Yahoo Lifestyle Cancer
1.What is cancer?
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. This uncontrolled growth may result in abnormal blood cells or may develop into a lump called a tumour.
2. What causes cancer?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer that include:
Family history of a particular cancer.
Chromosomal abnormalities.
Smoking substantially increases the risk of developing cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx and bladder.
Unprotected exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer.
Poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors for cancers of the gastrointestinal system. A diet low in fat and high in fibre reduces the risk of colon, breast and possibly prostate cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. asbestos).
3. The most common types of cancer:
In women:
Breast: breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia. If affects one in eight women.
Colon: Around 15,840 people are diagnosed with bowel (colon and rectum) cancer each year in Australia. (Source: AIHW, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2012)
Melanoma: Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. More than 10,000 people are diagnosed in Australia each year.
Lung: About 9,200 people (65% males, 35% females) are diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia each year.
In men:
Prostate: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men. About one in seven men in NSW will develop prostate cancer by the age of 75.
Melanoma
Lung
Colon
4. Specific cancer symptoms:
These symptoms are a general guide only. Cancer may cause virtually any sign or symptom and the symptom produced will depend on the size and location of the cancer and the surrounding organs or structures.
Blood in the urine or a burning feeling when passing urine may indicate bladder cancer.
A change in bowl habits such as appearance of stools, constipation or more frequent bowel movements may indicate bowel cancer.
Thickening or lump in the breast may indicate breast cancer.
Recent change in a wart or mole may indicate skin cancer.
Indigestion or pain in the upper abdomen, side or back may indicate pancreatic cancer.
A new dry cough or change in a chronic cough may indicate lung cancer.
A painful or burning sensation in the abdomen may indicate stomach cancer.
5. How do you prevent cancer?
There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get cancer but there are steps you can take to reduce your overall risk:
Quit smoking or, better still, never start.
Healthy eating, maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active can help to lower the chance of cancer coming back.
Be physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes, preferably more, on most days of the week.
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can lower the risk of developing cancer. Try to eat at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day.
Ditch processed and sugary foods, and instead eat a variety of wholegrain, wholemeal and high-fibre foods.
Go easy on the red meat. Swap it for chicken, seafood or even some legumes and stay clear of processed meats as these have been linked to increased risk of bowel cancer.
Cover up when out in the sun – it’s not just sunscreen, cover up with long sleeves if possible, wear a hat and don’t forget your sunnies. Like skin, your eyes can be damaged, especially if you are exposed to glare from water, snow or sand.
Cut back on alcohol. When it comes to cancer, there’s no safe amount of alcohol.
6. Checking for cancer:
Get to know your body and what is normal for you, and always consult your doctor promptly if you notice anything unusual or if you have any concerns. Have any recommended screening tests by calling the Cancer Screening Program 1800 188 868 or visit cancerscreening.gov.au
7. Tests for cancer:
In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. If you have any suspicious symptoms, consult your doctor for diagnosis and advice.
A cancer-related checkup is recommended every three years between the ages of 20 and 40 and every year for people over 40.
Women aged 50 and older are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years to screen for breast cancer.
Breast Screen NSW promotes free two-yearly breast screening to women aged from 50 to 69, the group that benefits most from screening. Women from 40 to 49, and women 70 and over can also have a free breast screen if they want it. It's not available to women under 40, the group with the lowest risk.
Everyone 50 years and over should have regular tests to screen for colon and rectum cancer. If you have a family history of these cancers, this testing should begin at an earlier age.
Women should have regular Pap tests and pelvic examinations once they become sexually active or have reached the age of 18.
Women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer and should report any unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting to their doctor. Women who have hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or have a high risk of developing it should be screened for endometrial cancer every year from the age of 35. See the uterine cancer topic for more detailed information.
8. Cancer diagnosis:
There are several methods of diagnosing cancer. The most common include biopsy, sentinel node biopsy, endoscopy, blood tests, Pap test and imaging studies.
9. Types of cancer treatment:
The treatment used depends on the type of cancer and if the cancer has spread. Sometimes more than one treatment is used.
Surgery: an operation to cut out a cancer.
Chemotherapy: strong medicine that kills cancer cells. It is usually given as an injection into a vein (intravenously). It is sometimes given as a tablet.
Radiotherapy: powerful beams that you can’t see (called x-rays) that go into the body to kill cancer cells.
Other medicines: these can stop the cancer growing.
10. Cancer support groups:
Telephone and face to face support groups, facilitated by oncology nurses and trained cancer survivors, offer support and information to adults affected by cancer, including patients, their families and carers.
Telephone and online peer support is also available. Cancer Connections is an online social community for people affected by cancer. Visit cancercouncil.com.au for more details.
For more information on cancer, visit Cancer Council NSW.
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