Prevent Skin Cancer. Sun Safety 101

Sun Safety 101
Prevent Skin Cancer by Following These Simple Tips

• What Is Skin Cancer?
• Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
• Treatment of Skin Cancer
• Preventing Skin Cancer

Excessive exposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is clearly associated with a higher risk of multiple forms of skin cancer. Since skin cancer is diagnosed in over one million Americans every year (and rising), experts from the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and many other organizations are unanimous in strongly recommending that you should reduce your time in the sun.

That sounds simple, but how much sun is too much? Who is most at risk? What are the most effective ways to protect yourself? Here are answers to frequently asked questions about sun safety.

Am I at risk for skin cancer?
People of all races and skin colors can develop skin cancer, but some are more susceptible than others. If you have one or more of the following risk factors, you should be especially vigilant about reducing your UV exposure:

• Fair skin
• Blue, green, or hazel eyes
• Blond or red hair
• Freckles
• Moles (especially 50 or more)
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• More listed here

When and where is the sun most dangerous?
UV radiation from the sun is especially damaging under certain conditions, including the following:

• from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• from mid-Spring through mid-Fall
• at latitudes nearer the equator (for example, Florida)
• at higher altitudes
• when there is no thick cloud cover (and clouds only block 20% of UV rays)
• near water, snow, or other highly reflective surfaces

Sun damage accumulates over time, so if you find yourself in these conditions often, consistent protection is a must. Remember that besides skin cancer, the sun can also cause cataracts and other eye problems, a weakened immune system, unsightly skin spots, wrinkles, and "leathery" skin.

What is the most effective way to protect myself?
If you answered "sunscreen," you're wrong. The most effective way actually is to simply stay out of the summer sun in the middle of the day. If that's not possible, wearing dark, tightly-woven clothing and a wide-brimmed hat also works. Only then comes sunscreen, which isn't a panacea and shouldn't be exclusively relied upon. Here are some more tips to protect yourself:

• Wear sunglasses that include a warranty stating they provide 99-100% UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.
• Apply one ounce (a palm full) of sunscreen to all exposed skin 15 minutes before venturing outdoors. The sunscreen container should specify a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or above and should state that it provides broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. Lotion- or cream-based sunscreens tend to adhere to the skin longer, thus providing better protection.
• PABA-free sunscreens are recommended for persons with sensitive skin. Susceptible individuals may also want to avoid oxybenzone and dioxbenzone. Products that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide are considered broad spectrum sunscreens and are thus offer protection against UVB and most UVA rays, as well as help reduce the development of wrinkles and skin aging.
• Depending on your activity (swimming, sweating), sunscreen should be re-applied at least every two hours.
* The SPF number on the sunscreen indicates how many times longer, under ideal conditions, a person can stay out in the sun without beginning to turn red in comparison with the amount of time totally unprotected skin would start to burn. Research indicates these numbers are sometimes overstated.
• Avoid tanning salons, beds, and sunlamps.

Do children need extra protection?
Yes. Up to 50% of an individual's lifetime contact with sunshine occurs before adulthood. Studies also show that the more incidents of sunburn kids have, the higher likelihood that they will develop skin cancer decades later. So it is especially critical to protect them from the sun. Here are a few tips:

• Babies 6 months of age or younger should be kept completely out of the direct sun at all times. In addition, sunscreen shouldn't be applied to babies this age.
• For children over 6 months, apply sunscreen every time they go outside.
• Children's swimsuits made from sun-protective fabric and designed to cover the child from the neck to the knees are popular in Australia. They are now available in some areas of the United States.

Are tanning salons healthier than the sun?
No. Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays as well and so can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer. Remember, tanning is a sign of skin damage and does nothing to protect the skin from further injury. Experts recommend that you prioritize your health over vanity and avoid tanning salons altogether.

The sun causes an estimated 90% of skin cancer cases. Reducing your exposure to UV radiation now is a simple, easy, and effective way to prevent a potentially devastating cancer later.

Sources:

"SunWise Program." Environmental Protection Agency. 15 September 2008.
"How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays?" American Cancer Society. 15 September 2008.
"Facts about sunscreens." American Academy of Dermatology. 14 September 2008.
"Skin Cancer Prevention Program." California Department of Public Health. 14 September 2008.

Introduction to Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Skin Cancer Treatment
Introduction to Skin Cancer Treatment Options

• What Is Skin Cancer?
• Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
• Treatment of Skin Cancer
• Preventing Skin Cancer

The choice of skin cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, size and location of the tumor, whether or not the cancer has spread (metastasized), and your overall health. Skin cancer treatment options typically include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy.

A team of doctors will work with you to determine the best skin cancer treatment plan. The team may include specialists such as a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin), and a pathologist.

Surgery

Both non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) and melanoma skin cancers can be successfully treated in almost all cases if they are diagnosed and treated when the tumor is relatively thin. Surgery to remove the tumor is the standard treatment but numerous other options are available. The type of treatment method for nonmelanoma or melanoma (early stage or late stage) cancers depends on how large the lesion is, where it is found on the body, and the specific type. Some of the common choices are as follows:

• Simple excision (removal) of the lesion and an area of normal-appearing skin surrounding it in all directions
• Curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and cauterizing), which is effective for small basal cell and squamous cell cancers
• Mohs surgery (microscopically-controlled surgery), a highly specialized technique for basal and squamous cell carcinoma that doesn't cause as much scarring as other methods

After surgery for melanoma, the surgeon or medical oncologist may also recommend so-called "adjuvant" treatment based on what information was learned about the disease during surgery. This may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. If the melanoma has spread to distant organs (stage IV) or recurs (comes back after treatment), surgery may be performed again to help control the disease.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy (also called targeted or biologic therapy) helps the body's immune system find and attack cancer cells. It uses materials either made by the body or in a laboratory to boost, target, or restore immune function. For basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the topical cream imiquimod is an "immune response modifier" that is commonly prescribed. Immunotherapy is also used to treat melanoma, particularly in reducing the risk that the melanoma will recur. The two most common drugs used are interferon alfa-2b and interleukin-2. Immunotherapy may be used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, or as part of a clinical trial. Many other targeted drugs are being tested now, including therapeutic vaccines.

Side effects of these treatments vary. They can include fatigue, fever, chills, headache, memory difficulties, muscle aches, and skin irritation. Occasionally, side effects from immunotherapy can include a change in blood pressure or cause increased fluid in the lungs. You should discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with your doctor.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout the body. For melanoma, this is typically used when there is a high risk that the melanoma may spread or to control advanced disease, although cure of widespread melanoma is rare. Several combinations of chemotherapy are currently being tested in clinical trials.

Common chemotherapy drugs used for melanoma include dacarbazine (DTIC), carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol), melphalan (Alkeran), and temozolamide (Temodar). The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications you've been prescribed, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. In addition to systemic chemotherapy, there are also techniques that focus the drugs on a specific region. Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) and isolated limb infusion (ILI) are examples of this method.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, some nerve damage resulting in alterations in sensation, and hair loss. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy X-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body.

Radiation therapy for melanoma can be used in several ways. It is most commonly used to relieve symptoms caused by melanoma that has spread, especially to the brain and bones. It may also be used when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, following a lymph node dissection. Finally, research is being done to test the effectiveness of chemoradiation, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, nausea, fatigue and hair loss. If radiation therapy is used around the head and neck, side effects, such as altered taste and dry mouth, may occur. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. If lymph nodes near an arm or leg were affected, the person may be at higher risk of fluid build-up in that limb, a side effect called lymphedema.

Conclusion

There are many effective treatments for skin cancer. There is one catch, however: The disease has to be detected early in order for the treatments to be effective. If melanoma metastasizes to distant organs, the survival rate drops precipitously. For this reason, regular skin self-examinations and avoidance of risk factors just may save your life.

Sources:

"Melanoma – Treatment Guidelines for Patients." National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society. 21 July 2008.

"What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer." National Cancer Institute. July 2002. 21 July 2008.

"All About Skin Cancer – Melanoma." American Cancer Society. July 2008. 22 July 2008.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis. Skin cancer biopsies and staging.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis
An Introduction to Skin Cancer Biopsies and Staging

• What Is Skin Cancer?
• Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
• Treatment of Skin Cancer
• Preventing Skin Cancer

An early warning sign of skin cancer is a new, suspicious looking lesion on your skin. Fortunately, there is no reason to panic, since most skin blemishes are not cancerous.

To determine if the lesion is cancerous or not, the doctor or nurse will usually first discuss your medical history to determine your risk factors, including the history of skin cancer in your family and the number of prior sunburns. A skin examination will follow, during which the doctor will note the size, shape, color, and texture of the suspicious area. He or she will then examine your lymph glands to check for swelling, a potential sign of cancer.

Biopsy

The only way to definitively diagnose the various types of skin cancer is to biopsy suspicious-looking lesions. Useful information, such as tumor depth, can only be obtained by biopsy. Biopsy methods include:

1. Shave biopsy: The doctor uses a thin, sharp blade to shave off the abnormal growth. This is the most common form of biopsy when the doctor suspects a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

2. Punch biopsy: The doctor uses a sharp, hollow tool to remove a circle of tissue from the abnormal area.

3. Incisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove part of the growth.

4. Excisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the entire growth and some tissue around it. Note that excisional biopsy is the ideal biopsy choice when a doctor suspects a melanoma. Depending on the size or location of the tumor, however, an excisional biopsy may not always be possible.

This procedure is done under local anesthesia in your doctor’s office or other outpatient clinic. The sample then goes to a lab where a pathologist will examine it under a microscope.

If the physician suspects metastatic melanoma, other tools of diagnosis and staging may include a blood test for LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels or imaging studies such as chest X-ray, CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. The doctor may also need to take a sample of your lymph nodes using procedures such as sentinel lymph node mapping or fine needle aspiration.

Staging

If the biopsy shows that you have melanoma, your doctor needs to know the extent (stage) of the disease to effectively plan your treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, the stage is based on these three factors:

• The size of the growth
• How deeply it has grown beneath the top layer of skin
• Whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body

Briefly, the stages of melanoma are as follows:

• Stage 0: The cancer involves only the top layer of skin. It is called melanoma in situ.
• Stage I: The growth is less than two millimeters deep.
• Stage II: The growth is more than two millimeters deep.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread below the skin to cartilage, muscle, bone, or to nearby lymph nodes. It has not spread to other places in the body.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other places in the body.

This is known as the TNM system of staging. Your doctor may also assign a Clark and Breslow number -- measurements of tumor penetration and thickness, respectively -- to further stage your melanoma and determine your prognosis. Staging is a critical step, since it determines your treatment options. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion from a specialist such as a dermatologist.

Sources:

"What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer." National Cancer Institute. July 2002. 21 July 2008.

"All About Skin Cancer – Melanoma." American Cancer Society. July 2008. 22 July 2008.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

Skin Cancer Symptoms
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

• What Is Skin Cancer?
• Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
• Treatment of Skin Cancer
• Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer symptoms can include many different shapes, sizes and colors of skin lesions, or no visible lesions at all. Some lesions may not even be cancerous or may be related to another medical condition. It is also important to remember that skin cancer -- including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma -- can appear anywhere on the body, even on areas that are not exposed to the sun, and can occur in people of any race or skin color. Diagnosing skin cancer is not as straightforward as you might think!

However, in general, you should look for these signs during your regular skin self-exam:

• A new, possibly large, irregularly shaped, dark brownish spot with darker or black areas
• A simple mole that changes in color (particularly turning darker), size (growing), or texture (becoming firmer), and/or flakes or bleeds
• A suspicious change in an existing mole or spot
• A lesion with an irregular border and red, white, blue, gray, or bluish-black areas or spots
• Shiny, firm, dome-shaped bumps anywhere on the body
• Dark lesions under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms, soles, tips of fingers and toes, or on mucous membranes (the skin that lines the mouth, nose, vagina, and anus)
• A sore that doesn't heal within two weeks

Pictures of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are available that may help you decide if what you are seeing is a harmless mole (or "nevus"), a pre-cancerous skin lesion, or something more serious that needs to be further analyzed by a professional.

Early Detection of Melanoma
The earlier melanoma is detected, the better the chance for successful treatment. Monthly self-examinations may help find it early. Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole. It also may appear as a new or abnormal-looking mole. The "ABCDE" rule can be used to help remember what to watch for:

Asymmetry: The shape of half of the mole does not match the other.
Border: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The color is often uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, or blue may also be seen.
Diameter: The diameter is usually larger than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser) or has grown in size.
Evolving: The mole has been changing in size, shape, color, appearance, or growing in an area of previously normal skin. Also, when melanoma develops in an existing mole, the texture of the mole may change and become hard, lumpy, or scaly. Although the skin may feel different and may itch, ooze, or bleed, melanoma usually does not cause pain.

Sometimes, the letter "F" is added, for "funny looking." This is meant to highlight that you should look for moles that do not resemble other moles on your body, or moles that are increasing in size or changing color.

If you see this happening to one of your moles, contact your doctor promptly. Often, a diagnosis can only accurately be made after a lesion is removed and examined (biopsied).

Sources:

"Melanoma – Treatment Guidelines for Patients." National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society. 21 July 2008.

"What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer." National Cancer Institute. July 2002. 21 July 2008.

"All About Skin Cancer – Melanoma." American Cancer Society. July 2008. 22 July 2008.

What is Skin Cancer? Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention

What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

• What Is Skin Cancer?
• Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
• Treatment of Skin Cancer
• Preventing Skin Cancer

What is Cancer?
Normal cells in your body divide in an orderly and balanced fashion. Cancer occurs when certain cells begin to grow out of control. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood, nerves or lymph system, in a process called metastasis.

What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a cancer of the cells in the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. The epidermis itself has three layers: an upper and middle layer made up of squamous cells, and a bottom layer made up of melanocytes and basal cells. Different types of skin cancer affect each of these types of cells, including the following most common forms:

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 75% to 80% of cases. Upwards of one million people are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma each year in the United States. It was once found mostly in middle-aged or older people but now it is also being seen at younger ages. Basal cell carcinoma usually begins on areas exposed to the sun such as the head and neck. It is a slow-growing cancer that rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but people with a history of BCC are at higher risk for getting a second BCC. If basal cell carcinoma is not treated, it can damage the surrounding tissue, including bone. Treatments are very effective, however, if the tumor is detected while it is small and thin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for 16% to 20% of skin cancer cases and occurs twice as often in men than in women. Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma each year in the United States, and about 2,500 die from the disease. It usually appears on the face, ear, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. SCC can also begin within scars or skin ulcers on other places on the body. As with basal cell carcinoma, the available treatments are very effective if the tumor is detected while it is small and thin.

Melanoma
Melanoma affects cells called melanocytes, which produce the skin's color. Melanoma can appear in an area no different from surrounding skin, or it can develop from or near a mole. It is found most frequently on the backs of both men and women or on the legs of women, but melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including the head and neck, soles of the feet, fingernails, and other areas not exposed to the sun. Melanoma is much more dangerous than the other types of skin cancer: 62,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in the United States in 2008 and over 8,400 will die from the disease. Unfortunately, it is increasing at a faster rate than for any other cancer, with the exception of lung cancer in women. In the United States, the incidence of malignant melanoma from 1973 to 2002 increased by 270%. Melanoma is treatable in its early stages, but survival drops precipitously when it metastasizes to distant lymph nodes or organs.

What Causes Skin Cancer?
Besides lung cancer, skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. This is due to the fact that the major risk factor is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun is, of course, the main source of UV radiation, but it can also come from tanning booths. The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, how long the skin was exposed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing or sunscreen. Many studies also show that being sunburned at a young age increases the likelihood of skin cancer even decades later.

The other major risk factor is fair skin. Skin cancer is much more common in Caucasians than in African-Americans, for example. This is because the pigment, called melanin, offers some protection from UV radiation and people with dark skin have more melanin. People with fair skin that freckles or burns easily are at especially high risk. However, remember that people of all races and skin colors can get skin cancer.

Other causes of skin cancer include:

• long-term exposure to chemicals such as arsenic, tar and oil
• radiation from other cancer treatments
• previous history of skin cancer
• family history of skin cancer
• scars from burns or previous skin infections
• certain treatments for psoriasis involving UV light
• certain rare skin diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and basal cell nevus syndrome
• weakened immune system
• infection by certain types of human papilloma virus
• smoking
• certain types of moles
• other risk factors

Each year, over one million people are diagnosed with cancer of the skin, making it the most common type of cancer in the United States. Unfortunately, it is also one of the few types of cancer that has become more common in recent years. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable of all cancers.

Sources:

"Melanoma – Treatment Guidelines for Patients." National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society. 21 July 2008.

"What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer." National Cancer Institute. July 2002. 21 July 2008.

"All About Skin Cancer – Melanoma." American Cancer Society. July 2008. 22 July 2008.

Eye Cancer. Melanoma of the Eye.Causes, Symptoms, Treatment , Prevention

Melanoma of the Eye
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Melanoma of the Eye

Ocular melanoma, or melanoma of the eye, is a rare type of cancer that affects various parts of the eye, specifically the choroid, ciliary body, and the iris. Choroidal melanoma is the most common type of eye malignancy.

Many people are confused by the melanoma aspect of this type of eye cancer, as melanoma is most commonly associated with skin. Melanomas develop from melanocytes, cells that contain the dark pigment (melanin) that defines our skin coloring. Melanocytes aren't exclusive to the skin -- they can be found in the hair, the eyes, and the lining of some organs.

What Causes Ocular Melanoma?
Like many other types of cancer, we aren't quite sure what causes ocular melanoma, but there is suspicion that it is related to exposure to the UV rays of the sun. This theory has yet to be proven, however.

Even though the cause of ocular melanoma has yet to be pinpointed, researchers have identified risk factors for the disease. Risk factors for ocular melanoma include:

• being fair skinned or having a light hair color and eye color
• having dysplastic nevus syndrome, a condition that causes abnormal moles
• having oculodermal melanocytosis, a rare condition that causes increased and abnormal pigmentation of the eye and skin around the eye

Symptoms of Ocular Melanoma
There are sometimes no noticeable symptoms of ocular melanoma, especially in the early stages. In these instances, melanoma of the eye is usually diagnosed through a routine eye screening by an optician. Ocular melanoma symptoms include:

• blurred vision in one eye
• floaters (small "floating" spots in your vision field)
• change in iris color or dark spot on iris
• red and/or painful eye
• bulging eye
• loss of peripheral vision

Diagnosing Ocular Melanoma
Unlike other types of cancer, a biopsy is not usually needed for most cases of ocular melanoma. One of the first tests most people have is called an ophthalmoscopy, which uses a special scope to get an in-depth view of the eye. It is much like the tool your optician or physician uses to look at your eye. It is noninvasive and is painless.

An ultrasound may also be done to view the eye and surrounding structures. Numbing drops are given before the scan to prevent any discomfort. You may be asked to look in different directions to allow for different angles of viewing. Eye ultrasounds generally take about 15 minutes or less.

Other tests, like an MRI or CT scan, may be done if it is suspected that the cancer has spread beyond the eye. The liver is common site of metastasis for ocular cancer.

Treatment of Ocular Melanoma
Treatment of ocular melanoma is based on what part of the eye is affected and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. Surgery is a common method of treatment that involves removing part or all of the eye.

Removal of the eye (enucleation) may be necessary in some cases of large tumors when other treatment methods are not suitable. An artificial eye can be created in most cases. Prosthetic eyes today are much more realistic than in the past. They are created by talented, trained individuals called ocularists. It generally takes anywhere from 4 to 6 appointments to be fitted for a prosthetic eye and for it to be placed. Quality and artistic talent are two important characteristics to consider when choosing an ocularist.

Radiation therapy is also a common method treatment of ocular melanoma. It may be the sole treatment or done after surgery. There are two types of radiation therapy: external and internal. Both use specific types of energy to disrupt the activity of cancer cells to eliminate them and prevent them from undergoing cell division.

External radiation delivers radiation from a specialized machine that targets the tumor site externally. This method of radiation is specific and limits the damage to surrounding tissue.

Internal radiation (brachytherapy), often called plaque therapy when referencing the treatment of ocular melanoma, uses a radioactive "seed" or "plaque" that is implanted near the tumor site to deliver therapy. Normally, it remains implanted for about 7 days and is then removed.

Radiation therapy is effective against ocular melanoma, but does not come without side effects. Red, dry eyes are a common side effect. Cataracts sometimes result from therapy, but surgery may be an option to remove them. Eyelash loss and shortening may also occur. Less commonly, radiation therapy can cause optic nerve damage, glaucoma, and abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

Testicular Cancer. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Testicular Cancer - What Is Testicular Cancer?
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicle(s) of men. It is considered to be uncommon, with about 8,000 men diagnosed each year. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly treatable and curable.

Causes and Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer
Although researchers cannot pinpoint exactly what causes testicular cancer, they have identified several known risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood that you may develop a disease, but is not a guarantee you will get it. Risk factors include:

• having had an undescended testicle, although if this is corrected early in life, the risk is reduced
• having had abnormal development of the testicles
• having a personal or family history of testicular cancer
• being diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome
• being infected with HIV
• being Caucasian

Testicular Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• painless lump in the testicle or both testicles; less commonly, the lump will cause pain
• heaviness, or feeling of swelling in the scrotum
• discomfort or pain in the scrotum
• ache in lower back, pelvis or groin area
• collection of fluid in the scrotum

Other conditions that have similar symptoms include a hydrocele, spermatocele, varicocele, and inguinal hernia.

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer
There is currently not a standard testicular cancer screening test, so the onset of symptoms or findings from a testicular self exam are what normally begins the diagnostic process. If testicular cancer is suspected, further tests are necessary to make a diagnosis.

A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing testicular cancer. Your doctor will check your scrotum and feel the testicles for lumps, swelling, or tenderness. He may also check your abdomen for lymph node swelling.

Abnormal findings may lead to an ultrasound, which will give the doctor an internal view of testicular lumps. An ultrasound may be able to differentiate between a cancerous and benign condition. Blood tests may also be ordered to check for specific enzyme and protein levels in the blood. The presence and elevation of these proteins and enzymes can indicate a testicular tumor.

Diagnostic surgery to remove and biopsy the abnormal tissue is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. In this procedure the tumor and the testicle are removed. The abnormal tissue is sent to the pathology lab, where it is examined under a microscope to screened for cancer.

If cancer is found, the stage of the disease is then determined. Staging refers to how far the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or possibly organs. If advanced testicular cancer is suspected, further evaluation, like imaging tests, may be necessary to determine the stage. Treatment options for testicular cancer vary based on the type and stage of the disease.

Treatment of Testicular Cancer
The primary methods of treating testicular cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of testicular cancer, stage, and general health are factors that decide what treatment will be most effective.

Surgery. Removal of the testicle is a method of treatment for all stages of testicular cancer. For some men, surrounding lymph nodes may also be removed.

• How to Find a Great Surgeon
• How to Cope with Your Fear of Surgery
• Changes You Can Makes That May Improve Your Surgical Outcome

Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is also an option for treating testicular cancer. This type of treatment uses certain types high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.

In cases of testicular cancer, external beam radiation therapy is often given after surgery to ensure all cancer cells and tissues that could not have been seen or removed is eliminated.

• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often used to treat testicular cancer that has spread beyond the testicle. Cancer is a result of cells that continue to multiply unnecessarily. Chemotherapy drugs work by eliminating these rapidly multiplying renegade cells. Other healthy cells multiply just as quickly, like hair follicle cells. Unfortunately, many chemotherapy drugs may not be able to discern the two, attacking healthy cells and causing side effects like hair loss.

• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hair Loss and Chemotherapy: Can It Be Prevented?
• Combating Fatigue During Chemotherapy

Prevention of Testicular Cancer
Unfortunately, testicular cancer is a type of cancer that can't easily be prevented. There are simply no proven prevention methods.

With most cancers, the best method of prevention is to avoid the risk factors. There is no way to avoid the risk factors for testicular cancer because most are out of the person's control, like age, race, and conditions occurring at birth.

Sources:

"Do I Have Testicular Cancer?". Early Detection and Prevention. American Cancer Society. 02 Dec 2008. Accessed 19 June 2008.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Do_I_Have_Testicular_Cancer.asp

Oral Cancer. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Oral Cancer - What is Oral Cancer?
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for developing oral cancer is tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all increase your risk of oral cancer. Smokeless tobacco, often called "dip" or "chew," also heighten the risk. Alcohol consumption is another habit that is strongly associated with the development of oral cancer.

Research strongly suggests that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases your risk of oral cancer, as well. HPV is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact, like sexual skin-to-skin contact, vaginal/anal intercourse, and oral sex.

• How to Curb the Urge to Smoke
• How Quitting Alcohol Now Reduces Your Risk of Head and Neck Cancers
• How to Prevent HPV

Oral Cancer Symptoms
During a dental exam, your dentist will screen for symptoms of oral cancer. However, symptoms may arise throughout the year that many need further examination by your dentist or doctor. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• a sore or blister in your mouth or on your lip that does not heal after two weeks
• lesion on the tongue or tonsil
• white and red patches in the mouth or lips that does not heal
• bleeding from the mouth that is unrelated to an injury
• change in the way teeth fit together, including how dentures fit or loose teeth because of jaw swelling or pain
• persistent earaches
• difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the tongue

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
If your healthcare professional finds symptoms to be suspicious of oral cancer, then further evaluation is required to confirm the absence or presence of cancer. This can be done by doing a biopsy of the abnormal area(s) of the mouth. A biopsy removes small amounts of tissue that is sent to a pathology lab for examination under a microscope.

If cancer is found, the stage of the disease is then determined. Staging refers to how far the oral cancer has spread. Further tests like dental x-rays, endoscopy, and other imaging tests may be used to determine how far the cancer has spread.

• How a Tongue Biopsy is Performed
• What You Need to Know About Having a Gum Biopsy

Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer heavily depends on the stage of the disease. More than one type of treatment may be used in treating oral cancer. Methods of treatment include:

Surgery. Surgery to remove cancerous tissue is common method of oral cancer treatment. For some people, surgery is the only type of treatment needed; for others, chemotherapy and radiation may also be needed. In some cases, lymph nodes in the neck may be also removed.

Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses certain types of high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.

Two primary types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation, also called brachytherapy. External beam radiation is much more common than internal beam radiation in treating oral cancer.

• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be prescribed to reduce the size of a tumor before radiation therapy or surgery or may also be given in conjunction with radiation treatments.

• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hair Loss and Chemotherapy: Can It Be Prevented?
• Combating Fatigue During Chemotherapy

Prevention of Oral Cancer
Avoiding the known risk factors of oral cancer is the best way to prevent the disease. Most cases of of oral cancer are related to tobacco and alcohol use, so avoiding both habits are key to preventing it. Sun exposure can be related to cancer of the lips, so staying out of the sun and wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen is also important.

Visiting your dentist regularly may aid in the early detection of oral cancer. Your dentist is trained to look and feel for signs of the disease. Oral cancer screening involves visual examination of the mouth and dental x-rays. Newer screening tools like VELscope allow doctor to thoroughly look for signs of oral cancer that may not be visible to the naked eye. These newer screening tools are highly recommended for those who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, like those who smoke or consume alcohol.

Sources:

"What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer". Cancer Topics. National Cancer Society: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. 09 Sptember 2004. Accessed 18 July 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page9

Endometrial Cancer. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Endometrial Cancer
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus in women. It is commonly referred to as uterine cancer, but other types of cancer do develop in the uterus, though much less often.

Endometrial cancer is most often diagnosed in women who went through menopause but can be diagnosed in younger women too. It is most often found in the early stages, when the disease is most treatable.
Causes and Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer
While we cannot yet pinpoint exactly what causes endometrial cancer, studies do suggest that levels of estrogen may be associated with cancer development. Another possible cause that is being investigated is genetic mutations of certain genes. Researchers, however, have identified several endometrial cancer risk factors. They include:

• never being pregnant
• beginning menstruation before age 12 and continuing through age 50 or more
• being diabetic
• obesity
• use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
• personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• use of Tamoxifen, a breast cancer adjuvant therapy

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common and usually first experienced symptom of endometrial cancer. Vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal when

• periods are heavy and prolonged
• heavy spotting occurs between periods
• there's more than one period in a cycle month
• bleeding occurs before and/or after sex
• bleeding occurs in women who are post-menopausal

Women with endometrial cancer may also experience pain during sexual intercourse; a watery, blood-tinged discharge; pelvic pain; and unintentional weight loss.

Diagnosing Endometrial Cancer
If endometrial cancer is suspected, a thorough pelvic exam will first be done by a gynecologist. This is an excellent time to discuss personal and family medical history and symptoms. If you haven't had a recent Pap smear and are due for one, the gynecologist may do one at this time, along with the pelvic exam. Pap smears very rarely ever detect endometrial cancer, but one may be done to rule out other cervical conditions.

To confirm the presence or absence of cancer, an endometrial biopsy is necessary. An endometrial biopsy can be done in the gynecologist's office and takes only a few moments to complete. Most women report feeling moderate pain and cramping that lasts only through the biopsy and some mild cramping following the biopsy.

Another method of obtaining endometrial tissue samples is through a dilation and curettage (D&C). During a D&C, the uterus is scraped with a instrument called a "curette." You are given an anesthetic so you will not feel anything during the procedure, but you can expect mild cramping afterward.

If biopsy samples reveal endometrial cancer, then the cancer is staged. Staging refers to how far the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or organs. There are four stages of endometrial cancer. Most endometrial cancers are diagnosed at stage I or II; the first stages of the disease are when it is most treatable.

Treating Endometrial Cancer
Treatment options depend heavily on the stage of endometrial cancer, but surgery is the most common type of treatment. Surgery is also used when some cases of endometrial cancer have staged. Surgery treatment for endometrial cancer include:

• hysterectomy - surgical removal of the uterus
• hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oopherectomy - surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
• lymph node dissection - removal of pelvic lymph nodes during hysterectomy that are later screened for cancer
• tumor debulking - removal of large tumors that have spread throughout the pelvis; done in cases of advanced endometrial cancer

Radiation therapy is also an option for treating endometrial cancer. This type of treatment uses certain types of high-energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.

• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy may be prescribed to treat endometrial cancer in women whose cancer has spread beyond the uterus. There are several chemotherapy drugs used to treat endometrial cancer, but many times, a combination of different drugs is prescribed.

Chemotherapy drugs work by eliminating rapidly multiplying cancer cells, however, there are other healthy cells in the body that multiply just as quickly, such as hair follicle cells. Unfortunately, many chemotherapy drugs may not be able to discern the two, attacking healthy cells and causing side effects, such as hair loss.

• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hair Loss and Chemotherapy: Can It Be Prevented?
• Combating Fatigue During Chemotherapy

Hormone therapy may also be used to slow the growth of endometrial cancer or to prevent or treat its recurrence. Use of progestins, drugs similar to the hormone progesterone, slow the growth of cancer cells. Progestins are prescribed in a pill or injection form.

Endometrial Cancer Prevention
Long-term use of birth control pills has been shown to decrease a woman's risk of endometrial cancer. An even added benefit is that the decrease in risk can continue for as long as 10 years after discontinuing their use.

Studies also show that keeping a healthy weight may decrease a woman's risk as well. Body fat tissue can increase the levels of estrogen, which can increase your risk of endometrial cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight also prevents many other types of diseases and conditions, not just endometrial cancer.

Combined hormone therapy that uses progestin along with estrogen appears to lower the risk of endometrial cancer. This type of hormone therapy does have side effects and is not for everyone.

Colon Cancer. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Colon Cancer
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine. Our colons are about 6 feet long and allow waste to travel from the small intestine to the rectum. Like other organs in our body, the colon is vulnerable to many diseases and conditions, like cancer.
Colon Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
At this time, we can't exactly pinpoint what causes colon cancer, but we do know what may make our risk of developing colon cancer greater. Risk factors for colon cancer include:

• Age. As you age, your risk for developing colon cancer increases. Colon cancer most often occurs in adults over the age of 50, but it can still occur in younger adults.

• Race and Ethnicity. African Americans are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer than any other race, although it is unclear why. Ashkenazi Jews (Jews of European descent) are also at high risk of developing colon cancer. Several inherited genetic mutations have been found in Ashkenazi Jews, which greatly contributes to their increased risk.

• Family Medical History. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be at a greater risk of developing the disease, too. A person does not need a family history of colon cancer to have colon cancer; it is most commonly diagnosed in those without a family history.

• Personal Medical History. Having polyps, small growths in the colon, puts you at risk of developing colon cancer. Seventy percent to 90% of colon cancer cases develop from polyps, and having them removed reduces your risk of colon cancer. Once removed, they can return, which makes colon cancer screening a vital part of maintaining colon health. You are also more at risk if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes the colon to become inflamed.

• Genetics. Two inherited syndromes are commonly associated with a marked increase in colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer(HNPCC). About 5% of colon cancer cases are caused by a inherited syndrome. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a much less common syndrome that is also associated with colon cancer.

• Other Identified Risk Factors: There are many other identified colon cancer risk factors, such as smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, level of physical activity, obesity, and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Colon Cancer Symptoms
In the early stages, colon cancer usually doesn't have symptoms. As the disease progresses, which can take years, symptoms include:

• blood in stool
• persistent constipation, diarrhea, or other bowel changes
• thinner stools
• unexplained weight loss
• abdominal pain and discomfort- generally feeling full, bloated, or cramping
• abdominal tenderness or pain
• fatigue

These colon cancer symptoms are not unique and can also be symptoms of many other conditions.

Colon Cancer Screening
Several screening methods are highly effective at detecting colon cancer. Colon cancer screening tests include:

• Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to get an in-depth view of the colon with the use of a colonoscope, a fiber optic tube that is attached to a microscopic camera that transmits live video feed to a monitor. The colonoscope is gently inserted into the anus and slowly to the colon, giving the doctor a full view of the rectum and large intestine. It is common to be nervous about a colonoscopy, so people are given a sedative prior to the procedure to aid in relaxation, and also to help the doctor complete the colonoscopy.

• Sigmoidoscopy. Much like a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy is done with a flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera, but it is limited to only the lower part of the colon.

• Barium Enema. During a barium enema, a doctor inserts liquid barium into the rectum. X-rays are taken of you laying several positions. The barium allows the colon to be viewed better on X-rays.

• Fecal Occult Blood Test. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) finds blood in your stool that you may not see with the naked eye or to confirm that it is actually blood in the stool that you may have seen. You are given a special kit to collect stool samples.


For adults who are at average risk of colon cancer, it is recommended to begin screening for colon cancer at age 50. Adults who are classified at higher risk may begin screening earlier at the recommendation of their doctor. Remember that even if you are not experiencing symptoms of colon cancer, you should always follow your doctor's colon cancer screening recommendations.

Diagnosing Colon Cancer
If a screening test reveals suspicious results, then a colon biopsy is done. A colon biopsy can be conveniently done during a colonoscopy or can also be done surgically. During a colon biopsy, small amounts of colon tissue are removed and then sent to a pathology lab to screen for evidence of cancer. If cancer is present, then the stage of colon cancer is then determined through colon cancer surgery to remove the cancer. Surrounding lymph nodes are tested and may also be removed during the surgery.

Treatment of Colon Cancer
Surgery. Most people with colon cancer will undergo some type of colon surgery. It is a common method of treatment and often accompanies another type of surgery. Types of surgery used to treat colon cancer include:

• Local Incision and Polypectomy. In early stage colon cancer, a surgeon may be able to remove cancerous tissue without actually having to make an incision in the abdomen. Special instruments are inserted into the rectum to the colon cancer the cancer is removed. If the cancer is found in a polyp, then is it referred to as a polypectomy.

• Surgical Resection. During a surgical resection, a surgeon removes part of the colon and then the colon is reconnected. This can be achieved through an abdominal incision, or for some people, laparoscopically. Laparoscopic assisted resection is a relatively new approach of performing a resection, so a surgeon experienced in this method is needed. It is not recommended for all people, more so for those with earlier stages of colon cancer. A colon resection is also called a colectomy or segmental resection. Several types of resections are performed based on the stage of colon cancer and other factors.

• Resection and Colostomy.When the colon is not reattached during a resection, a colostomy is an option that provides an effective way for waste material to leave the body. The end of the large intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to an opening (a stoma) in the abdomen that allows waste material to drain into a bag, called a colostomy bag. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.

How to Find a Great Surgeon
How to Cope with Your Fear of Surgery
Changes You Can Makes That May Improve Your Surgical Outcome

Chemotherapy. The organs in our body are made up of cells. Cells divide and multiply as the body needs them. When these cells continue to multiply unnecessarily, the result is a mass or growth, also called a tumor. Chemotherapy drugs work by eliminating these rapidly multiplying renegade cells. Other healthy cells multiply just as quickly, like hair follicle cells. Unfortunately, many chemotherapy drugs may not be able to discern the two, attacking healthy cells and causing side effects like hair loss.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer may be advised in those with stage 2 colon cancer and in those suffering from stages 3 and 4. Chemotherapy for colon cancer may be prescribed before or after surgery and may also be given in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses certain types high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.

Two primary types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation, also called brachytherapy. In colon cancer, external beam radiation is much more common than internal beam radiation.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy

Colon Cancer Prevention
Regular colon cancer screening is key to preventing colon cancer. Screening can identify precancerous growths before they potentially progress into cancer. Keep in mind that it takes an average of 10 to 15 years for colon cancer to develop, so routine screening can detect these changes before they turn cancerous. Remember, for average risk people, colon cancer screening should begin at age 50.

Those who are at higher risk from family or personal history of polyps or colon cancer may want to consider genetic counseling to determine if they are a carrier of a mutated gene related to colon cancer. Knowing if you are a carrier can greatly influence how you manage your colon health.

What Does a Genetic Counselor Do?
The Genetic Testing Bill - The Law is Now on Our Side

Avoiding risk factors for colon cancer can also reduce your risk of developing the disease. Eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are all ways to reduce your risk of not only colon cancer, but many other conditions as well.

Sources:

"What is Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer." Colon Cancer Alliance. Accessed 06 July 2008.

Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 04 July 2008.

Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 04 July 2008.

Breast Cancer. Definition, Types of Breast Cancer, Common Symptoms

What is Breast Cancer?
Definition, Types of Breast Cancer, Common Symptoms

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. In the U.S., it affects one in eight women.

The most common types of breast cancer are:
• ductal carcinoma (85 - 90% of all cases)
• lobular carcinoma (8% of all cases)

Invasive (Infiltrating) Breast Cancer
Invasive, or infiltrating, breast cancer has the potential to spread out of the original tumor site and invade other parts of your breast and body. There are several types and subtypes of invasive breast cancer.

Less common are:
• inflammatory breast cancer (occurs in the skin)
• Paget's disease of the nipple

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Explanations

A lump or a thickening in the breast or in the armpit:
Some lumps or swelling in the breast tissue may be due to hormonal changes. But if a lump or thickening persists, whether it is in the breast or in the armpit area, it may be a cause for concern. Swelling in the armpit, where the lymph nodes are located, may indicate that the body is fighting an invasion. A lump in the breast tissue may indicate a cyst, or it may indicate a problem in the duct or the lobes. See your doctor or nurse practitioner for a screening. Here is an overview of lumps.

A change in size or shape of the mature breast:
If a mature breast changes size or shape, and especially if only one breast is changing, it may signal that milk ducts or the lobes deeper within the breast are swelling. This could be due to fibrocystic or regular monthly hormonal cycles. If the changes are not in step with regular periodical changes, consult a health professional and get an exam. Having a baseline mammogram can help you and your doctor keep track of changes with accuracy.

Fluid (not milk) leaking from the nipple:
Between ages 41 - 58, there may be a small bit of non-bloody leakage from the nipples of both breasts. This leakage is usually due to hormonal changes and is not worrisome. However, if the fluid is leaking from only one nipple, is a new discharge, or is bloody, there are several tests that can be done to discover what is causing it. Ask your doctor for a professional opinion on your next steps.

Change in size or shape of the nipple:
Changes in body weight, or natural changes that come with age may affect the size or shape of the nipples. However, if a nipple retracts (pulls in) and does not easily return to its normal shape, see your doctor or a nurse practitioner for a manual exam. If there is a problem with the milk ducts which are just below the surface of the nipple and areola, then having a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound can help diagnose the trouble.

Changes of color, shape or texture of the nipple or the areola:
If you observe dimples, puckers, or a rash on the skin of the nipple or the areola, (darker skin that surrounds the nipple) and these symptoms persist, or do not respond well to treatment creams, check with your doctor to determine what action to take. One unusual type of breast cancer is called Paget's disease, and starts out in the form of a rash. When caught and dealt with at an early stage, this is a very curable condition.

Unusual pain in the breast or in the armpit:
Know your cyclical pains, and note if breast pain occurs in tune with the monthly period, and in both breasts. While uncomfortable, if it is normal to you, it may not be worrisome. But if you have pain which occurs off-cycle or in only one breast or armpit, get it checked out. Keeping a good record of your cycles will help you understand hormonal changes in your breasts, and also helps your doctor and nurse determine what may be happening in your body.

Everything is Connected:
Our bodies go through cycles and changes, some of which are due to age, weight gain or loss, hormones, medications, pregnancy, stress, or changes in diet. Some of us are very aware of living in our bodies, while others of us live more in our minds or in our emotions. In order to have and keep our health, it's good to be aware of our body and its rhythms.

Just as getting a toothache can seem to make your entire head hurt, or pulling a muscle in your leg causes you to limp and throws you off balance, finding a change in your breast affects your overall health and may signal a need to get a checkup or a diagnostic screening.

Knowing your body's normal changes helps you deal wisely with your health. Regular communication with your health care team can allay fears and help you raise your defenses against disease.

Brain Tumors. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Brain Tumors
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are the result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the brain. They can affect children and adults, but are considered to be rare among both populations. Brain tumors can be classified as malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Malignant tumors tend to be more aggressive than benign types, but both are very serious and can be fatal. For educational purposes, this article references subject matter related to malignant brain tumors affecting adults only.

There are over 140 different types of brain tumors that can form in the brain. Brain tumors can be classified as primary or metastatic, depending on where they arise in the body. Primary brain tumors originate in the brain and rarely spread outside of it. Metastatic tumors begin in another part of the body and spread to the brain through blood or lymphatic tissue. Some cancer types are more prone to spreading to the brain. These types include breast cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer.

Brain Tumor Causes
We don't know exactly what causes brain tumors, but studies do suggest that there may be many factors that play a role in their development. Risk factors for brain tumors include:

• exposure to radiation
• family history of certain genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• having a compromised immune system (more so associated with CNS lymphomas and people infected with AIDS)

There are many unproven causes and risk factors that are being studies. Cell phone use and the consumption of aspartame are two very controversial topics that some believe may cause brain cancer. These are simply theories and still remain unproven despite the many studies that have been conducted on the subjects.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Brain tumor symptoms vary based on the location of the tumor within the brain and the size of the tumor. Severity of symptoms does not indicate how large a tumor is - small tumors can cause severe symptoms.

Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumors, but are usually accompanied by another symptom. Brain tumor associated headaches often have characteristics that set them apart from headaches that re related to less serious conditions. Contrary to popular belief, headaches are not usually the initial symptom a person experiences - it is actually a seizure or muscle weakness that is most often the first symptom a brain tumor presents.

Other brain tumor symptoms include:

• nausea and/or vomiting
• visual and hearing disturbances
• problems with memory
• slower thought process
• weakness on one side of the body or abnormal gait
• fatigue or increased sleep
• personality changes

Diagnosing Brain Cancer
If a doctor suspects a brain tumor, one of the first steps in getting an accurate diagnosis is through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging test gives physicians an extraordinary view of the brain and this is often the only test needed to identify the possible presence of a brain tumor. In some limited cases, a CT scan may be used. PET scans, which help doctors see the activity of the brain, may help diagnose primary brain cancer but their use is less certain with a metastatic disease.

Ultimately, it is a brain biopsy that confirms the malignancy and type of brain tumor present. If tumors are present as shown on an MRI and a person suffers from a type of cancer that is known to metastasize, then a biopsy may not be necessary. However, with types of cancer that don't often spread to the brain, a biopsy is a vital diagnostic tool. Primary brain tumors most always require a biopsy.

Brain biopsies can be done during times of surgical exploration or open surgery. The sample tissue can be examined in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to make a decision about whether to proceed with surgical treatment or not. More extensive evaluation of the tumor specimen will also be done by a pathologist. It may take several days to receive results.

In some cases, a closed biopsy, also called a stereotactic biopsy, is performed when the tumor is located in a region of the brain that is difficult to reach. It is the least invasive type of biopsy, but does carry risks.

Treatment of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are treated by an experienced group of medical professionals that may be called your "treatment team." The team is composed of a neurosurgeon, medical oncologist or neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, and a pathologist. Many other supporting team members also provide care, such as oncology nurses.

The tumor type, location, and grade will determine the treatment plan. Curative treatment is possible with some tumors, while slowing the growth or simply relieving severe symptoms may be the goal of treatment for others. Unfortunately, there may be no recommended course of treatment for some brain tumors.

Surgical approaches in brain tumor treatment include tumor resection (complete removal) or debulking (removing as much as possible). In some cases, surgery may be the only treatment method that is required, but others may need other treatment methods, like radiation therapy. Surgery followed by radiation therapy is common with many tumors, however. There are several types of radiation therapy used to treat brain tumors. Again, tumor type, grade, and location are key factors in deciding which type of therapy is best.

Radiation therapy does not come without risks, however. It can damage parts of the brain, leading to cognitive decline, like memory loss and trouble concentrating. Swelling can be a side effect, but can be controlled with corticosteroids. Radiation necrosis can also be a side effect of radiation. In simple terms, it is the formation of irradiated brain tissue that has died and developed into a mass. Surgery may be needed to to remove the dead tissue.

Chemotherapy may be utilized in some tumors that are known to respond well to chemotherapy agents, such as CNS lymphoma, gliomas, or medullablastomas. Some higher grade tumors respond well, but not all. Thus, chemotherapy is available to select patients whose tumors are favorable to chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy drugs like Avastin are more precise than some chemotherapy drugs and often come with less side effects. Drugs like Avastin work by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor, preventing it's growth and shrinking the mass. Not everyone responds to Avastin, however, and the cost of treatment can be expensive.

Sources:

DeAngelis, Lisa M. Brain Tumors N Engl J Med 2001 344: 114-123

S. M. Chang, I. F. Parney, W. Huang, F. A. Anderson Jr, A. L. Asher, M. Bernstein, K. O. Lillehei, H. Brem, M. S. Berger, E. R. Laws, et al. Patterns of Care for Adults With Newly Diagnosed Malignant Glioma JAMA, February 2, 2005; 293(5): 557 - 564.

S. M, A C Lamont, N A Alias, and M N Win Red flags in patients presenting with headache: clinical indications for neuroimaging Br. J. Radiol., August 1, 2003; 76(908): 532 - 535.

Preventing Cancer. Top 10 Ways To Prevent Cancer

Top 10 Ways To Prevent Cancer
Simple Lifestlye Changes Can Help to Prevent Cancer

Cancer prevention is easier than you think. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can drastically reduce your risk of many types of cancer. Many factors play a role in cancer development, but the good news is that most can be avoided.

1. Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke
Smoking is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce. It is responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. As soon as you quit, and it's never too late, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco-free.

Avoiding secondhand smoke is also a way to prevent cancer. Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled from a smoker or a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. This smoke contains more than 60 known carcinogens". These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development. This interference is what ignites cancer development.

• Can Cigars Cause Cancer?
• Does Marijuana Increase Your Risk of Lung Cancer?

2. Practice Sun Safety and Recognize When Skin Changes Occur
Did you know that over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and women, and it accounts for about half of all cancer diagnoses. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.

The first step in preventing skin cancer is to avoid UV ray exposure. We can do this by wearing sunscreen, avoiding mid-day sun, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, and by staying away from tanning beds. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Common Sunscreen Mistakes
• How to Fake a Summer Tan
• Avoid the Sun: How to Take Your Walking Indoors

3. Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
A well-balanced diet is advantageous for many reasons. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions.

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer properties.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower appear to pack a powerful punch at preventing cancer, according to numerous studies. Other cruciferous vegetables include bok choy, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

• Eat to Beat Cancer
• 6 Weeks to a Healthier Diet
• Nutritional Benefits of Eating Berries

4. Limit Red Meat and Animal Fat
Numerous studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Red meat contains much more fat than poultry and fish, so reducing the amount of red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.

• Healthy Sources of Protein
• Eat Beef and Still Stay Healthy
• Quiz: How Healthy is Your Diet?

5. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.

• How Alcohol Can Cause Lung Cancer
• Signs You May Be an Alcoholic
• Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking?

6. Exercise for Cancer Prevention
Did you know that when you are exercise, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at least 5 days a week for cancer prevention. Exercising doesn't have to mean going to the gym to lift weights. There are plenty of ways to get exercise into your day. Check out these 10 ways to prevent cancer through exercise for great gym alternatives.

• How Exercise Can Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
• Can Exercise Prevent Lung Cancer?
• Exercise for Beginners

7. Know Your Personal and Family Medical History
Knowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary.

If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a proper screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic testing and counseling is available and may be recommended based on your family's medical history.

• Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test?
• How to Properly Record Your Family Medical History
• How to Get Your Family Medical History if You are Adopted

8. Know What You're Being Exposed to in Your Work Environment
Chemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, etc. in the workplace, you have a legal right to know what you are being exposed to. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found in some work environments. Talk to your employer about limiting exposure.

• Could My Job Put Me at Risk for Lung Cancer?
• Do Chemicals Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
• Do You Know What the Carcinogen Hazard Symbol Looks Like?

9. Practice Safe Sex
You may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. A vaccine, Gardasil, to prevent HPV was approved by the FDA in 2006 and protects against four strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer and other types. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers.

• What Is HPV and How Do You Get It?
• HPV Symptoms
• How to Prevent HPV

10. Get Screened for Cancer Regularly
Cancer screening tests can be useful not only in detecting cancer, but also helping prevent it. Screening tests like the colonoscopy and Pap smear can detect abnormal cellular changes before they turn cancerous. The key to their effectiveness, however, is that they are done regularly.

Other cancer screening tests are available and may be useful for early detection, but not necessarily cancer prevention. Prostate cancer screening through digital rectal exams and PSA tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Mammograms and other imaging tools are also recommended to detect breast cancer in women.

How Often Should You Have a Pap Smear?
• Preventing Colon Cancer
• The Pros and Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening

Methods of Treatment for Cancer. Standard Treatment for Cancer

Methods of Treatment for Cancer
Standard Treatment for Cancer

There are four standard methods of treatment for cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and biologic therapy. Clinical trials may be an option for some as cancer treatment who meet certain study criteria. Others may choose alternative cancer treatments, which are usually not FDA-approved and often given in locations outside of the U.S.

When initially diagnosed with cancer, a cancer specialist, an oncologist, will provide you with the cancer treatment options. He or she will recommend the best treatment plan based on your type of cancer, how far it has spread, and other important factors like your age and general health.

Ultimately, you are the one who makes your treatment decisions based on your doctor's recommendations, possible second opinions, and other information gathered from qualified professionals.

• Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Diagnosed with Cancer
• Tips for Getting a Second Opinion
• How to Choose an Oncologist

Methods of Treatment for Cancer
Surgery: Surgery can be used to prevent, treat, stage (determine how advanced the cancer is), and diagnose cancer. In relation to cancer treatment, surgery is done to remove tumors or as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. It is often performed in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

For those whose cancer is not treatable, palliative surgery may be an option to relieve pain that may be caused by the cancer. Palliative surgery is not intended to treat or cure the cancer, or even to prolong life, but more to lessen discomfort.

• How to Find the Right Surgeon
• Coping with Your Surgery Anxiety
• Recovering from Surgery: Realistic Expectations

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses of drugs to eliminate cancer cells. Unlike surgery, chemotherapy affects the entire body, not just a specific part. It works by targeting rapidly multiplying cancer cells. Unfortunately, other types of cells in our bodies also multiply at high rates, like hair follicle cells and the cells that line our stomachs. This is why chemo can cause side effects like hair loss and an upset stomach.

Chemotherapy is most commonly given by pill or intravenously (IV), but can be given in other ways. A single type of chemotherapy, or a combination of drugs, may be prescribed for a specific length of time. Like surgery, chemotherapy can be prescribed alone, in conjunction with radiation therapy or biologic therapy.

• Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy
• Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration During Chemotherapy
• Can You Prevent Hair Loss Caused by Chemotherapy?

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses certain types of energy to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. It works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Nearby healthy cells can be damaged as well, but are resilient and are able to fully recover.

Radiation therapy may be given alone, along with chemotherapy, and/or with surgery. The decision to combine radiation therapy with other types of treatment depends on the stage of cancer and other factors.

• Radiation Therapy Basics
• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Irritation Caused by Radiation Therapy

Biologic or Targeted Therapy:
Biologic therapy is a term for drugs that target characteristics of cancerous tumors. Some types of targeted therapies work by blocking the biological processes of tumors that allow tumors to thrive and grow. Other types of therapies cut off the blood supply to the tumor, causing it to basically starve and die because of a lack of blood.

Targeted therapy is used in select types of cancer and is not available for everyone. It is given in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

Clinical Trials: Research studies of the latest drugs and therapies against many types of cancer are continuously being conducted. This type of research requires human volunteers to test the safety and effectiveness of new therapies. Volunteers must meet the criteria of each study to participate.

Types of Cancer. What are the Different Types of Cancer?

Types of Cancer
What are the Different Types of Cancer?

Cancer is a broad term used to encompass several malignant diseases. There are over 100 different types of cancer, affecting various parts of the body. Each type of cancer is unique with its own causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Like with all groups of disease, some types of cancer are more common than others.

Common Types of Cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women. Over one million cases are diagnosed each year, with more young people having skin cancer than ever before. The most common types of cancer in the United States based on frequency of diagnosis are:

• bladder cancer
• breast cancer
• colon cancer
• endometrial cancer
• kidney cancer (renal cell)
• leukemia
• lung cancer
• melanoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• pancreatic cancer
• prostate cancer
• thyroid cancer

Types of Cancer Classified by Body System
Cancer has the potential to affect every organ in the body. The cells within malignant tumors have the ability to invade neighboring tissues and organs, thus spreading the disease. It is also possible for cancerous cells to break free from the tumor and enter the bloodstream, in turn spreading the disease to other organs. This process of spreading is called metastasis.

When cancer has metastasized and has affected other areas of the body, the disease is still referred to the organ of origination. For instance, if cervical cancer spreads to the lungs, it is still called cervical cancer, not lung cancer.

Blood Cancer: The cells in the bone marrow that give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets can sometimes become cancerous. These cancers are leukemia or lymphoma.

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Bone Cancer: Bone cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that can affect both children and adults, but primarily affects children and teens. There are several types of bone cancer, but the most common types are:

• Ewing's Sarcoma
• Osteosarcoma

Brain Cancer: Brain tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). They affect both children and adults. Malignant brain tumors don't often spread beyond the brain. However, other types of cancer have the ability to spread to the brain. Types of brain cancer include:

• Adult Brain Tumor
• Brain Stem Glioma, Childhood
• Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood
• Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood
• Ependymoma, Childhood
• Medulloblastoma, Childhood
• Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors and Pineoblastoma, Childhood
• Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that affects women and much less commonly, men. More than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year. Types of breast cancer include, but are not limited to:

• ductal carcinoma in situ
• lobular carcinoma in situ
• inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the nipple
• Invasive types of breast cancer

Digestive/Gastrointestinal Cancers This is a broad category of cancer that affects everything from the esophagus to the anus. Each type is specific and has its own symptoms, causes, and treatments.

• Anal Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer, Extrahepatic
• Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal
• Colon Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Liver Cancer, Adult Primary
• Liver Cancer, Childhood
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Small Intestine Cancer
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Endocrine Cancers: The endocrine system is an instrumental part of the body that is responsible for glandular and hormonal activity. Thyroid cancer is the most common of the endocrine cancer types and generally, the least fatal.

• Adrenocortical Carcinoma
• Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal
• Islet Cell Carcinoma (Endocrine Pancreas)
• Parathyroid Cancer
• Pheochromocytoma
• Pituitary Tumor
• Thyroid Cancer

Eye Cancer: Like other organs in the human body, the eyes are vulnerable to cancer as well. Eye cancer can affect both children and adults.

• Melanoma, Intraocular
• Retinoblastoma

Genitourinary Cancers: These types of cancer affect the male genitalia and urinary tract.

• Bladder Cancer
• Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer
• Penile Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Renal Pelvis and Ureter Cancer, Transitional Cell
• Testicular Cancer
• Urethral Cancer
• Wilms' Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors

Gynecologic Cancers: This group of cancer types affect the organs of the female reproductive system. Specialized oncologists called gynecologic oncologists are recommended for treating gynecologic cancer.

• Cervical Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor
• Ovarian Cancer
• Uterine Sarcoma
• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer: Most head and neck cancers affect moist mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, like the mouth, throat, and nose. Causes of head and neck cancer vary, but cigarette smoking plays a role. Current research suggests a strong HPV link in the development of some head and neck cancer.

• Hypopharyngeal Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Lip and Oral Cancer
• Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer
• Oropharyngeal Cancer
• Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer
• Parathyroid Cancer
• Salivary Gland Cancer

Respiratory Cancers: Cigarette smoking is the primary cause for cancer affecting the respiratory system. Exposure to asbestos is also a factor.

• Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell
• Lung Cancer, Small Cell
• Malignant Mesothelioma
• Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma

Skin Cancers:
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and women. Exposure to the UV rays of the sun is the primary cause for non-melanoma skin cancer and also melanoma.

• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
• Kaposi's Sarcoma
• Melanoma
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma
• Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Symptoms of Cancer. Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Cancer is a broad term that encompasses over one hundred different types of cancer. Although each type has its own set of characteristics, there are some cancer symptoms that occur in many types of cancer.

It is important to note that some types of cancer do not present any symptoms until they are in advanced stages. This is why cancer screening and risk assessment are vital for cancer prevention and early detection.
Symptoms of Cancer
A broad spectrum of non-specific cancer symptoms may include:

• Persistent Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer is advanced, but still occurs in the early stages of some cancers. Anemia is commonly the culprit -- a condition that is associated with many types of cancer, especially types affecting the bowel. Fatigue is a symptom of both malignant and non-malignant conditions and should be evaluated by a physician.

• Unintentional Weight Loss: While it may be a welcome surprise to lose weight without trying, it can be a red flag for many illnesses, including cancer. Losing 10 pounds or more unintentionally definitely warrants a visit to the doctor. This type of weight loss can occur with or without loss of appetite. Remember, weight loss can be a symptom of cancer, but is also a symptom of many other illnesses, too.

• Pain Typically, pain is not an early symptom of cancer, except in some cancer types like those that spread to the bone. Pain generally occurs when cancer spreads and begins to affect other organs and nerves.

Lower pack pain is cancer symptom that is associated with ovarian cancer and colon cancer. Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Pain in the form of headaches can be associated with brain tumors (malignant and benign).

Stomach pains can be related to types of cancer, like stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and many others. Stomach pain can be a very vague symptom because so many illnesses can cause stomach pain.

• Fever: A fever is a very non-specific symptom of many mild to severe conditions, including cancer. In relation to cancer, a fever that is persistent or one that comes and goes frequently can signal stress on the immune system. Fevers are commonly associated with types of cancer that affects the blood, like leukemia and lymphoma, but are also common in people whose cancer has spread.

• Bowel Changes: If you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel habits, see your doctor. These symptoms are most commonly associated with colon cancer, but are also related to other cancer types.

• Chronic Cough: A persistent, new cough or a cough that won't go away or becomes worse needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Blood and/or mucus may accompany the cough and can be caused many conditions. In relation to cancer, a chronic cough with blood or mucus can be symptom of lung cancer.

Keep in mind that these are very general, vague symptoms of cancer. If you have one or two of these symptoms, it is not a red flag for cancer but more an indication to your doctor to run certain medical tests. The symptoms listed above are experienced by most people with cancer at various stages of their disease, but are also linked to many other non-cancerous conditions. For more specific cancer symptoms, see below for symptom information about several types of cancer. You may also get a better understanding of what your symptoms may mean by using the About.com Symptom Checker, an interactive health education tool.
Specific Symptoms of Different Types of Cancer

• Anal Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Penile Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Skin Cancer
• Stomach Cancer