COMMON LIFESTYLE DISEASES: CANCER

EMS 355 By: Dr. Bushra Bilal

WHAT IS CANCER?

• Cancer is a large group of diseases (over 200) characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.*

NORMAL CELLS VS. CANCER CELLS

• Cancer cells:Lose control over growth and multiplication

Do not self-destruct when they become worn out or damaged

Crowd out healthy cells

GROWTH OF CANCER CELLS

• Cancer cells reproduce every 2-6 weeks.

Size of cancer cells: – One million cancer cells = head of a pin

– One billion cancer cells = a small grape

2-6 weeks

2-6 weeks

2-6 weeks

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

Carcinomas (cells that cover internal and external body surfaces)

TYPES OF CANCERS

Lung

Breast

Colon

BladderProstate (Men)

Leukemia(Blood Cells)Lymphomas(Lymph nodes &tissues)

SarcomasCells in supportive tissues – bones & muscles

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

Lifestyle

Environment

Family History

LIFESTYLE RISKS

• Smoking

• Diet high fat and low in fruits and vegetables

• Lack of exercise

• Unprotected exposure to the sun, (UV) rays

• Obesity

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 cancerBreast cancerOvarianProstate cancerSkin cancer

SCREENING TESTS AND SELF-EXAMS

Screening tests: Colon Breast Cervical

Self-exams: Testicular Skin

COLON CANCER

• Most colon cancers start as a polyp

• Removing polyps can prevent colon cancer

• Advanced bleeding cancer

• A polyp

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

Of the options above ACS prefers yearly FOBT and Sigmoidoscopy every five 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 for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES

• Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self‑exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

• Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer ) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.

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 normal

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINE

• 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

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:AntioxidantsDietary fiberCarotenoidsFlavenoids

*American Institute for Cancer Research, 1998.

LIMIT ALCOHOL TO NO MORE THAN

• Men – 2 drinks per day

• Women - 1 drink per day

REDUCE YOUR SKIN EXPOSURE TO THE SUN

Limit time outside, between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m.

Wear protective clothing. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Prevent sunburns, especially for children under 18. Use waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Reapply as directed.

Avoid tanning beds.

BE ACTIVE…OFTEN

• Exercise for 30 minutes or more at least 4 days a week.