Cancer Information
-from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – www.mskcc.org
(Almost direct copy from paper advertising pamphlet - 2/28/2022- Barbara Hoefener, NP)
**Digital Clinicians will review all cancer screenings with you in your annual exam
– Please see article about Annual Preventative Services for more information
including how and what age qualifies you.**
If you have questions about cancer call the National Cancer Institute cancer information service toll free at 800 -4- cancer Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time you can reach information specialists who will answer your questions in English or Spanish about cancer prevention, risk factors, early detection, symptoms, diagnosis, and research
Important information on cancer screening
in the United States, researchers estimate that as many as 42% of cancer cases, and 45% of cancer deaths, could be avoided if people adopted effective risk reduction measures that include routine checkups, screenings, healthy lifestyles, and an awareness of the initial warning signs of disease.
Simple test, such as colonoscopies or mammograms, or recommended a baseline ages. These screenings can identify precancerous growths, which can be removed, or existing cancer, which is easier to treat when detected early period. In families with a strong history of cancer are identified genetic predisposition to disease, these screenings may occur more frequently and earlier than the baseline age.
Breast Cancer
about one in eight women in the United States will have breast cancer sometime during her life. The lifetime risk of a man developing breast cancer is one in 1000. With breast cancer death rates have been declining, in part, because of improvements in early detection and care. A breast cancer screening may involve physical breast exam, mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or genetic test.
Cervical Cancer
The Pap test, in which cells brushed from the cervix are examined to find early signs of disease, dramatically increased the survival rate of this slow-growing cancer. the more recent introduction of vaccines for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of most cervical cancers, as well as HPV tests, are helping prevent and identify all HPV- driven cancers in people.
Colorectal Cancer
As the third most diagnosed type of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer- related deaths in the United States, the average American adult has approximately a 4% chance of developing colorectal cancer within their lifetimes. Due to a rise in young onset colorectal cancers in the country, the American Cancer Society dropped the recommended age for first colonoscopy from 50 to 45 years in 2020. A colonoscopy can detect potential and actual cancers in their early stages, before they produce symptoms. Studies show that the removal of premalignant polyps during colonoscopy significantly reduces the development of colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer
More people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Many adults who are heavy smokers, or who have history of such smoking, or vulnerable to this type of disease. Screenings that include low dose CT scans of the chest can identify early stage, and more treatable, lung cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Approximately one in 70 women will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. This cancer is challenging to detect; an annual pelvic exam may help identify signs of the disease. Screening tests for people at high risk for ovarian cancer include transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test for the serum marker CA-125, a biological substance associated with this cancer.
Skin Cancer
Each year, more than a million people in the United states are diagnosed with skin cancer, much of it preventable through year round use of high-SPF sunscreens, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Periodic skin checks lead to early detection and successful treatment for most of these malignancies, including Melanoma, which if left unchecked can become a deadly disease.
Precision Prevention
Some communities or families fall into high-risk cancer groups. One way to mitigate risk is through the identification of genetic mutations associated with the development of specific cancers.
Make good nutrition part of your health plan
Research has shown that low fat, high fiber diet with fewer calories that many people consume can be helpful in achieving optimal weight and reducing the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other illnesses.
Dietary recommendations:
Fruits and Vegetables: included a substantial variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. They have little to no fat and are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, fluid, and phytochemicals, natural substances in plants and can interfere with the development of cancer cells
Grains, Cereals, Legumes: Include choices from a variety of whole grains, cereals and legumes such as lentils or black beans that are high in fiber and rich and minerals. More than 40% of Americans eat less than the daily recommended amount for whole grains from 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men
Limit Fat: Approximately 70% of people in the United States eat a diet too high in saturated fats, which can significantly increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. Moderate portions of monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil are healthier choices, as are low or non-fat milk, cheeses, and other dairy items.
Portion Control: if your recipe includes meat, select lean cuts, with cooked portion sizes of three to four oz per serving.
Cooking Method: Braising, grilling, pan searing, roasting, and stewing are all good cooking methods that help fat levels low. Smoked, salt-cured and pickled foods often contain nitrates which have been linked to stomach cancer.
Vitamins: healthy individuals should aim to obtain all vitamins and minerals from their diet. Scientists speculate that there are many protective, cancer fighting chemicals and fruits and vegetables that are not yet identified, which is why doctors say that vitamin supplements are no substitute for nutritious eating. Some exceptions include calcium supplements, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B.