HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness

SELF-CARE CORNER

During the month of October, many organizations, groups and individuals across the world increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to research the disease and find a cure.

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

* If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.

* If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.

Risk factors for breast cancer in women include:

* Increasing age

* Changes in BRCA1, BRCA2, and other cancer genes

* Personal history of breast cancer or a mother or sister has or had breast cancer

* Dense breast tissue (shown on a mammogram)

* Certain abnormal breast changes that are not cancer. These changes are found during a breast biopsy.

* Radiation therapy to the chest before age 30

* Never giving birth or having a first full-term pregnancy after age 30. Never breast-fed a baby.

* Being obese or overweight after menopause

* Hormone therapy (estrogen plus progestin) after menopause

* Alcohol-the more used, the greater the risk.

* Lack of physical activity throughout life

Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.

FYI

The third week of October is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Though rare, men can get breast cancer too. For men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. Yearly, about 450 men in the U.S. die from breast cancer. Men should look for and report a lump or other change in a breast to their doctors.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cancer Awareness

Cancer

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the U.S.

Many cancers can be cured if detected and treated early. Along with avoiding tobacco products, a healthy weight, regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet greatly lowers cancer risk.

Get screening tests for cancer (e.g., breast, colon, prostate, etc.) as advised by your doctor. Do cancer self-exams, too.

Eat plenty of veggies, fruit, whole grains, beans, and lentils. Limit processed and sugary foods. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid or limit alcohol.

The most common type of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer. To help prevent skin cancer, limit sun exposure and use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Learn about all types of cancer from the National Cancer Institute at 800.4.CANCER (422.6237) orcancer.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Busting The Myths About Breast Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Experts are still learning about this disease and what causes it.

There are many myths related to the origins of breast cancer. The following items do not cause breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

* Antiperspirants and deodorants

* Caffeine

* Dairy products

* Microwaves

* Cell phones

* Being around others with cancer

Truth about breast cancer risk

There are some things that can increase the chances of getting breast cancer. These are called “risk factors.” The following risk factors are things you cannot change:

* Being a woman

* Being over age 55

* Caucasian race

* Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

* Having abnormal breast cells in the past

* Starting menstruation (periods) before age 12

* Going into menopause after age 55

* Gene mutations with BRCA1 or BRCA2

* Having dense breast tissue

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. The best thing to do is talk with your doctor about your risk factors. Together, you can come up with a plan for breast cancer screening or other testing, if needed.

Ways you can lower your risk

* Get plenty of exercise.

* Eat a balanced & healthy diet.

* Get & stay at a healthy weight.

* Avoid or limit alcohol.

* Avoid tobacco, including second-hand smoke (research is ongoing)

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Breast Cancer Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cervical Cancer

Women’s Health

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus. Cancer of the cervix can occur at any age. It occurs most often in women who are over 30 years old. It is rare in women under the age of 20, but is also common in women in their 20s.

Signs & Symptoms

Screening tests, such as Pap tests and HPV (human papillomavirus) tests, are important because signs and symptoms are not often present in the early stages of the disease.

Late Stage Symptoms

* Vaginal bleeding or spotting blood between menstrual periods or after menopause.

* Vaginal bleeding after sex, douching, or a pelvic exam.

* Vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you.

* Increased vaginal discharge.

* Pain in the pelvic area.

* Pain during sex.

* Blood in the urine.

* Signs of anemia (fatigue and dizziness).

* Poor appetite and weight loss.

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

The main risk factor is being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). This is passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Certain high risk types cause most cervical cancers. Other types increase the risk for genital warts or other conditions that are not cancer. Not all women who are infected with HPV get cervical cancer and HPV is not present in all women who have cervical cancer either.

The risk increases for persons who:

* Started having sex at an early age.

* Had or have sex with multiple sex partners. The more partners, the greater the risk.

* Had unprotected sex.

* Had or have sex with a partner who: has HPV, began having sex at a young age, and/or has or had many sexual partners.

* Not having routine Pap tests. These screen for abnormal cells that can turn into cancer. It can take several years for this to occur, but could happen in a short period of time, too. These changing cells can be treated so they don’t turn into cancer.

* Having a current or past sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia. Having one kind of STI increases the risk of having another kind.

* Smoking.

* Long-term use of oral contraceptives.

* Being the daughter of a mother who took a drug known as DES during her pregnancy. (This drug was used from 1940 to 1970 to prevent miscarriages.)

* Taking drugs or having HIV/AIDS or any other condition that lowers the immune system.

Prevention

Two or three doses of HPV vaccine can help prevent the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccines are advised for girls ages 11 to 12 years old, but can be given from age 9 years to age 26 years. Find out more about HPV vaccine fromcdc.gov/hpv.

Treatment

If found early, the cancer can be cured in most women. To find it early, have regular cervical cancer screenings. Get tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as advised by your doctor.

Treatment depends on what is found. The precancerous form of cervical cancer is called dysplasia. Mild cases of this can be monitored with more frequent Pap tests. Medical treatment can also be given. This includes laser therapy and removing part of the cervix. Surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy also treat cervical cancer.

If the cervical cancer has not spread and a woman wants to get pregnant in the future, just part of the cervix may be removed. If a woman does not want a future pregnancy, a hysterectomy may be chosen.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Have Pap tests and pelvic exams as often as your doctor advises.

* Use “Safer Sex” to help prevent HPV and other STIs.

* Get tested for HPV, as your doctor advises. Tell your partner(s) to get tested, too.

* Ask your doctor about getting the HPV vaccine.

* Don’t douche. If you do, don’t do this more than once a month.

* Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you do, quit!

If you have a low income, or do not have health insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost Pap test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To find out if you qualify, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

Resources

National Cancer Institute

800.4.CANCER (422.6237)

www.cancer.gov

www.clinicaltrials.gov

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

800.685.5531

www.nccc-online.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Does Stress Lead To Cancer?

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Whether due to work, family or finances, most of us have felt stressed at some point in our lives. And to make matters worse, some studies have shown that stress can lead to depression, anxiety, or a weakened immune system. But can it cause cancer?

The National Cancer Institute says no. There is no evidence that stress alone can lead to cancer. But, habits such as smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods may be linked to cancer. These are often done in response to high stress events.

Bottom line:cope with stress in healthy ways, such as exercising, deep breathing, meditation, and getting help from your doctor, if needed. Lowering your overall stress levels will help you feel your best emotionally and physically. And, don’t worry about whether the occasional stressful event may cause cancer. The experts say it won’t.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cervical Health

Women’s Health

Pap tests, pelvic exams, and a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) check for early signs of cervical cancer.

If you are a female, start getting Pap tests at age 21 or within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first. After that, get a Pap test at least every 3 years or as often as your doctor advises.

If you are a female 30 to 65 years old, you may have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Talk to your doctor about which testing option, including how often, is right for you.

Learn about cervical cancer from the Cancer Information Service at 800.4.CANCER (422.6237) andcancer.gov/types/cervical.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know About Prostate Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

Experts at Mount Sinai Medical Center offer this prostate cancer prevention advice:

*Age is the strongest risk factor:Almost two-thirds of prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.

*Family history can be important:Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.

*Race is a factor:Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races.

*Follow a healthy diet:Eat more low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, and limit intake of red or processed meat.

*Diagnose cancer early:Speak with your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer and the benefits of screening. For men at high risk, screening should be considered at age 40.

Screening works

Screenings consists of a PSA blood test, which measures the level of PSA, a protein that is produced by the prostate gland, and a digital rectal exam, which can uncover physical abnormalities of the prostate that may be a sign of cancer.

NOTE:

Prostate cancer screening guidelines vary with different health groups. Ask your doctor at what age you should discuss prostate cancer screening. Ask about the benefits and risks of PSA blood tests.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Colorectal Cancer

Cancer

In the U.S., cancer in the colon or rectum is the 4th most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women. Finding cancers of the colon and rectum in their early stages allows for more successful treatment.

Discuss screening for colorectal cancer with your doctor if you are age 45 and older (earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer).

To help prevent colon cancer, get to and stay at a healthy weight. Get regular physical activity. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Limit red meat and processed meats, like hot dogs and sausage. Also, avoid or limit alcohol and quit smoking.

Learn more about colorectal cancer, including current guidelines on screening methods fromcancer.gov/types/colorectal.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Melanoma And Skin Cancer Awareness

MEDICAL NEWS

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one American every 54 minutes.

The good news is many cases of skin cancer can be prevented. Before you head outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, know how you can protect yourself and your family from skin cancer.

*There’s no “safe” tan:Getting a “base” tan before vacation isn’t safe. It increases your risk of skin cancer and aging of the skin. Using self-tanners is the only safe way to get a bronze glow.

*Seek shade:One of the best ways to avoid UV rays is to love the shade. Trees, umbrellas and buildings are easy ways to keep the sun’s rays off your skin, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when rays are strongest.

*Get vitamin D safely:Though the skin makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun, there are safer ways to get what you need of this nutrient. Eggs, fatty fish, fortified dairy and juice are good ways to get your D.

*Use caution with water and snow:Swimming and skiing can expose the skin to more UV rays because the sun reflects off water and snow. Be diligent about sun protection during these kinds of activities.

*Apply (and reapply) sunscreen:Use a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply at least every 2 hours, and after swimming or toweling off.

*Use protective clothing:Sun protective hats, shirts, scarves and more are available to help block UV rays. Look for clothing and swimwear with a “UPF” rating on the label for protection. Use it with sunscreen for optimum protection.

Finally, contact your doctor if you notice a new, itchy or painful mole. Moles with irregular shapes and borders or those that are black or multicolored should be checked.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Lessen Environmental Connections To Cancer

Cancer

* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Get your house tested for radon – the number 2 cause of lung cancer after smoking. You can buy a radon test kit from a hardware store.

* Take harmful waste products, such as empty aerosol cans; leftover paint, paint chips and thinners; and unused fertilizers and pesticides to a local hazardous waste drop-off site. Search for one near you atearth911.org.

* Restrict the use of pesticides, which are all toxic to some degree. Use nontoxic products to treat and maintain your lawn. Find ways to greenscape your lawn and yard fromepa.gov.

* Wear sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) and clothing to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

* Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Eat plenty of plant-based foods: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Avoid or limit alcohol to 1 drink a day (women and over 65) or 2 drinks a day (men).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026