Crawford County R-I
Monthly Staff Wellness Newsletter
May 2014: Cancer-The Facts
Cancer…it’s a word we all know and a word we all fear. Everyone knows someone who has
either fought the battle or lost the battle with cancer, or perhaps you have fought the battle
yourself. In fact, over one million people in the U.S. get cancer every year. It is estimated that
half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetime.
There are many different types (over 100) of cancer, but they all are caused by abnormal cell
growth in the body. While science and medicine are making strides to combat this often
deadly condition, the fact is cancer is still one of the major causes of death in the world.
However, knowing this can help you take the steps to help prevent cancer in your own life.
Know your risks, do all you can to protect yourself, and go get your preventative screenings!
Signs & Symptoms:
Since cancer is an encompassing type of disease, it can cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs
and symptoms one may experience will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, how much it
affects the organs and tissues in the body, and whether or not it has metastasized (spread) to different
areas of the body.
Cancerous tumors can grow and push against nearby organs, vessels, or nerves, causing issues. A cancer
may cause symptoms like weight loss, fever, or extreme tiredness. This can occur because cancer cells
use up a lot of your body’s energy. Cancer can also affect your immune system.
General Signs/Symptoms of Cancer
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Unexplained Weight Loss (usually of 10 pounds or more)
Fever
Fatigue
Pain
Skin Changes-darkening of skin (hyperpigmentation), yellowing of skin or eyes
(jaundice), reddened skin (erythema), itchy skin (pruritis), excessive hair
growth
Note: Other signs/symptoms can occur based on specific location of the cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment has better results when cancer is found early on…when it is still small and less likely to have
spread to other areas of the body. Early detection can mean a better chance for a cure, especially if the
cancer can be removed with surgery.
Prevention:
Did You Know?
More than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not
smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active, and getting recommended
screening tests.
What is the most preventable cause of death in our society?
Smoking
Tobacco Use & Lung Cancer:
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Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in the world and is also the leading
cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women.
At least 30% of all cancer deaths are linked to tobacco use. Nearly one in five deaths in the U.S.
can be contributed to tobacco use.
If you smoke, you are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer when compared with
someone who doesn’t smoke.
Tobacco use not only increases one’s risk of lung cancer, but also increases the risk of
developing cancers of the mouth, lips, nose and sinuses, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,
pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovary, and acute myeloid leukemia.
Are you a smoker who would love to quit? If so, please check out the link below.
http://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/quit-now/index.html
Skin Cancer:
The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Too much UV
exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage, and premature wrinkles. To help prevent these problems
and your risk of getting skin cancer, please follow these simple rules.
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Use sunscreen-Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
(I would recommend higher, especially if you’re fair skinned.). You should reapply it at least
every 2 hours, but more frequently when swimming or sweating.
Cover up-Try to protect your skin as much as possible by wearing clothing you can’t see your
hand through and a hat, preferably wide-brimmed. For eye protection, you should also wear
sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
Stay in the shade-Seek shaded areas to limit your direct exposure to the sun. This is especially
important between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps-Both of these can cause long-term skin damage and
contribute to skin cancer.
Screenings:
Type of Screening
Breast Cancer
Colorectal
Cancer/Polyps
Cervical Cancer
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Recommendations
 Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 & continuing for as long as
woman is in good health
 Clinical breast exam every 3 years for women in 20’s or 30’s; every year
for women over 40
 Breast self-exams beginning in 20’s & report any abnormalities to
doctor as soon as they are found
Begin at age 50 and follow one of the following schedules
 Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years –or Colonoscopy every 10 years –or Double-contrasted barium enema every 5 years –or CT colonography every 5 years
 Women should begin screens at age 21
 Pap test every 3 years between ages 21-29
 Pap test & HPV test every 5 years between ages 30-65
 No testing required for women over age 65 if they have had regular
testing with normal results up to this time
 Only recommended for those who are high risk due to cigarette
smoking-should meet all of the following
o 55-74 years old
o In fairly good health
o Have 30 pack-year or more smoking history AND are either
still smoking or have quit within the last 15 years
 Starting at age 50, men should talk to their doctor about the pros and
cons of testing to decide if it is the right choice for them. You may
consider earlier testing if there is a family history.
 PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test with or without rectal exam
if you decide to get tested
Other Prevention Techniques:
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Stay at a healthy weight
Stay active with regular physical activity
Eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Know your family history and your risks
Have regular preventative check-ups
For more information about cancer, please visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the
National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov.