLY DETECTIONS
BREAST	Over age 40, risk increases with age Personal or family history of breast cancer Women who have never given birth Women over 30 when having their first child.	SIGNS: Lumps, thickening, swelling, other changes in breast. DETECTION: Monthly self-exam. Clinical exam:20-39, every 3 years; over 40, yearly. Mammogram; 40 and over annually.
CERVICAL	Early age at first intercourse multiple sex partners Cigarette smoking Transmitted diseases.	SIGNS: Bleeding outside menstrual period or after menopause. Unusually long or heavy menstrual bleeding. Unusual vaginal discharge. DETECTION: Yearly Pap test at onset of sexual activity or over age 18.
COLORECTAL	Personal or family history of cancer or polyps of colon or rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease High-fat/low-fiber diet Risk increases between ages 50 and 75.	SIGNS: Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, change in bowel habits. DETECTION: 50 and older: one of these schedules Fecal Occult Blood Test annually and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) every5 yrs. Colonoscopy and Digital Rectal Exam every 10 years Double-contrast Barium Enema and Digital Rectal Exam every 5 yrs.
LUNG	Cigarette smoking Workplace exposure to substance such as asbestos or arsenic Workplace exposure to radiation Secondhand smoke exposure increase risk for nonsmokers.	SIGNS: Nagging or painful cough. Coughing up blood. Persistent chest pain. DETECTION: Difficult to detect in early stages See a doctor if you have symptoms Chest x-ray and sputum analysis assist diagnosis
ORAL	Tobacco use (smoking, chewing, dipping). Alcohol abuse Excessive sun exposure increases risk of cancer of lower lip.	SIGNS: Any persistent change in the kips, tongue, mouth, or throat. DETECTION: Oral self-exam. Regular dental exams.
PROSTATE	Risk increases steadily after age 40 Second leading cause of cancer deaths in men African American men especially at risk. Family history of prostate cancer.	SIGNS: Difficult, painful or frequent urination. Blood in urine. Persistent pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. DETECTION: 50 and over; prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal exam annually.
SKIN	Too much exposure to the sun. Fair complexion Exposure at work to coat tar, pitch, creosote arsenic compounds, radium.	SIGNS: Change in appearance of skin growths. New growths. Scaliness, oozing bleeding, or change in appearance or sensation of bump or nodule. DETECTION: Monthly self-exam See doctor in case of any skin abnormalities.
TESTICULAR	One of most common cancers among U>S> men between the ages of 15 and 34. One or both testicles failed to descend.	SIGNS: Painless swelling, heaviness, or lump in testicles. One or both testicles have never descended. DETECTION: Monthly self-exam. Annual clinical exam.

Health

Back Home Page

10/31/2004

Also visit THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Hit Counter