What is Cancer?

It is an abnormal growth of abnormal cells when not

treated will end in death of the host.

Cancer Facts

• Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the U.S.

• Cancer literally means “crab”

• 1 in 2 men & 1 in 3 women will get cancer

• 1 out of 8 will die of cancer

• 1,500 people per day die of cancer

Cancer Facts

Number of new cancer diagnoses2005: 1.4 million2013: 1.7 million

Leading Types of new cancer casesProstate: 238,590Breast: 234,580Lung: 228,190Colon: 102,480

Costs of Cancer in 2008Medical: $77.4 BillionLost Productivity: $124 Billion

Cancer Facts

•More Americans with history of Cancer are alive today than in the past:

•2004: 10.8 Million•2008: 12.0 Million•2012: 13.7 Million

Survival Rate:1975-1977: 49%1987-1989: 56%2002-2008: 68%

Four classes of Cancer

Lymphomas - cancers of the immune system

Leukemias - cancers of blood-forming organs

Carcinomas - cancers of the glands and linings (skin, lungs)

Sarcomas- cancers of the connective tissue

(bones, ligaments

and muscles)

How Cancer Develops1. Exposure to a carcinogen (an

initiator)

2. Entry of the initiator into a cell

3. Change of the cells genetic material. (mutation)

4. Speeding up of the cancer by a promoter.

Types of Tumors

1. Benign - a harmless tumor that does not spread ( moles, warts, and cysts)

2. Malignant -a cancerous tumor that keeps growing

How Does Cancer Spread

It metastasizes. Cancer cells migrate from one part

of the body to another

Risks of Cancer

1. Tobacco - one third of all cancers are linked to tobacco use.

2. Radiation -sun’s UV rays, x-rays, above ground nuclear weapons, radon gas

3. Diet and Exercise -high meat, high fat, low vegetable, low grain intakes. Exercise reduces risks.

Cancers Causing Death in People Ages 15-34

Brain - poor to good survival

Breast - good 50% survival

Hodgkin’s - good 54% survival

Leukemia - poor to good

Skin -excellent 90% survival

Testicular - good 66-86%

This assumes

early diagnosis

and prompt

treatment

How Cancer is Treated

1. Surgery - remove the cancerous part

2. Radiation therapy -radioactive bombardment

3. Chemotherapy -

anticancer

drugs

Cancer’s 7 Warning Signals

• CChange in bowel or bladder habits

• A sore that does not heal

• Unusual bleeding or discharge

• Thickening or lump that suddenly appears

• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

• Obvious change in a wart or mole

• Nagging cough or hoarseness

BSE’SBreast Self Exam

Over age 40

Risk Factors for Women

Breast cancer on the mothers side of the family; aunts, sisters, g-moms

Early menstruation - before 11

No children, or first child after 35

Overweight

High fat content in diet

BSE’S• Best time: 7-10 days after

menstrual period

• How to do a BSE

In the shower, gentle lather, use pads of fingers

Front of mirror, arms over head - look at size, color, or dimpling changes

Lying down -with pillow perform “spiral or grid” method

TSE’STesticular Self Exam

• Risk Factors for Men

Age 15-35

Undescended testicles

Early puberty

Family history

Mother with breast cancer

Race (higher in Whites)

Overweight

Testicular Cancer Warning Signs

• Hard lump the size of a pea

• Heaviness in the testicles

• Enlargement of the testicle

• Dull ache in the groin

• Accumulation of fluid in scrotum

• Swelling other parts: neck, breast, groin

TSE’S

• When to do: monthly

• How to do a TSECheck in the mirror

Do in the shower, this causes the scrotum to relax

Use two hands: roll testicles between fingers and feel for lumps