Here's what you need to know about the cancers that affect women most:


LUNG CANCER

Cases per year: 11,300

Deaths: 9,200

Symptoms: Persistent cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing up blood, persistent hoarse voice, frequent chest infections, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite.

Screening methods: There is no general early screening method.

X-rays may detect early signs of the disease but also produce many false-positive results. The Princess Margaret Hospital is involved in an early lung cancer screening study that involves smokers and ex-smokers over 50 and uses low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, which can show tumours in the very early stages when they are most treatable. The scans show several hundred, 1-mm-thin cross-section images of the lungs from top to bottom; a conventional X-ray only shows two views of the chest.

Risk factors: Smoking, exposure to asbestos, arsenic or radon gas, family history of lung cancer, exposure to air pollution.

Treatment: May include one or more of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy.

Latest research: A study funded in part by the Canadian Cancer Society has identified a set of 15 genes that may predict the aggressiveness of an early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer and identify those patients who might benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. The findings suggest that patients without this set of genes have a less aggressive cancer and could be spared chemotherapy.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BREAST CANCER

Cases per year: 22,400

Deaths: 5,300

Symptoms: Lump in breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes on breast, redness or swelling in the affected breast, inverted nipple, crusting or scaling on the nipple.

Screening: Mammography (once every two years recommended for women ages 50 to 69); clinical breast examination (once every two years recommended for women over 40); self-examination. Women with family history of breast cancer should ask doctor about a personal plan.

Risk factors: Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, early menstruation, late menopause, having taken hormone replacement therapy for more than five years, never having given birth, giving birth for the first time over the age of 30, dense breast tissue, increased number of non-cancerous cells in the breast, radiation treatment to the chest before age 30, being over 50. Obesity, alcohol consumption and use of birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.

Treatment: Depends on type and stage of cancer and may involve combination of therapies. A lump-ectomy removes the tumour while conserving most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast and sometimes the lymph nodes. Radiation is used to treat many stages of breast cancer and is frequently used after a lumpectomy. Chemotherapy is used on many stages of breast cancer. Hormonal therapy is used if tumour is hormone-receptor positive. Biological therapy uses drugs to help the body's immune system fight cancer. Herceptin treats human epidermal growth-factor-positive tumours.

Latest research: Research funded by the Canadian Cancer Society includes: assessing the type of information patients require about complementary therapies, use of MRI to detect if cancer has spread, investigating whether combining various anti-cancer drugs can activate genes that prevent spread.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORECTAL CANCER

Cases per year: 9,700

Deaths: 4,100

Symptoms: Change in bowel habits, bloody stool, diarrhea or constipation, narrower than usual stools, general abdominal dis- comfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vomiting.

Screening: Fecal occult blood test every two years for those over 50.

Risk factors: Polyps, family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, high-fat diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, Ashkenazi descent.

Treatment: May include one or more of the following: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy where the immune system is strengthened to boost its defences against the disease. Biological drugs can also target the cancer cells without damaging benign ones.

Latest research: Studies are being conducted into the effects of vitamin D, selenium and calcium on people with polyps. Research includes investigating links between a diet low in vitamin B1 and colon cancer risk, and how anti-cancer treatments might block genetic changes within cells.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THYROID CANCER

Cases per year: 3,400

Deaths: 110

Symptoms: A lump in front of the neck, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing, persistent pain in the throat or neck.

Screening: Physical examination of lymph nodes, blood tests for abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, ultrasound for examining tiny thyroid nodules, thyroid scans.

Risk factors: Exposure of thyroid gland to radiation, history of thyroid conditions such as goiture and thyroid nodules, family history of thyroid cancer.

Treatment: May include: surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or a combination of these.

Latest research: Recent identification of the genetic causes of inherited thyroid cancer now makes it possible to identify family members carrying the abnormal gene. Other studies involve new chemotherapy drugs which attack specific targets on cancer cells.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UTERINE CANCER

Cases per year: 4,200

Deaths: 790

Symptoms: Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain.

Screening: There is no general early screening method for uterine cancer. The PAP test can occasionally detect early instances of the disease, but most cases are not found through this test.

Risk factors: Being over 50, hormone replacement therapy consisting of estrogen without progesterone, obesity, late menopause, early first menstruation, diabetes, infertility, hypertension, use of the drug tamoxifen.

Treatment: Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes) and removal of lymph nodes, radiation; hormonal therapy, chemotherapy.

Latest research: Australian research has been conducted into the role of heredity in uterine cancer and the connection between a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. Other research includes: analyzing the molecular structure of cancer cells, studying the role of lifestyle in the development of uterine cancers, determining if hormone replacement therapy is safe for uterine cancer survivors.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PANCREATIC CANCER

Cases per year: 1,950

Deaths: 1,950

Symptoms: Few warning signs in early stages. Vague discomfort that comes and goes in the abdomen, pain in the upper abdomen and back, yellowing of skin, eyes and dark urine, leg swelling, increased blood sugar that can cause thirst, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, recurring infections, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatty stools, flatulence, intolerance of fatty or greasy foods, bloating, belching and persistent hiccups.

Screening: None.

Risk factors: Age over 50, smoking, diet low in vegetables, fruit and fibre, obesity, workplace exposure to gasoline manufacturing process, family history of cancer.

Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.

Latest research: American researchers are using light-scattering techniques to detect changes in the small intestine caused by the disease. It is hoped this will enable physicians to effectively screen for pancreatic cancer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

Cases per year: 3,200

Deaths: 1,400

Symptoms: Enlarged, usually painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating at night, unexplained fever, general unwell feeling, fatigue.

Screening: None.

Risk factors: Aging, weak immune system, autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, HIV/AIDS, viral infections, prolonged exposure to pesticides, herbicides, solvents or fertilizers, previous radiation or chemotherapy.

Treatment: May include one or more of the following: chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy using rituximab (Rituxan) or alemtuzumab (Campath), stem cell transplantation.

Latest research: Ongoing research into new or non-traditional chemotherapy drugs, such as bortezomib and thalidomide, or on new ways to combine drugs. Research also being conducted into the use of biological therapies such as rituximab, which targets lymphoma cells to the exclusion of other cells. Other areas of research include improvements in bone marrow and peripheral blood cell transplant methods, investigations into possible vaccines which would boost immune reactions. Vaccines in late stage clinical trials include MyVax and BiovaxlD.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OVARIAN CANCER

Cases per year: 2,500

Deaths: 1,700

Symptoms: Persistent and/or vague abdominal discomfort such as lower abdominal or pelvic pressure, pain, bloating or swelling, change in bowel habits, feeling full after a light meal, indigestion, flatulence, upset stomach, a feeling that bowel has not emptied, nausea, fatigue, lower back pain, leg pain, frequent or urgent urination, abnormal vaginal bleeding, menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse.

Screening: None.

Risk factors: Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, colon, uterine or pancreatic cancers, use of hormone replacement therapy (especially estrogen-only therapy), age over 50, never having been pregnant. Other possible risk factors being studied include the use of fertility drugs, certain types of diet, smoking, the use of talcum powder on the genitals, and a combination of early menstruation and late menopause.

Treatment: May include one or more of the following: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Latest research: New drugs are expected to emerge from research into the genes responsible for familial ovarian cancer. In the United States and United Kingdom, research is underway into more effective methods of screening for the disease, including transvaginal ultrasounds, CA 125 testing and pelvic examination.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CERVICAL CANCER

Cases per year: 1,300

Deaths: 380

Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between regular menstrual periods, bleeding after sex, pain during intercourse, longer and heavier menstrual periods, bleeding after menopause, more discharge from vagina than normal, lower back or pelvic pain.

Screening: Sexually active women should have a Pap test every 1 to 3 years.

DNA tests for HPV have been shown to be more accurate than Pap tests in women over 30 years of age; however, this test is not available in all provinces, is not part of regular screening and is used in addition to, not as a replacement for, regular Pap testing.

Risk factors: Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV), early sexual activity, having many sexual partners or a sexual partner who has had many partners, smoking, having a weak immune system, prolonged use of birth control pills, giving birth often, previous use of DES or having a mother who used it.

Treatment: May include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.

Latest research: Two vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, prevent infection by HPV and were approved for use in Canada in 2006.

Research is ongoing into more effective screening methods: liquid-based Pap tests show more promise than the currently used Pap smears.

More research is needed on how the DNA HPV test can best be included in screening programs.


All case figures are 2008 estimates for Canada from the Canadian Cancer Society

Compiled by Star Library

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/504715

Thanks for making the site PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Month...

4 years ago a colleague of mine(GTM) died in NY from this terrible disease. She was in remission for 10 years...

3 yes ago, my GY neighbour died on May 3rd...shortly b4 her 50th b;day....
she knew something was wrong for about 5 mths but did not go to the Dr.
when she went in March, it was toooooooooo late


PLEASE GET CHKD...men get breast cancer too...

quote:

Originally posted by chameli:
3 yes ago, my GY neighbour died on May 3rd...shortly b4 her 50th b;day....
she knew something was wrong for about 5 mths but did not go to the Dr.
when she went in March, it was toooooooooo late


PLEASE GET CHKD...men get breast cancer too...

Cham when this girl(she was my bro's student, also) died, she & her hubby had just celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

Now, nah men do not get breast cancer according to an exGNIer...

I mentioned that about 4-5 yrs ago.. an ex-GNIer tried to contradict me...

My two friends whom are doing the walk and raising funds for their friend has been doing a great job and the tally is only for the online donations, they have been collecting cheques as well.


https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/p.asp?l=1&t=2743160

https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/p.asp?l=1&t=2914504

Rosi, i saw some folks name i know

i spoke to my cuz this eve....amazing what a lil leonora gyal can endure after losing both breasts

btw Amral, she works in your neighbourhood.

Colon Cancer and Prostate is the next damn thing we gotta worry about.

Do I know this girl Chami?

Amral, she grew up in Leonora
she is my dad step sis daughter.

Thanks to the generous GNIer who dontated to the cause above.

quote:

Originally posted by Rosita:
Thanks to the generous GNIer who dontated to the cause above.

yes...i saw 2 gniers

quote:

Originally posted by T_P:
Thanks for making the site PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Month...

4 years ago a colleague of mine(GTM) died in NY from this terrible disease. She was in remission for 10 years...

remission is a temp ting - sad to say

My friend's wife just had a lupectomy. The surgeon indicated that she might just need radiation treatemnt, but when she met with the oncolgist a few days ago, he is recommending, chemo, hormonal and radiation. She is now confused and depressed.

quote:

Originally posted by Mitwah:
My friend's wife just had a lupectomy. The surgeon indicated that she might just need radiation treatemnt, but when she met with the oncolgist a few days ago, he is recommending, chemo, hormonal and radiation. She is now confused and depressed.

She needs to to talk to others who went thru this & also to talk to a Psychologist...

quote:

Originally posted by amral:
Colon Cancer and Prostate is the next damn thing we gotta worry about.

Do I know this girl Chami?

My FIL prostate was caught very early ... he lived until he died at a very ripe age of 91, in 2006.

Today i went to this huge house in Caledon (my cuz and her wakenaam hubby built this mansion out there...yeah, me lil proud of her )

okay...i went to her home for a prayer (Navraat time has lots of prayers)

at this prayer, i met a village mate who was in my class up to std 4....i remarked to my cuz that she looks good (i had not seen her since std 4)
my cuz then told me that the woman has a wig on because few yrs ago she had both of her breasts taken by cancer and after chemo and radiation, her hair did not grow back...my heart went out to that woman and as i left, i hugged her even more.

Amral thanks for putting the bb in dedication of cancer awareness.

I know the color is a bit painful to the eyes but it's a reminder that anyone can become a victim of this deadly disease.

Just a reminder that as much as people will sympathise and give there love and support to the person who got struck with the disease, it's only that person going through all the treatment and horrible ordeal of recovery can really feel the pain and suffering.

Their life will never be normal again. Yes, they can be a survior but always wondering.

Family members and friends also suffer in tears when their loved one cannot eat a morsel of food because of mouth sores. Or their loved one is up all night because of all the drugs in their body.

The nausea, fevers, the aches and pain from additional drugs needed to counteract side effects and the list goes on.

A doctor who recently was on TV had a double masectomy and she said she never knew what it was like until it got her.

What is also interesting, I recently witnessed at least 6 guyanese (male and female) at a hospital receiving cancer treatment for various forms of cancer.

I think the Cancer Society raised over $5 million dollars and research and technology has come a long way. A person diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago stood a slimer chance of surving than today(unless it's terminal).

Thanks to those GNIers who supported my friends on the links I attached. Much appreciated

Breast cancer ‘jab within reach’


LONDON: Enough is known about the causes of breast cancer to make a vaccine or prophylactic drug a real possibility, a leading cancer expert said.
Professor Valerie Beral of Oxford University, who leads the Million Women’s Study into the causes of the disease, said the study had put beyond doubt what had long been guessed - that many breast cancers are caused by the absence of hormonal changes connected with childbirth. Beral challenged the scientific community to turn its efforts to preventing breast cancer.
While money and effort is poured into better drug treatments, hardly anyone is working on prevention.
In an interview, she said that while death rates have been slashed by new drugs and earlier diagnosis, the number of women getting breast cancer and having to go through traumatic surgery and chemotherapy was rising.
Genes played a part in only a very small number of cancers. The processes of giving birth and breastfeeding protected a woman from breast cancer more than anything else. The more children a woman had and the longer she breastfed, the lower her risk was of later contracting breast cancer.
Women in developed countries where small families are the norm have six times the breast cancer risk of those in rural parts of Asia with large families. Returning to an era where women had endless babies and breastfed for two years or more at a time was not an option, Beral said. “But why aren’t we thinking of mimicking the effects of childbirth?” she said.
“We don’t know how this happens and nobody is doing research on it. We should be looking at hormone production during late pregnancy and lactation.”
Beral is director of the cancer epidemiology unit of Oxford University. Her work, funded by Cancer Research UK, uses large amounts of statistical data to identify the traits or behaviour that put women at risk of breast cancer.
She is not a biochemist, but she asked the National Cancer Research Institute’s annual conference why the avenue of breast cancer prevention which might lead to a drug or vaccine was not being pursued.
It has already happened in cervical cancer, she pointed out. The discovery that most cervical cancers are caused by the humanpapilloma virus has led to a vaccine which is expected to give women many years of cancer protection. – Guardian News & Media

Last nite i found out that the 19 yr old daughter of someone i know died of cancer recently(the mom and i taught at vergenoegen sch. together )

Chami thanks for the Chalisa - it gave me goose bumps.

BTW that link is opened until the end of this month, it's your call.

I've lost my Aunt and my Grandma (both of whom died when I was a baby) to breast cancer. Another Aunt suvived. I've also have a couple of close peeps on the road to recovery as I type and I know although I can't feel their pain or take their suffering for them..they will always be in my thoughts.

It took a long time for me to come to this thread because then it makes it real what the doc said ...50 50%chance. It's way too close to home.

quote:

Originally posted by Rosita:
Chami thanks for the Chalisa - it gave me goose bumps.

BTW that link is opened until the end of this month, it's your call.

Rosi, you are very welcome

i got the okay from the one up deh

will be done SUNDAY to mark a special day

There is $325. in the gni donation pot.

A decision has been made to donate this money to cancer research.

since Rosi's fren is someone we 'know of' I will donate that money to her fund raiser.

If anyone who donated towards the gni fundrasing within the last 3 mths have any objection then kindly
.
..
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
hold your tongue thanks

seriously, if u object (and only those who donated within the last 3 mths can do this) pls let the bossman know

thanks amral all all you fine people that contribute to this topic you save me a ton of work .... i am curently pursuing a course in nursing.. and was to do a presentation on cancer... and i got a lot from this today thanks guys