Cancer 101: A Cancer Education and Training Program for American Indians & Alaska Natives Cancer 101: A Cancer Education and Training Program for American Indians & Alaska Natives Version 2 – Updated October 2011 Date Location Presented by: Presenter 1 Presenter 2

Cancer Screening and Early Detection Cancer 101 – Version 2 Learning Module 5

Learning Objectives At the completion of Module 5, you will be able to:  Describe the importance of early detection.  Describe two screening methods used in the detection of cancer.  Describe two barriers associated with practicing early detection.  Describe three symptoms of cancer.

Why is early detection important?  The goal of early detection is to discover and stop a cancerous tumor before it grows and spreads (metastasizes).  A person’s chance for full recovery is better if cancer is detected and treated earlier.

What is cancer screening? Checking for cancer in a person who does not have any symptoms is called screening.

Cancer Screening (cont’d)  Medical screening tests are effective tools for the early detection of cancer.  A few types of cancer have specific tests that aid in detecting cancer.

Cancer Screening & Prevention Screening tests for common types of cancer:  Breast – mammogram  Cervix – Pap test  Colon & rectum – fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, digital rectal exam  Prostate – digital rectal exam, PSA test

Screening for Breast Cancer  Mammogram Screening Diagnostic Digital  Clinical breast exam (CBE)  Breast self exam (BSE)  See your provider and get a mammogram every 1-2 years after age 40. Image Source: National Cancer Institute

Screening for Cervical Cancer  Papanicolaou (Pap Test)  Pelvic Exam  Cervical cancer screening should begin 3 years after a woman begins having sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21.  Women should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years Image Source: National Cancer Institute

How should women prepare for a Pap test? Doctors suggest the following tips…  For 48 hours before the test: Do not douche Do not have sexual intercourse Do not use vaginal medicines (except as directed by doctor), birth control foams, jellies, or creams  Schedule your test days after the first day of your menstrual period.

Screening for Colon & Rectal Cancer  Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) Guaiac FOBT Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)  Sigmoidoscopy  Colonoscopy  Barium enema  Digital rectal exam Images Source: National Cancer Institute

Virtual Colonoscopy  Computed tomographic (CT) colonography  Less invasive, less discomfort  Detects large polyps  Evolving test, still being studied Virtual colonoscopy image of the inside of a colon. The red colored area indicates a polyp. Image courtesy of Dr. R.M. Summers, National Institutes of Health.

Case Study  Martha is 55 years old.  She just went in for a check-up, and her doctor recommended that she schedule appointments for: A Pap test. Her last one was three years ago. It was normal. A mammogram. She had one two years ago. It was normal. A colonoscopy. She has not had any type of colorectal screening since she turned 50.

Screening for Prostate Cancer  Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)  Prostate- Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test Image Source: National Cancer Institute

Cancer Screening & Early Detection  Awareness of body changes may help detect early signs of cancer.  Examples of changes to note: Breast tissue Testicular tissue

Barriers to Cancer Screening & Early Detection  There are many barriers that may affect one’s decision to participate in cancer screening and early detection.  What barriers might Martha face?

Barriers to Cancer Screening & Early Detection (cont’d)  Examples of barriers include: Fear of cancer Lack of knowledge Modesty Communication Beliefs around illness  Are there others you can think of?

Possible Symptoms of Cancer  There are many different symptoms known to be associated with certain types of cancers.  A symptom is a sign that something is not right in the body and does NOT always indicate cancer.

Pay attention to your body if there is…  A change in bowel or bladder habits  A sore that does not heal  Unusual bleeding or discharge  Thickening, lump, or swelling in the breast or any other part of the body  Indigestion or difficulty swallowing  Recent change in wart or mole  Nagging cough or hoarseness

Pay attention to your body if there are…  Unexplained symptoms such as: Progressive weight loss Fever Skin changes Fatigue Pain

In Summary You now have an understanding of:  The components of early detection  Importance of recognizing the barriers to practicing early detection  The symptoms of cancer