C IS FOR CANCER

Bonjour earth inhabitants. A few weeks till valentine’s day. My fellow ladies, please don’t buy your significant other a pair of socks, please. I am tired of the internet making fun of us.

February 4 is World Cancer Day so today’s blog will be on the 5 most common cancers found in women. Sorry men, I literally just posted this here because I had written it for my dad’s site and thought to myself, work smarter, not harder.

A cancer diagnosis is frequently associated with a family medical history, lifestyle choices, or environmental factors. And while you cannot control your family history or your whole environment, you can control healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight control, and quitting smoking if you’re a smoker.

According to global cancer statistics, the 5 most common cancers in women are; skin, breast, colorectal, lung, and cervical cancers.

1) Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer to occur in women. This occurs in the cells of the top layer of the skin. If the skin cells’ DNA becomes damaged, it can cause the cells to grow out of control, thereby eventually forming a tumor.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

–Basal cell carcinoma

–Squamous cell carcinoma

–Malignant melanoma (less common but more dangerous as it is more likely to grow and spread)

Common risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer are:

–Exposure to UV rays (including sunlight and tanning beds)

–Having fair skin

–Having a large number of moles

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer:

The common signs are;

–Skin changes

–Mole presence

–Sore that doesn’t heal

–Crusty red spot

Detection of skin cancer:

For early detection, start by performing regular skin checks at home. Make sure to cover every square inch of your body, including your scalp, belly button, buttocks, underarms, and between your fingers and toes. Be aware of all moles and spots on your skin.

If you notice any changes or become concerned, see a dermatologist to perform a skin exam. You can also ask them to complete a mole check if you are not sure whether any have changed. Performing a skin biopsy can catch skin cancer and treat it early.

What can you do?

The most important way to lower your risk of most skin cancers is limiting exposure to UV rays from the sun and other sources like tanning beds. When outside, try to stay in the shade, especially during the middle of the day. If you’re going to be in the sun, wear hats with brims, long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin. If you have children, protect them from the sun and don’t let them get sunburned.

The best ways to prevent skin cancer are to avoid sunburn, use sunscreen (yes, black KINGS & QUEENS NEED SUNSCREEN TOO!!), and perform regular mole checks.

2) Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women other than skin cancer. It occurs in the breast cells and can spread to the lymph nodes under the arms. It can be either:

A) Hereditary breast cancer can occur if you have inherited a genetic mutation in one of the BRCA genes from your parents.

B) Acquired breast cancer develops from changes that take place in the breast throughout your life. Acquired genetic mutations can result from radiation, cancer-causing chemicals, and other unknown environmental factors.

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer include:

i. Age: Two out of three women with invasive breast cancer are 55 years or older.

ii. Family history: Your risk is doubled if your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer. Your risk is tripled if two immediate relatives have had it.

iii. Genes: Between 5 and 10 percent of breast cancers are thought to be caused by specific gene mutations that are hereditary, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 being the most common mutations linked to the disease. Normally, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes that play a primary role in stopping abnormal cell growth in breasts, ovaries, and other cells. If one of these genes is broken, it can increase the risk of developing cancer. When a parent carries a BRCA gene mutation, their male and female children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

iv. Race: White women are more susceptible to breast cancer than African-Americans, but African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer, partly because their tumors may grow faster and appear at a more advanced stage.

v. Dense breast tissue: More fibrous and glandular tissue rather than more fatty tissue. This can be due to age, menopausal status, certain drugs, pregnancy, and genetics and can increase breast cancer risk up to twofold and can also make visualizing early cancers on a mammogram more difficult.

vi. Previous radiation treatment to the chest: Women who were previously treated for another cancer have a higher risk of breast cancer, particularly if they got the treatment when their breasts were still developing.

vii. A greater than average number of menstrual periods: (onset of menstruation before age 12, onset of menopause after age 55) slightly raises risk.

 viii. No pregnancies or late first pregnancy (after the age of 30): this minimally raises overall risk. It is also important to note that pregnancy may increase the risk of specific breast cancer subtypes, like a triple-negative disease.

ix. Birth control pills:  particularly oral contraceptives. The level of risk appears to go back to normal 10 years after a woman stops taking the pill.

x. Past treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES): a drug once used to prevent miscarriage, mildly raises breast cancer risk.

xi. Post-menopausal hormone therapy: Avoiding this treatment decreases your risk of breast cancer.

xii. Not breastfeeding: this may slightly increase breast cancer risk.

xiii. Being overweight: (particularly after menopause) increases risk. Breast cancer feeds on estrogen, and this hormone is more plentiful in people who are obese.

xiv. Lack of exercise: has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

xv. Heavy drinking: Compared with nondrinkers, women who have one drink per day are at a small increased risk of breast cancer, while women who have two to three drinks per day have a 20 percent higher risk of developing the disease.

xvi. Red meat consumption: this has also been tied to breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

If any of these breast or nipple changes occur, make an appointment to see your doctor:

–Breast lump

–Nipple changes

–Dimpling in your breast (like an orange peel)

–Swollen breast

–Lump in your underarm

–Nipple discharge – particularly concerning if spontaneous or bloody discharge. Stimulation of the breasts, hormones, pregnancy, and lactation can cause normal nipple discharge.

–Breast or nipple pain

–Nipple retraction (inward into the breast)

–Red, itchy, scaly, or thick skin on your breast

Detection:

One of the best ways to screen for breast cancer is by having an annual breast screening. It is recommended that all women begin screening mammograms at age 40.

3) Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the large and small intestines, which includes the rectum. Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the colon or rectum. These abnormal growths, left untreated, can turn into cancer and grow through the walls of the colon and into the rectum. If they spread to other areas in the body, it is known as metastatic cancer. It accounts for 8 percent of all cancer cases and 8 percent of female cancer deaths. A woman’s odds of getting colon or rectal cancer are 1 in 24.

While this type of cancer can occur in young adults and teenagers, the majority of cases are diagnosed in adults ages 50 and over. The average age at which women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 72.

Besides age, there are several other risk factors, some of which can be controlled:

–A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, Lynch syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis

–Being over 50 years of age

–Having an inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

–Being African-American or being an Ashkenazi Jew (a Jew of Eastern European descent)

The following lifestyle factors may also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

–A low-fiber, high-fat diet

 –Type 2 Diabetes

–Obesity

–Sedentary lifestyle (a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down, with very little to no exercise)

–Heavy alcohol drinking (don’t worry, a glass a day is fine)

–Smoking

–Radiation therapy for cancer

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer:

Some symptoms can be confused with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal diseases. However, if you notice any of the following, contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

–Dark, bloody, thin, or tarry stools from bleeding or obstruction in your GI tract.

–Constipation or diarrhea or any other change in your stools

–Significant abdominal pain or cramps

–Weakness and fatigue unrelated to lifestyle

–Unexplained weight loss

–Increased bowel movements due to a tumor that is on or near your intestines

Detection:

Early detection is a lifesaver when it comes to colorectal cancers. It usually takes 10 to 15 years for abnormal cells to grow in the colon, which means that having regular colonoscopy screening tests to look for polyps and remove them before they become abnormal helps you avoid some of the most severe consequences of these cancers.

Screening tests can be done in several different ways:

1. Stool test – checks your stool for signs of polyps or cancer annually

2. Sigmoidoscopy – a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube inserted into your rectum every 5 years

3. Colonoscopy – like a sigmoidoscopy, but with a longer tube, to scope your intestines through your anus every 10 years

Screening guidelines are broken down by age:

i. 18-39: Screening is not necessary unless you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or a condition like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

ii. 40-49: Some colorectal cancer screening recommendations begin at age 45.

iii. 50+: Colonoscopy every 10 years or as recommended by your doctor.

Multiple studies have also shown that getting enough calcium (either via diet or a supplement), limiting red and processed meats, and increasing fiber intake was linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancers.

4) Lung Cancer

Lung cancer affects the lungs. The lungs are 2 spongy organs that help you breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The windpipe is called the trachea, which further breaks into the bronchia, bronchioles, and alveoli. Lung cancer can occur in any of these locations. Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in the lungs. As the cells continue to develop, they form a tumor. If the tumor spreads beyond the lungs, it is called metastasis. Metastatic lung cancer is when lung cancer spreads beyond the lungs.

The main risk factors for lung cancer are smoking or secondhand smoke.

Other factors that increase lung cancer risk include exposure to:

–Radon gas

–Asbestos

–Arsenic (either inhaled or in drinking water)

–Diesel exhaust

–Air pollution

The best lifestyle choice to make is to quit smoking, never start smoking and avoid secondhand smoke at all costs.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

The common signs and symptoms are:

–Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

–Chronic cough (usually a dry, prolonged-lasting cough)

–Chest pain

–Bloody mucous

Detection of lung cancer:

The recommended screening for current or former smokers is ages 55-74. Low-dose CT scans can identify lung cancer in its early stage, while it is still highly treatable.

5) Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs as a result of a genetic change in the DNA of healthy cervical cells. The cells grow and multiply at an abnormal rate, eventually forming cancerous tumors. Most of the time, cervical cancer is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).

The following risk factors increase your possibility of developing cervical cancer:

–Contracting human papillomavirus or HPV (accounts for 90% or more of all cervical cancer cases)

–Abnormal pap smear

–Smoking

–HIV or AIDS infection

–Using birth control pills for more than 5 years

–Giving birth to 3 or more children

–Having multiple sex partners

Cervical cancer does not show signs or symptoms early on. However, as the disease advances, it can cause a wide range of symptoms such as; menstrual irregularities, abnormal vaginal discharge, and abdominal pain (to name a few).

Detection:

A Pap test and HPV screening can detect cervical cancer early.

To perform the screening, your doctor will collect a small sample of cervical cells:

i. The Pap smear looks for precancerous cell changes on the cervix that have the potential to become cervical cancer if left untreated.

ii. The HPV test looks for the virus that causes abnormal cell changes to the cervix.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following:

–Cervical cancer testing should start at age 25. People under age 25 should not be tested.

–People between the ages of 25 and 65 should get a primary HPV test every 5 years. A primary HPV test is an HPV test that is done by itself for screening. If you cannot get a primary HPV test, get a co-test (an HPV test with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.

The most important thing to remember is to get screened regularly, no matter which tests you get.

–People over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal (or “negative”) results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Your most recent test should be within the past 3 to 5 years. Those with a history of serious cervical precancer should continue to be tested for at least 25 years after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65,

–People who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) should stop testing unless the surgery was done to treat cervical cancer or a severe precancer.

–People who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group.

There are ways to decrease your risk for cervical cancer:

i. HPV vaccine that protects against the high-risk types of HPV that cause vaginal, vulvar, and cervical cancer

ii. Regular pap-smears

iii. Using condoms for sexual intercourse

That is all for today. I hope you enjoyed the post and learned a new thing or two.

Take care, see you soon!