|
[1] In Controlling Cancer—You Make A Difference
[2] The key is ACTION. [3] You can help protect yourself against cancer. Act promptly to:
[4] Prevent some cancers through simple changes in lifestyle.
[5] Find out about early detection tests in your home.
[6] Gain peace of mind through regular medical checkups.
Cancers you should know about
[7] Lung Cancer is the number one cancer among men, both in the number of new cases each year (79,000) and deaths (70,500). [8] Rapidly increasing rates are due mainly to cigarette smoking. [9] By not smoking, you can largely prevent lung cancer. [10] The risk is reduced by smoking less, and by using lower tar and nicotine brands. But quitting altogether is by far the most effective safeguard. The American Cancer Society offers Quit Smoking Clinics and self-help materials.
Colorectal Cancer is second in cancer deaths (25,100) and third in new cases (49,000). When it is found early, chances of cure are good. A regular general physical usually includes a digital rectal examination of the rectum and a guaiac slide test of a stool specimen to check for invisible blood. Now there are also Do-It-Yourself Guaiac Slides for home use. Ask your doctor about them. After you reach the age of 49, your regular check-up may include a "Procto," in which the rectum and part of the colon are inspected through a hollow, lighted tube.
[11] Prostate Cancer is second in the number of new cases each year (57,000) and third in deaths (20,600). [12] It occurs mainly in men over 60. [13] A regular rectal exam of the prostate by your doctor is the best protection.
A Check-up Pays off
[14] Be sure to have a regular, general physical, including an oral exam. [15] It is your best guarantee of good health.
How Cancer Works
[16] If we know something about how cancer works, we can act more effectively to protect ourselves against the disease. Here are the basics:
[17] 1: Cancer spreads; time counts—Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. [18] It begins small and if unchecked, spreads. [19] If detected in an early, local stage, the chances for cure are best.
[20] 2. Risk increases with age—This is not a reason to worry, but a signal to have more regular thorough physical check-ups. Your doctor or clinic can advise you on what tests to get and how often they should be performed.
3. What you can do—Don't smoke and you will sharply reduce your chances of getting lung cancer. Avoid too much sun, a major cause of skin cancer. Learn cancer's Seven Warning Signals, listed on the back of this leaflet, and see your doctor promptly if they persist. Pain usually is a late symptom of cancer; don't wait for it.
Unproven remedies
Beware of unproven cancer remedies. They may sound appealing, but they are usually worthless. Relying on them can delay good treatment until it is too late. [21] Check with your doctor or the American Cancer Society.
More Information
[22] For more information of any kind about cancer—free of cost—contact your local Unit of the American Cancer Society.
Know Cancer's Seven Warning Signals
[23] 1. Change in bowel or bladder habits.
[24] 2. A sore throat that does not heal.
[25] 3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
[26] 4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
[27] 5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
[28] 6. Obvious change in wart or mole.
[29] 7. Nagging cough or hoarseness.
[30] If you have a warning signal, see your doctor.
* This pamphlet is from the American Cancer Society | 