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Prostate and GYN Cancer

September is the ...........

For Men Only…….National Prostate Awareness Month

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Cancer Society (ACS), many uncertainties persist regarding the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Cancers found by digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing are, on average, smaller and have spread less than cancers discovered because of symptoms they cause. But prostate cancer is unlike many other cancers in that it often grows very slowly.

For men with cancer that is proven not to have spread beyond the prostate gland, the five-year relative survival rate is near 100%, whether or not they are treated. Before early detection tests were widely used, most men with prostate cancer were diagnosed with advanced disease, and most died within a few years of the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can help some men to live longer. Since prostate cancer testing has become more common, the prostate cancer death rate has dropped.

Recommendations for early detection of prostate cancer include the PSA blood test and the DRE. The recommended guidelines are that a DRE be done annually and a PSA blood test be offered initially, beginning at age 50 years, and to younger men who are at high risk. Depending on the results of the initial PSA, the guideline indicates that some men only require a PSA test every two years, but can be left to the discretion by the physician as to the frequency of the testing. However, men in high-risk groups, such as those with a strong family history (for example, a father or brother diagnosed at a young age) or African Americans should begin testing at 45 years of age.

Evidence shows that early detection of prostate cancer can save lives. It is up to you and your health care provider to discuss the potential benefits, side effects, and uncertainties regarding early prostate cancer detection and treatment, prior to testing.

For more information on this subject you can visit the NCCN at their website at www.nccn.org.


For Women Only……..Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

According to the Women's Cancer Network, on average, every 6.4 minutes a loved woman in this country - mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt or significant other - will be diagnosed with a cancer of the reproductive ogans...ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, vaginal or tubal. Each year approximately 82,000 women will be told they have one of these diseases. Yet many women are unaware of the risks or preventative measures associated with the disease.

Youth doesn't protect you from this disease -- it strikes women in their teens as well as post-menopausal women over 50. Now the good news...A diagnosis of gynecologic cancer doesn't have to determine a woman's fate. In fact, early detection can help a woman take action towards future prevention and cure. Women are urged to take action and safeguard their gynecologic health by incorporating early detection and prevention techniques into their regular health routine.

To safeguard your health, you must understand some basic facts about the gynecologic cancers.

  • You must have a pelvic examination and Pap smear every year if you are 18 or older or if you are under 18 and sexually active!
  • You must not ignore abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause or after sexual intercourse. These should be considered early warning signs for potential cancers.
  • You must not ignore persistent pelvic pain.
  • You must not ignore persistent abdominal bloating. This subtle symptom may be your only early warning sign of ovarian cancer.
  • Your risk for these cancers is slightly higher if a close female relative had ovarian or uterine cancer. Knowing your family history is an important step in detecting gynecological cancers.

Your awareness of these cancers and their early warning signs along with your understanding of risk factors and your adherence to preventive routines are your tools in fighting these cancers. Detecting cancer at an early stage gives women the best chance for successful treatment.

For more information on this subject you can visit the Women's Cancer Network at their website at www.wcn.org.

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