Understanding Cancer

What Is Cancer?
Cancer

is
uncontrolled growth
and spread of
abnormal cells.

Growth of Cancer Cells

2-6 weeks

2-6 weeks

2-6 weeks

Cancer cells
reproduce every 26 weeks.
Size of cancer cells:

One million
cancer cells =
head of a pin

One billion cancer

cells = a small
grape

230 =
1,073,741,824
= 1 billion cells

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Change in bowel habits or bladder
functions
Sores that do not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Lumps or thickening of breast or other
parts of the body
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Recent change in wart or mole
Persistent coughing or hoarseness

What Causes Cancer?

Family
History

Lifestyle
Environment

Lifestyle Risks

Smoking

Obesity/Lac
k of exercise

Unprotecte
d exposure
to t
he sun,
(UV) rays

Diet high
fat and low
in fruits
and
vegetables

Environmental Risks

Second hand
smoke

Air pollution

Industrial pollution

Chemical
exposures

Inherited Risks

Less than 15% of

cancers are inherited
Gene mutations are
linked to some
inherited cancers
Cancers that may be
caused by inherited
gene mutations are:
Colon cancer
Breast cancer
Ovarian
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer

Colon Cancer

Most colon
cancers start as a
polyp
Removing polyps
can prevent colon
cancer

A polyp

Advance
d
bleeding
cancer

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

Age of 50 and older; younger if
there is a family history
Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or
Yearly FOBT and sigmoidoscopy every 5
years or
Double-contrast barium enema every 5
years or
Colonoscopy every 10 years

Breast Cancer
Screening Guidelines

Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and

continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Clinical breast exams (CBE) should be part of a
periodic health exam, about every three years.
Women should report any breast change promptly to
their health care providers. Breast self exam (BSE) is
an option for women.
Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic
tendency, past breast cancer ) should know benefits
and limitations of starting mammography screening
earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound
or MRI)
Know myths and facts about breast cancer

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

Annual pap testing should
begin with the onset of
sexual activity or at age
18
Investigate pros & cons of
new HPV vaccine
Pap testing should
continue less frequently at
the discretion of the
medical provider and
patient after three or more
annual tests have been

Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

Men should speak to their doctor about the

pros and cons of prostate cancer screening

Both prostate specific antigen (PSA) and

digital rectal examinations (DRE) are
recommended for men over 50 and who
choose to undergo screening
for
prostate cancer

Testicular Cancer
Screening Guidelines

Doctors agree that examination of a

mans testicles is an important part of a
general physical exam. It is
recommended that a testicular exam be
conducted during routine cancer-related
checkups.

It is believed that it is important to make

men aware of testicular cancer and that
any unusual mass should be evaluated by
a health care provider immediately.

Skin Cancer

A
B
C
D

The ABCDs of melanoma (skin

cancer):

Asymmetry: one half is not

like the other
Border: the edges are jagged
or irregular
Color: the color is varied,
tan, red, black etc
Diameter: the diameter is
larger than 8mm (the top of
a pencil eraser

Skin Cancer Prevention

It is important to:
Protect your skin with

hats, long
sleeves and sunscreen
Do a self examination of your skin
monthly
Become familiar with any moles,
freckles or other abnormalities on
your skin
Check for changes once a month.
Show any suspicious or changing
areas to your health care provider.

Good News!
Other Ways to Reduce the Risks of
Developing Cancer

Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Cigarette smoking is the

leading cause of
preventable death in the
US
Second hand smoke
affects everyone

Fruits and Vegetables Decrease

Cancer Risks
Cancer rates could
decline by up to
20% if everyone
consumed 5 fruits
and vegetables a
day!*
Cancer fighting
substances:

Antioxidants
Dietary fiber
Carotenoids
Flavenoids

Be ActiveOften

Exercise for 30 minutes

or more at least 4 days
a week.