Unformatted text preview: 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles
Diseases and Disorders Cancer 1/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body.
Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old
cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even
when you don’t need them, and old cells don’t die when they should.
These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors are abnormal
growths in your body. They are made up of extra cells. Normally, old cells
die, and new ones take their place. Sometimes, however, this process
goes wrong. New cells form even when you don’t need them, and old
cells don’t die when they should. When these extra cells form a mass, it
is called a tumor.
Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren’t cancer.
Malignant ones are. Benign tumors grow only in one place. They cannot
spread or invade other parts of your body. Even so, they can be
dangerous if they press on vital organs, such as your brain. Treatment
often involves surgery. Benign tumors usually don’t grow back.
Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also
break away and spread to other parts of the body.
Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer
starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of
cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis.
Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced
it is. Treatments
Treatment plans may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Radiation is a form of energy released in particles or waves. In high
doses, radiation destroys cells or keeps them from multiplying.
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment. Its goal is to kill cancer cells and
shrink tumors. Unlike cancer cells, most of your normal cells recover from
radiation therapy. Doctors try to protect normal cells by limiting the
radiation dosage and spreading treatment out over time. When they use 2/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles radiation machines, they shield as much of your body as possible while
targeting the cancer.
Normally, your cells grow and die in a controlled way. Cancer cells keep
forming without control. Chemotherapy is drug therapy that can kill these
cells or stop them from multiplying. However, it can also harm healthy
cells, which causes side e ects.
During chemotherapy you may have no side e ects or just a few. The
kinds of side e ects you have depend on the type and dose of
chemotherapy you get. Side e ects vary, but common ones are nausea,
vomiting, tiredness, pain and hair loss. Healthy cells usually recover after
chemotherapy, so most side e ects gradually go away.
Your course of therapy will depend on the cancer type, the
chemotherapy drugs used, the treatment goal and how your body
responds. You may get treatment every day, every week or every month.
You may have breaks between treatments so that your body has a
chance to build new healthy cells. You might take the drugs by mouth, in
a shot or intravenously.
What Is Risk? Do you know the four types of risk factors that a ect your cancer risk? Or
that your level of contact with these risk factors can a ect your risk? This
section explains the concept of risk and lets you test your knowledge of
the subject. Go to this website to understand cancer risk factors.
Can I Lower My Risk? Here you can explore your risk for 6 cancers: breast, cervical, colon,
lung, prostate, and skin. What are the risk factors for each of these
cancers? Which risk factors apply to you? And what can you do to reduce
your risk?
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer 3/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Colorectal Cancer
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Skin Cancer Is This News Story True? You’ve heard the stories about things like cell phones and deodorants
causing cancer. How do you decide if the stories you nd in the media
are accurate? It is important to analyze what you read in the paper, see
on television, hear on the radio, or nd on the Internet. A good analysis
will help you determine whether the information is likely to be accurate.
Below is a list of questions to consider when you hear about new cancer
research studies.
Who is reporting the results?
Is the newspaper, radio or TV station, or Internet site a reliable source of medical news? You might want to talk to your
health care provider to help you judge the reliability of the
source.
Was the study based in the laboratory, on animals, or on people?
The results of research on people are more likely to be
meaningful to you.
How large is the study?
In general, when it comes to understanding medical risks, the
larger the study the more valid the data will be for the general population.
Does it include people like you?
Check to see if some of the people in the study were the
same age, sex, ethnic background, income group as yourself
and had the same health concerns. 4/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Are the results presented in an easy-to-understand way?
They should use absolute risk, relative risk, or some other
easy-to-understand number.
Does the report clearly tell what behavior or medical treatment was
studied?
Information about the study should include what behavior or
medical treatment was being studied. It should also include
what outcomes, such as lower cancer risk or increased detection, were measured in the study.
What are other possible explanations for the study results?
Researchers should discuss other possible explanations for
the results. These may include other risk factors or problems
with the research.
Where was the research done?
Scientists at a medical school or large hospital, for example,
might be better able to conduct complex experiments or have
more experience.
Has the study been published in a peer-reviewed journal?
Medical journals use a peer review process to help ensure
the quality of the research. (Peer review is an appraisal of research against accepted standards by professionals in the
eld.) Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The
two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell
carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most
common skin cancer, is more dangerous. About 65%–90% of melanomas
are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. 5/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Each year, more than 68,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma,
and another 48,000 are diagnosed with an early form of the disease that
involves only the top layer of skin. Also, more than 2 million people are
treated for basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer each year. Basal cell
skin cancer is several times more common than squamous cell skin
cancer.
Skin cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant
(cancer). The three most common types are:
Melanoma: Melanoma begins in melanocytes (pigment cells). Most melanocytes are in the skin. See the picture of a melanocyte and
other skin cells. Melanoma can occur on any skin surface. In men,
it’s often found on the skin on the head, on the neck, or between
the shoulders and the hips. In women, it’s often found on the skin
on the lower legs or between the shoulders and the hips.Melanoma is rare in people with dark skin. When it does develop
in people with dark skin, it’s usually found under the ngernails, under the toenails, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the
feet.
Basal cell skin cancer: Basal cell skin cancer begins in the basal cell layer of the skin. It usually occurs in places that have been in
the sun. For example, the face is the most common place to nd
basal cell skin cancer.In people with fair skin, basal cell skin cancer
is the most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell skin cancer: Squamous cell skin cancer begins in squamous cells. In people with dark skin, squamous cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, and it’s usually found
in places that are not in the sun, such as the legs or feet.However,
in people with fair skin, squamous cell skin cancer usually occurs
on parts of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the head,
face, ears, and neck.
Unlike moles, skin cancer can invade the normal tissue nearby. Also, skin
cancer can spread throughout the body. Melanoma is more likely than 6/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles other skin cancers to spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell
skin cancer sometimes spreads to other parts of the body, but basal cell
skin cancer rarely does.
When skin cancer cells do spread, they break away from the original
growth and enter blood vessels or lymph vessels. The cancer cells may
be found in nearby lymph nodes. The cancer cells can also spread to
other tissues and attach there to form new tumors that may damage
those tissues. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. Symptoms of Melanoma
Often the rst sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or
feel of an existing mole. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole.
Thinking of “ABCDE” can help you remember what to look for:
Asymmetry: The shape of one half does not match the other half.
Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding
skin.
Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.
Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea
(larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.
Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the
ABCDE features. However, some may show changes or abnormal areas
in only one or two of the ABCDE features.
In more advanced melanoma, the texture of the mole may change. The
skin on the surface may break down and look scraped. It may become 7/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles hard or lumpy. The surface may ooze or bleed. Sometimes the
melanoma is itchy, tender, or painful.
Visit the National Cancer Institute’s Symptoms of Melanoma webpage
to view photos of an asymmetric melanoma and a dysplastic nevus.
A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may
be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth.
Not all skin cancers look the same. Usually, skin cancer is not painful.
Common symptoms of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer include:
A lump that is small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy
A lump that is rm and red
A sore or lump that bleeds or develops a crust or a scab
A at red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly and may become itchy or
tender
A red or brown patch that is rough and scaly Risk Factors
When you’re told that you have skin cancer, it’s natural to wonder what
may have caused the disease. The main risk factor for skin cancer is
exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), but there are also other risk factors.
A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a
disease.
People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop
skin cancer. Some risk factors vary for the di erent types of skin cancer. Risks for Any Type of Skin Cancer
Studies have shown that the following are risk factors for the three most
common types of skin cancer: 8/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Sunlight: Sunlight is a source of UV radiation. It’s the most impor- tant risk factor for any type of skin cancer. The sun’s rays cause
skin damage that can lead to cancer.
Severe, blistering sunburns: People who have had at least one se- vere, blistering sunburn are at increased risk of skin cancer. Although people who burn easily are more likely to have had sunburns as a child, sunburns during adulthood also increase the risk
of skin cancer.
Lifetime sun exposure: The total amount of sun exposure over a lifetime is a risk factor for skin cancer.
Tanning: Although a tan slightly lowers the risk of sunburn, even people who tan well without sunburning have a higher risk of skin
cancer because of more lifetime sun exposure.
Sunlight can be re ected by sand, water, snow, ice, and pavement. The
sun’s rays can get through clouds, windshields, windows, and light
clothing.
In the United States, skin cancer is more common where the sun is
strong. For example, more people in Texas than Minnesota get skin
cancer. Also, the sun is stronger at higher elevations, such as in the
mountains.
Doctors encourage people to limit their exposure to sunlight.
Sunlamps and tanning booths: Arti cial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can cause skin damage and
skin cancer. Health care providers strongly encourage people, especially young people, to avoid using sunlamps and tanning
booths. The risk of skin cancer is greatly increased by using sunlamps and tanning booths before age 30.
Personal history: People who have had melanoma have an in- creased risk of developing other melanomas. Also, people who
have had basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer have an increased risk of developing another skin cancer of any type. 9/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Family history: Melanoma sometimes runs in families. Having two or more close relatives (mother, father, sister, brother, or child) who
have had this disease is a risk factor for developing melanoma.
Skin that burns easily: Having fair (pale) skin that burns in the sun easily, blue or gray eyes, red or blond hair, or many freckles increases the risk of skin cancer.
Certain medical conditions or medicines: Medical conditions or medicines (such as some antibiotics, hormones, or antidepressants)
that make your skin more sensitive to the sun increase the risk of
skin cancer. Also, medical conditions or medicines that suppress
the immune system increase the risk of skin cancer. Other Risk Factors for Melanoma
The following risk factors increase the risk of melanoma:
Dysplastic nevus: A dysplastic nevus is a type of mole that looks di erent from a common mole. A dysplastic nevus may be bigger
than a common mole, and its color, surface, and border may be different. It’s usually wider than a pea and may be longer than a
peanut. A dysplastic nevus can have a mixture of several colors,
from pink to dark brown. Usually, it’s at with a smooth, slightly
scaly or pebbly surface, and it has an irregular edge that may fade
into the surrounding skin. A dysplastic nevus is more likely than a
common mole to turn into cancer. However, most do not change
into melanoma. A doctor will remove a dysplastic nevus if it looks
like it might have changed into melanoma.
More than 50 common moles: Usually, a common mole is smaller than a pea, has an even color (pink, tan, or brown), and is round or
oval with a smooth surface. Having many common moles increases
the risk of developing melanoma. Symptoms of Melanoma 10/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Often the rst sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or
feel of an existing mole. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole.
Thinking of “ABCDE” can help you remember what to look for:
Asymmetry: The shape of one half does not match the other half.
Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding
skin.
Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.
Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea
(larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.
Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the
ABCDE features. However, some may show changes or abnormal areas
in only one or two of the ABCDE features.
In more advanced melanoma, the texture of the mole may change. The
skin on the surface may break down and look scraped. It may become
hard or lumpy. The surface may ooze or bleed. Sometimes the
melanoma is itchy, tender, or painful. How To Check Your Skin
Your doctor or nurse may suggest that you do a regular skin self-exam to
check for the development of a new skin cancer.
The best time to do this exam is after a shower or bath. Check your skin
in a room with plenty of light. Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held
mirror.
It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and other 11/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles marks are and their usual look and feel.
Check for anything new:
A new mole (that looks di erent from your other moles)
A new red or darker color aky patch that may be a little raised
A new esh-colored rm bump
A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
A sore that doesn’t heal
Check yourself from head to toe:
Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a
comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better.
You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your
hair. It may be hard to check your scalp by yourself.
Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise
your arms and look at your left and right sides.
Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your ngernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look around
your genital area and between your buttocks.
Sit and closely examine your feet, including your toenails, your
soles, and the spaces between your toes.
By checking your skin regularly, you’ll learn what is normal for you. It may
be helpful to record the dates of your skin exams and to write notes
about the way your skin looks. If your doctor has taken photos of your
skin, you can compare your skin to the photos to help check for changes.
If you nd anything unusual, see your doctor. LEARNING ACTIVITY 12/20 9/30/2019 Cancer | Disease Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Check out your risk of melanoma using the Melanoma Cancer
Risk Assessment Tool. This is an interactive tool that allows doctors to estimate a
person’s absolute risk of developing invasive melanoma (skin
cancer) over the next 5 years for people age 20 to 70 years.
The tool allows doctors to identify individuals at higher risk of
melanoma in order to plan appropriate screening interventions
with them. What is breast cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When
cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. The breast is made
up of three main parts: glands, ducts, and connective tissue. Sometimes,
breast cells become abnormal and grow faster than normal cells. These
extra cells form a mass called a tumor. Some tumors are “benign,” or not
cancerous. Other tumors are “malignant,” meaning they are cancerous
and have the ability to spread to other parts of the breast and body and
disrupt normal functions in those areas.
All women are at risk for breast cancer.
Men can also get breast cancer, but this is rare. Breast cancer is the
second most common cancer in women. Among Hispanic women, it is
the most common cause of cancer deaths, and it is the second most
common cause of cancer deaths among white, black, Asian or Paci c
Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. Although more
white women get breast cancer, more black women die from it. Each
year, approximately 190,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer
and 40,000 women die from the disease.
What puts me at greater risk? Several factors may a ect your risk of developing breast cancer,
including:
Getting older
Not having children, or having your...
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