Lung Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. This type of cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the lung. Different factors increase or decrease the risk of lung cancer. With all this talk about lung cancer and the danger it poses on our lives, have you taken the next step in finding out if screening is right for you?
Screenings are performed to help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a low-dose computed tomography screening is recommended for individuals aged 55 to 77 years old. Those in this age range who are at high risk for lung cancer should undergo such screening to ensure the highest chance of survival. High risk is defined as a current heavy smoker or former heavy smoker who has quit within the last 15 years. Annual screenings are also recommended for individuals who have at least a 30 pack per year smoking history.
It is important for all people to take the initiative to live a healthy life, minimizing the risk of developing cancer. One way we know for sure that can decrease an individual’s risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking. The benefits of quitting smoking cigarettes are greater than we realize.
Just 20 minutes after you quit, your blood pressure and heart rate immediately drop from an elevated rate.
Hours later, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal.
Within months after quitting, your circulation and lung function begin to improve and risk of heart disease is cut in half.
The benefits of quitting clearly outweigh the risks. So please, for your health’s sake, quit today and check with your doctor to find out if lung cancer screenings are right for you.
Find additional information about lung cancer prevention, treatment options, risk factors and more here.
16 Tips for a Healthy 2016
With the start of each New Year comes new goals to improve ourselves in hopes for a happier and healthier life. Each January, Americans begin making these changes but perhaps have trouble following through with them. Let’s make this year different!
The following are important and worthy resolutions to consider. Choose only a few and channel your energy into improving those aspects of your life. Make your goals more attainable by breaking each one into a series of steps, then focus on creating specific, measurable and time-based improvements.
- Get active. Walking just 30 minutes per day could help lower your chance of developing cancer. Get moving today!
- Quit Smoking. Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. Let loved ones know you’re quitting so they can support you. Not only is it majorly beneficial to your health to ditch the cigarettes, but it will also save you loads of money this year.
- Drink less alcohol. It’s no secret excessive drinking can damage your health. Now that the holidays are over, perhaps meet friends at cafes or restaurants instead of bars.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. Developing healthy eating habits is a great resolution and an even better lifestyle choice. Keep your kitchen stocked with fruits and vegetables to keep up with this goal.
- Lose excess weight. As with all of your resolutions, don’t expect overnight success with this one. Consider keeping a food journal to track what you eat, and plan ahead to make the temptations of fast food and candy bars easier to avoid in times of extreme hunger.
- Get back in touch with friends and family. It’s great for your health to reconnect with old friends and family that perhaps you haven’t seen or spoken to in some time. Rejuvenate these relationships, not just on social media, but in-person visits too!
- Women: check your breasts monthly. About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Self-exams can help. Establishing a regular breast self-exam schedule is very important. Also, talk to your doctor about your next mammogram.
- Cut your stress. Long work hours, too little sleep and poor diet can attribute to high stress. Developing a relaxation method like practicing yoga or meditation can help lower stress levels and improve overall health.
- Take care of your skin. Schedule your skin screening for 2016, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen even throughout the colder months. Harmful UV rays can actually be stronger when they reflect off of snow.
- Explore your family health history. An accurate family health history can help determine what diseases you may be at risk of developing. Start building your family chart today.
- Hit the snooze button. Getting more sleep can work wonders on your mood and your health. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. So hit the snooze button once in a while – and don’t feel guilty about it!
- Volunteer. Service organizations always appreciate donated money, but giving your time is more satisfying on both ends. Look for ways in your community to help make a difference.
- Drink more water. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids, energizes muscles and keeps skin looking good! Generally, eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is a good rule of thumb for most people.
- Keep a journal. Putting pen to paper can be a liberating experience and a great way to work through anxieties and fears. In doing so, you may sleep better at night and focus more clearly on other things during the day.
- Don’t skip breakfast. Make it a point to eat something that will fuel you through the day. Choose a fruit or granola mix to get you going in the morning.
- Reduce your screen time. Much of our time is spent staring at our computer screens, cell phones and televisions. According to Psychology Today, excessive screen time appears to impair brain structure and function.
Reward yourself from time to time to keep up your enthusiasm and to ensure 2016 is a year of great health choices, happiness and self-care. Good luck and have a happy and healthy 2016!
Season of Hope
“Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so indispensable, none so powerful, as hope.” – Charles W. Sawyer
Cancer affects your body, but it absolutely affects your emotions and feelings, too. This can be especially difficult to deal with during the holiday season, as this is a time meant for joyful events with family and friends.
Mental health care and emotional support may help patients and their loved ones better manage cancer and its treatment. Finding the strength and hope you need to feel the best you can during the holidays is important to have the best possible quality of life. Being together is truly the greatest holiday gift of all, and embracing those around us can allow all joy to thrive despite struggle this season.
There are loads of wonderful opportunities around your community too, to help you get into the holiday spirit. Below you will find links to schedules of holiday parades and events in each of the Gulf Coast Cancer Center’s locations: Brewton, Foley, Daphne and Monroeville.
The American Cancer Society also offers more tips to help lift your spirits:
- Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whether of joy, fear, sadness, or pain. Let yourself laugh or cry.
- Take care of yourself: Eat balanced meals and make time for some exercise.
- Allow yourself simple pleasures that will help lift your mood.
- Learn to say no. You don’t have to participate in everything. People will understand if you can’t attend or do certain activities.
Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in times of trouble and never stop believing. Happy Holidays from our Gulf Coast Cancer Centers family!
Hard Facts of Lung Cancer
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the disease, while encouraging the nation to make changes in their lifestyles, to live and breathe healthier.
With an estimated 158,040 deaths from lung cancer in the United States this year, lung cancer accounts for about 27% of all cancer deaths and is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
With these astonishing figures, it’s important to know the facts and learn what can be done to lower your risk of developing lung cancer.
- Tobacco – Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. At least 80% of lung cancer deaths are the result of smoking tobacco.
Secondhand smoke, breathing in the smoke of others, can also increase your risk of developing lung cancer by nearly 30%. Secondhand smoke is thought to cause more than 7,000 deaths from lung cancer each year. It is especially important for parents to take note of this when smoking around their children.
- Radon – According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country, and is the leading cause among non-smokers. Radon levels may vary around the country. If you are concerned about your radon exposure in your home, you can find more information here.
- Asbestos – Asbestos, often found in the workplace, is a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that is found in fabrics and used in fire-resistant and insulating materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and/or mesothelioma. Though these cancers may take decades to develop, they only take months to spread to distant organs.
- Family History of Lung Cancer – If you or a family member has had lung cancer, the risk of developing the disease is much greater. Though researchers are not sure if this cause is entirely genetic, or can be linked to secondhand smoke too. Having a strong history of lung cancer, however, makes a person more likely to develop lung cancer, even if they don’t smoke or only smoke a little.
Share this important information with family and friends that smoke, as the overwhelming majority of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. If you, or a loved one, have difficulty quitting smoking, there are many outlets that can help. Check out the American Cancer Society’s online guide: Stay Away From Tobacco.
For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Sources: American Cancer Society
Self Exams & Mammograms
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated each October, helps to increase awareness of the disease and encourage early detection and prevention. Receiving clinical breast exams and mammograms on a regular basis, as well as performing routine self-exams are crucial steps to catching breast cancer as early as possible. When breast cancer is detected early and in the localized state, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%. So, the best way to fight cancer is to have a plan that allows you to detect the disease in its early stages.
When should you begin your early detection plan?
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health exam preferably every 3 years.
- Starting at age 40, women should have a CBE by a health professional every year.
- Women age 40+ should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so as for as long as they are in good health.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol consumption are a few of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and help with your overall health.
In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, talk with your doctor to make a plan for maintaining your health and reducing your risk of breast cancer. Share with other women the importance of early detection and regular screenings, and encourage them to make a healthy living plan too.
For more information on breast cancer awareness and early detection, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, BreastCancer.org
Questions about Prostate Cancer Screenings
Men make about half as many physician visits for prevention as women. Men also have a higher death rate for most of the leading causes of death including cancer. More specifically, about 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men. (Lung cancer is No.1.)
However, screenings for prostate cancer are not right for every man. Below is a list of questions to ask your doctor that will help determine if prostate screenings are right for you.
Along with these questions make a list of any health issues you’ve been experiencing, update your log of current medications, and write down any other medical questions you have for your doctor. Make prevention a priority by scheduling an appointment with your doctor. It could add years to your life.
Sources: American Cancer Society
Head and Neck Cancer on the Rise
Head and neck cancers are found in the oral cavity, the pharynx (throat), the larynx (voicebox), the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, and salivary glands. While more than 75 percent of these cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use, the incidence rate for HPV-related cases has increased in the last decade. Furthermore, approximately 70 percent of cancers in the oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are caused by HPV.
As with all cancers, early detection is key. Since many people may not see a primary care physician even once a year, regular dental visits (twice yearly) are crucial to catching oropharyngeal cancers. Here’s a list of some possible signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal cancers to watch for:
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal (most common symptom)
- Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away (also very common)
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
- A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat that doesn’t go away
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Trouble moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw
- Voice changes
- A lump or mass in the neck
- Weight loss
- Constant bad breath
If you notice any of these signs as described by the American Cancer Society – especially if they last more than two weeks – make an appointment to see your physician or dentist. When found early, head and neck cancers can be kept from spreading to other parts of your body, and your chances of survival are much greater.
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
7 Keys to Sun Safety
Skin Cancer Awareness/UV Safety Month
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is not only about avoiding a painful sunburn; it’s most importantly to save your life. With rates of skin cancer on the rise over the last decade, more new cases occur each year than combined cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Annually, more than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, not including melanoma, which causes an estimated 135,000 new cases and takes approximately 10,000 lives.
Scheduling annual skin screenings, monitoring your skin through monthly self-exams, and seeing your doctor about any changes in your skin are vital steps to detecting skin cancer early and stopping it when treatment is most effective. Here are a few other important ways to protect yourself and your family from developing skin cancer:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on a daily basis.
- For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
The Skin Cancer Foundation has a Mini Skin Cancer Prevention Handbook* that you can download, print and keep with you at all times. Take your skin care seriously – it will last you a lifetime.
Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society
Choosing the Path to a Healthier Life
National Men’s Health Month is celebrated each June to increase awareness of preventable health problems in men and to encourage men to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Awareness of health issues that specifically affect men can lead to early detection and increase the chances for successful treatment, especially with certain cancers. The four cancers that most commonly affect men are skin, prostate, lung and colorectal.
So, what can men do today to stay healthy and decrease their cancer risk?
Skin Cancer
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and seeking shade are a few ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole. Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. If you spot anything suspicious, see your doctor.
Prostate Cancer
A man’s risk for developing prostate cancer increases with age. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them. Based on a man’s lifestyle and family history, the individual should discuss a proactive prostate health plan with his doctor.
Lung Cancer
A man has a 1-in-13 chance of developing lung cancer in his lifetime. That risk is actually higher for smokers and lower for non-smokers. Smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, which overall account for more cancer deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. The most important thing you can do to lower your lung cancer risk is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Colorectal Cancer
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Screenings can find precancerous polyps – abnormal growths in the colon or rectum – so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.
Receiving regular medical care, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting yourself in the sun, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are among the many ways in which men can ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Though preventive medicine is cost effective and reduces the risk of illness and disease, men make half as many physician visits for prevention as women. By getting regular physical exams and screenings, men can take charge of their health, maximize their lives, and set an example for other males, including their sons.
Be brave. Choose the paths that will positively impact your life and your health.
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, menshealthmonth.org
A Friendly Reminder for Women
Schedule dental exam – check. Schedule skin screening – check. Schedule kids’ checkups – check…
With all of the steps we take to maintain our health, remembering the exact details about when to start and how often to get regular screenings can be difficult. Especially since many guidelines are specific to our genetic makeup, family history, and other factors. For women, two of the most serious health risks to schedule regular screenings for are breast and cervical cancers. Each of these cancers has very specific guidelines for prevention and early detection, so we’re breaking down a few of the basics for women according to their ages:
Breast Cancer
Age 20: Starting at age 20, breast self-exam (BSE) is an option. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
Ages 20-40: Women should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.
Age 40+: Women should have a CBE by a health professional every year, and should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
Cervical Cancer
Age 21-29: Women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening), and should have a Pap test every 3 years. HPV testing should not be used for screening in this age group (it may be used as a part of follow-up for an abnormal Pap test).
Ages 30-65: The preferred way to screen is with a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years (co-testing). Another reasonable option is to get tested every 3 years with just the Pap test.
Age 65+: Women who have had regular screenings in the previous 10 years should stop cervical cancer screening as long as they haven’t had any serious pre-cancers (like CIN2 or CIN3) found in the last 20 years.
Again, many other factors can contribute to your personal schedule of screenings for these cancers. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and also your family history of these diseases to make a screening plan that is tailored to any increased risks you may have.
Visit the American Cancer Society’s website for more information and guidelines on prevention and early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other cancers.
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
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