HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Cancer

Do A Skin Self-Exam

SELF-CARE CORNER

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Yet, it is easy to overlook what is literally right in front of you when you look in the mirror every day.

Regularly examining your skin, including the hard-to-reach places, gives you early notice that you should visit a dermatologist. Catching concerns early makes diagnosis and treatment easier and more effective.

Common conditions

Few people have flawless skin. It’s normal to experience skin issues, and the risk of skin disease increases with age. Common dermatological concerns you may experience include:

* Acne

* Psoriasis

* Eczema

* Rosacea

* Skin cancer

* Nail fungus

* Hair loss

* Wrinkles and other cosmetic skin concerns

Skin Self-exam

Many skin conditions are highly treatable when caught early. A regular skin self-exam lets you examine your whole body and monitor any moles, blemishes, or areas of concern.

1. Do a skin exam about once a month after exiting the shower or bath.

2. Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Check your front, back, and each side with your arms raised.

3. Bend your elbows and examine your forearms, underarms, and palms.

4. Using a hand mirror, check the back of your neck and scalp. Part your hair to look closer at your scalp.

5. Check your back and buttocks using a hand mirror.

6. Sit down and thoroughly examine your legs, the soles of your feet, and between your toes.

When to seek care

A dermatologist is a medical professional specially trained in diagnosing and treating hair, skin, and nail conditions. Regular visits to a dermatologist should be part of routine adult healthcare. But, in between visits, be on the lookout for these signs:

* A mole or patch of skin that changes color, size, or shape

* Severe or persistent acne

* Rash, itching, or hives that do not clear on their own

* A skin condition that does not heal

* Long-lasting skin irritation

* Persistent dry skin patches

* Nails that appear yellow or brittle

* Increasing hair loss

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prostate Cancer

Cancer

This cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the risk of having prostate cancer rises after age 50.

Men aged 50 to 69 years should discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctors. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should do this starting at age 40.

When present, symptoms of prostate cancer include:

* Passing urine often or having a hard time passing urine

* Pain and burning when you pass urine, have an erection, or ejaculate. Pain in the hips, pelvis, ribs, or spine

* Blood in the urine

Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms, which can be the same ones for other prostate problems.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Turn Awareness Into Action

WELL-BEING

Breast cancer screening guidelines vary with different health groups. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force advises women ages 50-74 to get a mammogram every 2 years.

Women ages 40-49 and 74+ should discuss their breast cancer risk and the pros and cons of breast cancer screening with their doctors or health care providers. Women at a high risk for breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about breast cancer screening and prevention.

Many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

Your doctor can help you decide if you should take medication to help prevent breast cancer and if you should seek genetic counseling.

Even though you cannot control breast cancer risk factors such as aging and inheriting certain breast cancer gene mutations, you can take action to help prevent breast cancer.

* If you have babies, breast-feed them.

* Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking hormone therapy using estrogen and progestin for menopausal symptoms. Taking both estrogen and progestin for more than five years increases breast cancer risk.

* Lose weight if you are overweight, especially if you have reached menopause.

* Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk.

* Be physically active. Strenuous exercise for more than four hours a week may help lower breast cancer risk.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uterine Cancer

Women’s Health

The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear- shaped organ in a female’s lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. Cancer of the uterus most often affects the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, so is also called endometrial cancer. It is the most common reproductive cancer in women. Most women diagnosed with uterine cancer are between the ages of 50 and 70. When found and treated early, though, more than 90% of cases can be cured.

Signs & Symptoms

* Abnormal bleeding, spotting, or discharge from the vagina is the most common symptom.

* Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause. The bleeding can begin as a watery, blood-streaked discharge. Later it can contain more blood.

{Note: Some cases of uterine cancer can be detected by a Pap test, but this is used to detect cervical cancer. Even if you have had a recent normal Pap test, see your doctor if you have post menopausal vaginal bleeding.}

Cancer of the uterus does not often occur before menopause. It can occur around the time menopause begins, though.

When bleeding stops and starts up again, let your doctor know. If you are on hormone therapy, you may have regular cyclic bleeding.

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

The risk for uterine cancer is greater if you have had increased exposure to estrogen from one or more of the following:

* Late menopause or early menstruation

* Irregular periods or ovulation

* Polycystic ovarian disease. The ovaries become enlarged and contain many cysts due to hormone imbalances.

* Obesity. Women who are obese make more estrogen.

* Estrogen therapy. {Note: Estrogen therapy increases the risk for uterine cancer. Giving progestin with estrogen can dramatically reduce the risk.}

Other risk factors include:

* A history of infertility

* A history of endometrial hyperplasia. This is abnormal thickening of the endometrium.

* A history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer

* Diabetes

Treatment includes one or more of the following:

* Surgery. Most women have a total hysterectomy. This removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

* Radiation therapy

* Chemotherapy

* Hormonal therapy

* Clinical trials

Self-Care

Medical care, not self-care, is needed for uterine cancer.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When

* You have any “Signs & Symptoms” of uterine cancer.

* You need to schedule your yearly pelvic exam.

Resources

National Cancer Institute

1-800-4-CANCER (422-6237)

www.cancer.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Working Through Cancer

WORK LIFE

A person is considered a cancer survivor from the minute he or she is diagnosed with the disease. Staying at work during treatment or going back to work after treatment can pose challenges along with fighting the disease.

Employers are required to support a survivor’s decision to work, said Teri Hoenemeyer, director of education and supportive services at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Cancer is classified as a disability, and working survivors have protections and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so employers will need to provide time for doctors’ appointments and treatments that may go above and beyond Family Medical Leave,” she said.

Whether it’s a work colleague, family member, or yourself, this advice may help, say survivors:

* Take it all in one bit at a time-one day, one treatment, one surgery, one radiation.

* Though it can be difficult, stay positive.

* Understand that cancer will take away your hair, your energy, and control of your schedule, but it will give back many new things such as supportive friends and coworkers, notes of encouragement, and a new outlook on life.

Hoenemeyer said once back in the workplace following a diagnosis, survivors must take special care of themselves.

“Extra rest, a healthy diet, physical activity, and low stress are all important factors to the survivor at work,” Hoenemeyer said. “Take time out of the day to do something that focuses on managing stress and anxiety; it could be meditation, sitting still with some music or taking a walk.”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
10 Tips To Lower Your Risk For Colorectal Cancer

SELF-CARE CORNER

UCLA experts encourage you to protect your colon health:

1. Get regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 if you are at normal risk.

2. Talk to your doctor about screenings before age 50 if you are at higher risk. This could be due to a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers or inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Eat between 25 and 30 grams of dietary fiber each day. Fiber is in fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and beans.

4. Eat a low-fat diet. Colorectal cancer has been associated with diets high in saturated fat.

5. Eat foods with the B-vitamin folate. Good sources are leafy green vegetables.

6. Drink alcohol in moderation and quit smoking. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and cancers of the stomach and intestines.

7. Exercise for at least 20 minutes 3 to 4 days a week.

8. Report to your doctor any persistent symptoms such as:

* Blood in the stool

* A change in bowel habits

* Weight loss

* Narrower-than-usual stools

* Abdominal pains or other gastrointestinal complaints

9. Maintain a healthy weight.

10. Get more information atwww.cancer.org(the American Cancer Society website).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Reasons To Get Your Colonoscopy

MEDICAL NEWS

If you’re age 50 or older, your doctor may have recommended you get a colonoscopy. This test, which uses a thin, lighted tube to view inside the colon and rectum, checks for:

* Polyps, which are growths or bumps that could turn into cancer

* Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon and/or rectum)

A colonoscopy gives the doctor a chance to remove polyps and possible cancerous growths during the test.

Even though a colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, many people put off getting one. This is often because they are nervous about the test or they don’t want to do the “prep.” Preparing for a colonoscopy usually means you take medicines that cause diarrhea the day before the test. This can be inconvenient, but it’s worth the hassle.

Here are 4 good reasons you should call your doctor about scheduling it today:

1.Early colon cancer has no symptoms.Many people have polyps or even colon cancer for months or years and don’t know it. A colonoscopy can find these things early and increase the chances of a good outcome. The earlier colon cancer is found, the higher the likliehood of successful treatment.

2.One day of prep could save your life.No one likes to have diarrhea. But, one day of prep means you’re getting a test that checks for a common and sometimes deadly cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society says more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer in 2018. It is the third most common cancer in the U.S.

3.There are ways to make the prep easier.Ask your doctor about adding certain flavorings to your medicine to make it taste better. Also, there are many clear liquids other than water you may be able to drink. Sports drinks, tea, coffee, popsicles and some broths may be allowed. Usually, red, blue and purple dyes need to be avoided, but other flavors are fine.

4.Can’t put a price on peace of mind.With so many people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, isn’t it worth a day of discomfort to know that you’ve been screened? Even if a polyp or possible sign of cancer is found, you can get on the path to treatment that could be life-saving.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Steps To Prevent Colorectal Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in our country. It takes the lives of about 50,000 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many of these deaths, however, could be prevented. Here’s what you need to know:

1.Take care of your heart.Avoiding colorectal cancer is like getting a two-for-one deal. If you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, you’ll also be lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. Don’t smoke, get regular exercise, and lose weight if you’re overweight. Limit red meat to no more than two servings per week. Finally, drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men.

2.Know the symptoms.Signs of colorectal cancer usually include blood in your stool or stomach pain that doesn’t go away. See your doctor if you notice these signs.

3.Find out your family history.If you have a close blood relative with the disease, you may be at a higher risk of getting it. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

4.Get screened.Tests include stool blood tests that you do at home, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Follow your doctor’s advice for screening tests and how often you need them. If you are at normal risk, begin screenings at age 50 and have them up to age 75. If you have risk factors for or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, you may need tests sooner and more often. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings can save your life!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breast Cancer

Cancer

The pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer awareness.

If you are due for a mammogram, and have not yet scheduled one this year, do it today.

Schedule a mammogram. This X-ray of the breasts can help detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat successfully.

Women are advised to get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40. Women at a higher risk for breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about getting mammograms.

Ask your doctor about your risk for breast cancer. You can also use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool atcancer.gov/bcrisktool.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
5 Things To Know About Lung Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

Lung cancer is the country’s leading cause of cancer death. Many of the 160,000 deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. can be prevented. Dr. Bruce Johnson, the director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sorts out the facts about lung cancer and offers simple ways to reduce risk.

1. Lung cancer targets more than just smokers. The greatest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, but nonsmokers can also develop lung cancer. About 10 to 15 percent of lung cancer cases occur in nonsmokers, many of them women.

2. Know the warning signs. They can be subtle but symptoms to be aware of include a cough that does not go away, shortness of breath, back and shoulder pain, and coughing up blood. This could be a sign of something serious and should be discussed with a doctor.

3. It’s never too late to quit smoking. People who stop and remain a nonsmoker for at least 10 to 20 years can cut their risk of developing lung cancer by 50 to 75 percent.

4. CT screenings can save lives. Lung cancer can be difficult to detect and, until recently, there has not been a good screening test. But results from the National Lung Screening Trial suggest that screening high-risk people with low-dose CT scans can detect tumors at an earlier stage, resulting in improved lung cancer survival. Screening is currently recommended for people who are between the ages of 55 and 74 and who have smoked a pack a day for 30 years and quit fewer than 15 years ago.

5. New therapies show promise. Thanks to advances in the last decade, new targeted therapies offer more treatment options for patients.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026