Thinking about cancer can be scary,
but like with most challenges in life the
more we know about it the better we can face and fight the disease.
First, it's important to know that many cancers can be prevented by
eating wisely, being active,
not smoking and limiting how much alcohol you drink.
Besides having a healthy lifestyle
it's also important to get recommended
cancer-screening tests,
the good news is when found early most cancers are much
easier to treat.
Let's take a closer look
at 3 of the most common types of cancers;
lung, breast and colorectal cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths by far;
can you guess the number one cause of lung cancer?
That's right, it's smoking cigarettes.
Right now there are about 430,000 living with this
cancer in the US.
Often lung cancer has no symptoms until it spreads,
but, sometimes symptoms may
include a cough or respiratory infection that won't go away,
coughing up blood, and hoarseness.
If you have any of these you should see your doctor.
To diagnose lung cancer
tests like x-rays and MRI's are used to know for
sure a sample of lung tissue is tested.
VA Recommends screening for lung cancer
for people ages 55-80
who have smoked one pack a day for 30 years and are still smoking
or if they quit less than 15 years ago.
Next, the most common cancer found in women;
breast cancer.
In fact, one in 8 women will have breast cancer in their life
and a small number of men will have it too.
Unfortunately they're often no symptoms
but the most common one is finding a lump.
Others may include swelling,
skin irritation, and breast pain.
If you have any of these you should see your doctor.
To diagnose breast cancer mammograms, ultrasounds
and MRI's take images;
a biopsy may also be taken to test for cancer.
To screen for early signs of breast cancer,
VA recommends a mammogram for women every year
if you are 45-54.
If you're 40-44 you may choose to start annual mammograms,
screening under age 40
may be recommended if you are a high risk.
Discuss your risk level with your provider.
If you are 55-74 you should have a mammogram every 1-2 years.
Some women 75 or older should also get screened.
Unlike breast cancer, colorectal cancer
affects men and women almost equally
and is the third most common type of cancer.
It usually starts with a growth or polyp inside the colon
or rectum
and takes several years to develop into cancer.
Like many cancers there are often no
symptoms in the early stages.
If you do have them, they may include
rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits and cramping.
If you have any of these you should see your doctor.
Screening tests have different risks,
benefits and recommended frequency.
To look for signs of colorectal cancer tests
may be based on a stool sample, or direct colon view tests such
as colonoscopy
or CT colonography.
VA recommends adults ages 50-75 be screened for colorectal cancer.
Earlier screening under age 50 may be recommended
if you are at high risk.
Discuss your risk level with your provider.
If you are ages 76-85,
screening may also be recommended for some.
With regular screening, polyps can be removed
before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
When it comes to treating
lung, breast and colorectal cancer many of the same
therapies are used,
their job is to remove and destroy cancer cells.
These therapies include surgery,
chemotherapy and other medicines, radiation,
immunotherapy and hormone therapy.
And now, you're probably wondering which cancer screenings
you should get and when?
Your VA health care team can help identify which tests
are best for you
based on your medical risk and family history.
Remember preventing cancer starts
with reducing your risk by living a healthy lifestyle, then
be sure to get the
recommended screenings to look for cancer before you show any
signs so it can be treated early.
For more information visit
www.prevention.va.gov.