guide to living with cancer Brought to you by Alliance Health. The content in this guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the AllianceHealth.com website or The Guide to Breast Cancer.
Get the Facts About Cancer Cancer is a common disease that affects millions of Americans each year. In fact, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 10.8 million Americans had a history of cancer as of 2004 and about 1.4 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed this year. Whether you are diagnosed with cancer or you re seeking information for a loved one, this guide is designed to give you information about cancer its causes, its symptoms, and the treatments available to assist you in conversations with your health professional. 1 AllianceHealth.com
What is Cancer? Cancer is a group of diseases in which a abnormal cells engage in abnormal growth. Most cancers form one or more tumors, but some like leukemia do not. Almost any area of the human body can develop cancer, and anyone, of any age, can develop it. In the United States and other developed countries, cancer is responsible for 25% of all deaths. However, there have been many significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Although there is still no cure for cancer, the number of cancer survivors is greater now than ever before. Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer Because there are so many different types of cancer, the causes and risk factors vary widely. The only recognized common thread in all known cancers is the existence of abnormal genetic material in the cancer cell and the growth that comes from it. Although the exact cause of all cancer is not know, some of the recognized causes of cancer include: Carcinogens. This term refers to a group of substances with harmful traits which cause cancer. Some examples of carcinogens include tobacco, which has been linked to lung and bladder cancers, and asbestos fibers, which have been shown to be associated with a type of cancer called mesothelioma. Infectious Diseases. Some cancers are caused by viral infections, including: Human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been linked to cervical cancer Hepatitis B and C, which are associated with liver cancer Epstein-Barr Virus, linked to several cancers including Hodgkin s lymphoma Heredity. Some cancers have been shown to be linked to certain genetic factors. In particular, new research has shown that 5 to 10 percent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer have a heredity form of the disease. New tests are now available to determine whether the cancer gene exists in patients. 2 AllianceHealth.com
What Are the Risk Factors of Cancer? The National Cancer Institute divides all risk factors for cancer into four groups: Behavioral Risk Factors. These are risk factors that you can control or change, such as tobacco consumption, diet, and exercise. Engaging in healthy behaviors can reduce your risk of cancer. If you re a smoker, quit. Be sure to get plenty of exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Environmental Risk Factors. These risk factors are things found in your surrounding environment, such as secondhand smoke, pollution, and environmental hazards such as asbestos and radon. The amount of sun you are exposed to is also considered an environmental risk factor. Although these types of risk factors can be harder to control, some scientists believe that protective factors such as eating fruits and vegetables may help decrease your risk of developing cancer if you are exposed to environmental risk factors. Biological Risk Factors. This type of risk factor are physical characteristics, such as race, age, and gender. The level of risk for each biological characteristic depends on the type of cancer. For example, only men have a prostate gland, so being male increases your risk of developing this type of cancer. three or more generations in your family have been diagnosed with cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer. If you believe your family may have a hereditary cancer problem, you can ask your doctor about genetic testing for some cancers. Most Common Risk Factors for Cancer Aging Tobacco use Sunlight Ionizing radiation Alcohol consumption Chemicals and carcinogens Some viruses and bacterial infections Some hormones Family history of cancer Poor diet Lack of physical activity Obesity Genetic Risk Factors. These risk factors are inherited from your parents. For example, if 3 AllianceHealth.com
Cancer SYMPTOMS? Symptoms of cancer depend on the location and type of the cancer or tumor. Lung cancer symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Colon cancer causes constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Some cancers have no symptoms at all, or only display symptoms when they are in the advanced stages. However, there are some symptoms that are common with almost all cancers: Common symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, and malaise. If you feel a marked difference in your overall health, or if you are in a high risk group for developing a particular cancer, contact your doctor immediately for a screening. Early detection is still the best way to beat cancer, whatever the type. Quit smoking today Wear sunscreen every day Eat a healthy diet, rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables Exercise 20-30 minutes a day Get screened regularly Guidelines for Early Detection of Cancer Breast Clinical breast exams every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s Yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams starting at age 40 How is Cancer Diagnosed? As with symptoms, the tests to diagnose cancer vary with the type of cancer that is suspected. Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy, in which a portion of tissue is removed for analysis. Cancers can also be diagnosed through blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, or endoscopies. Can I Reduce My Risk? Some risk factors for cancer are out of your control; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk: Colon & Rectum Prostate Uterus Fecal occult blood test each year beginning at age 50 Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years beginning at age 50 Colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50 PSA and digital rectal exam each year beginning at age 50 PSA and digital rectal exam each year beginning at age 45 for men at high risk Screening every year for women having regular vaginal intercourse 4 AllianceHealth.com
TREATING Cancer? Although there is still no cure, there are several treatments available for cancer today. The treatment for your cancer depends on the location, severity, and type of cancer. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Depending on your type of cancer and how advanced it is, chemotherapy can cure, control, or ease the symptoms of your cancer. Chemotherapy is common and often effective, but it does cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and body pain. Radiation therapy is the use of energy called ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and/ or shrink tumors. While the side effects of radiation therapy are often less severe than those associated with chemotherapy, they do still exist. You may experience changes to your skin such as dryness, peeling, itching, or blistering. Fatigue is also common. In addition, you may also experience hair loss in the treatment area, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, swelling, and trouble swallowing. possible. Some examples of surgical procedures for cancer include mastectomy for breast cancer and prostatectomy for prostate cancer. There are other treatment options available, depending on the type of cancer you have been diagnosed with. Your doctor or health care provider should work with you to explore treatments including alternative treatments to find the best treatment for you and your family. Some cancers are treated through surgical removal of the cancerous cells. If the cancer has metastasized to other sites in the body prior to surgery, complete surgical removal is not always 4 AllianceHealth.com
Emotional Support for Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones? Individuals diagnosed with cancer as well as their families and loved ones face many challenges that may leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. It is just as important to address the emotional challenges involved with a cancer diagnosis as it is to treat the cancer itself. A number of resources are available to help cancer patients and their families deal with the fear and anger associated with cancer: Support groups. Talking with other patients and families is often beneficial in helping people affected by cancer feel less alone and assist with improving their ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges that cancer brings. To find a support group near you, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. National organizations. A number of organizations exist to help people affected by cancer with the emotional as well as practical aspects of dealing with the disease: American Cancer Society (ACS) a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Call them at 1-800-227-2345 or visit their website at www.cancer.org. Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) a webbased American Cancer Society service for cancer survivors as well as their families and caregivers. Visit their website at www.acscsn.org. American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) an organization founded to provide information about cancer prevention. Call them at 1-800-843-8114, or visit their website at www.aicr.org. Cancer Hope Network provides individual support to cancer patients and their families by matching them with trained volunteers who have battled and recovered from a similar cancer. Call them at 1-877-467-3638 or visit their website at www.cancerhopenetwork.org. CancerCare a national, non-profit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. Call them at 1-800-813-4673 or visit their website at www.cancercare.org. 5 AllianceHealth.com