LEADING KILLERS Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Prostate Cancer Testicular Cancer

BREAST CANCER Definition: a disease in which normal cells develop into bad cells and grow out of control in breast tissue Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

RISK FACTORS Being female - About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime Age - as with many other diseases, your risk of breast cancer goes up as you get older

Family history of breast cancer - If you've had one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is doubled. Personal history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast diseases. Prior treatments with radiation therapy to the breast/chest area (for example: Hodgkin’s disease – enlarged lymph nodes/cancer of immune system)

BREAST CANCER IN MEN Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

SYMPTOMS New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) *Most common area that lumps are found in is between breast and armpit Thickening, swelling or pain in any of part of the breast Any change in the size or the shape of the breast

Dimpling of breast skin (like an orange peel) Redness or flaky skin on nipple Pulling in of the nipple Pain, wound or sore that does not go away

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES/SCREENINGS Self-examination of breast and armpit area (once a month) Clinical examination (doctor) Mammogram – x-ray of breast tissue (beginning in mid to late 40’s or sooner if strong family history)

TREATMENT Surgery - an operation where doctors remove cancer tissue Chemotherapy - to shrink or kill the cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can be pills you take or medicines injected in your veins, or sometimes both Hormonal therapy - blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow Radiation therapy - high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer

CERVICAL CANCER Definition: a disease in which normal cells develop into bad cells and grow out of control in the cervix

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus.

RISK FACTORS Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes to cells on a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time. Having sexual intercourse - especially unprotected Having several sexual partners

SYMPTOMS HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can't tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer. HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES/SCREENINGS 2 HPV vaccines are available to protect females AND MALES against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Both vaccines are recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. The Pap Test (or Pap smear) screens for precancerous cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if not treated properly.

When should I woman start getting Pap tests? It is recommended that women should start at age 18, or sooner if you are sexually active.

TREATMENT Surgery - doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation Chemotherapy - using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer (pills or injections) Radiation - using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer

PROSTATE CANCER Definition: a disease in which normal cells develop into bad cells and grow out of control in prostate The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and is located just below the bladder. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men.

RISK FACTORS Age - The older a man is, the greater his risk for getting prostate cancer. Family history - A man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is 2-3 times more likely to develop the disease himself. Researchers do not yet agree on the other factors that can influence a man’s risk of developing the disease, either positively or negatively. ***If a man lives to be old enough, he will develop prostate cancer at some point.***

SYMPTOMS Difficulty urinating (starting, interrupted flow, frequent urination, difficulty emptying bladder) Pain or burning during urination Blood in the urine or semen Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away OR No symtoms at all!

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES/SCREENINGS Digital rectal exam (DRE): doctor estimates the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities Blood test – (PSA) Prostate specific antigen test: measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.

TREATMENT Surgery - A prostatectomy (removal of prostate) Radiation therapy - Using high-energy rays (similar to X- rays) to kill the cancer. Hormone therapy - blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. Other therapies used in the treatment of prostate cancer that are still under investigation include— Cryotherapy – the freezing and killing of cells Chemotherapy High-intensity focused ultrasound. This therapy directs high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) at the cancer to kill cancer cells

TESTICULAR CANCER Definition: a disease in which normal cells develop into bad cells and grow out of control in testicular tissue (The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction). between the ages of 15 and 35. Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare; however, it is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35.

The chance of a man getting testicular cancer is about 1 in 263. The risk of dying from this cancer is about 1 in 5,000.

RISK FACTORS Age - About half of testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34 Race - In the US, white men are more likely to get testicular cancer than other groups Family history of testicular cancer HIV infection History of testicular cancer

SYMPTOMS Lump, swelling or firmness in a testicle Any enlargement or change in the way it feels Pain or discomfort Sudden collection of fluid in testicles or scrotum History of undescended testicle A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin Infertility Sometimes there are NO SYMPTOMS at all

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES/SCREENINGS Regular self-examinations Blood Tests Ultrasound Biopsy

TREATMENT Surgery – to remove the cancer Radiation therapy Chemotherapy

TREATMENT Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive one of several treatments, or a combination. Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest.

Testicular Cancer - Self-Exam News Story Lance Armstrong Story

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS… Do your self exams monthly! Listen to your body If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it See a doctor as soon as possible

MELANOMA Tumor produced by melanocites – the cells that give your skin pigment (good cells that go bad)

RISK FACTORS Family history Sun exposure (natural or tanning bed) Race – Caucasians are more susceptible Gender – both get it, but chances for men is 1/39 and women is 1/58

SYMPTOMS Abnormal moles/freckles A – asymmetrical B – border (irregular) C – color D – diameter E - evolving – CHANGING OVER TIME!

PREVENTION/SCREENINGS Self-exam or self-check – BE AWARE! Yearly check-up (PCP or dermotologist) Wear sunscreen – broad spectrum SPF 30

TREATMENT Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy