Tag: Cancer prevention

Endometrial cancer: everything about screening you need to know

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the lining of the uterus. Cancer starts when cells become abnormal and start growing out of control in this lining. Currently, no test is used to screen for endometrial cancer. Screening tests look for cancer when it is at an early stage and isn’t causing any symptoms. Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed when being evaluated for a symptom that it’s causing.

 

Risk factors for endometrial cancer

The risk factors associated with developing endometrial cancer include:

● Being post-menopausal

● Taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer

● High-fat diet

● Starting menstruation at an early age

● Taking estrogen supplements

● Late age for menopause

● Never giving birth

 

Side effects of endometrial cancer

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. This can include bleeding between menstrual cycles or bleeding after menopause after menstrual cycles have stopped. Other symptoms of endometrial cancer include:

● Pelvic pain

● Unintentional weight loss

● Pelvic mass

Endometrial cancer imaging tests

If you present to your healthcare provider with the symptoms above, they will likely perform tests to help figure out what is going on. One of the first things they may do is a physical exam, and likely a pelvic exam to evaluate for any changes.

Imaging tests such as ultrasound may be ordered. Ultrasound is an effective imaging tool to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This test can be done in various ways. One way is a transvaginal ultrasound, where the ultrasound wand is placed into the vagina to obtain imaging. A pelvic ultrasound is obtained by the ultrasound wand taking images from the external lower part of the abdomen.

If any areas of abnormality are seen on imaging, a biopsy will be ordered. A biopsy removes tissue from the suspicious area to be tested for cancer cells. There are a few ways that a biopsy can be taken, depending on where the lesion is located in the uterus.

Once a diagnosis of endometrial cancer is obtained, imaging may be done to look at other areas of the body to see if the cancer has spread.

Screening can save lives, so if you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding or symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

It is important to be aware of the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Many women are unaware of this type of cancer or how to screen for it, so education and awareness are key.

Remember that you are not alone in this fight; many resources are available to help you through every step of your journey.

The Importance of regular Kidney Cancer Screenings

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer develops when the cells inside the kidneys become abnormal and start to grow out of control. There are multiple types of kidney cancer that can grow, each starting from a different type of cell in the kidney. Some cancers have screening tests available to help find cancer early before it starts causing any symptoms. Unfortunately, kidney cancer does not currently have a screening test available and is usually diagnosed when being evaluated for some symptoms it is causing.

Risk factors for kidney cancer

The following factors can increase someone’s risk of developing kidney cancer.

● Smoking cigarettes

● Being obese

● Family history of kidney cancer

● Male sex

● Advanced chronic kidney disease

● Genetic conditions of von Hippel-Lindau, Cowden syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis

Symptoms of kidney cancer

Some of the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer can include:

● Blood in the urine

● Pain in one side or on one side of the back

● High blood pressure

● Unintentional weight loss

● Severe fatigue

● Low red blood cells

● Swelling to the legs or feet

Imaging tests for kidney cancer

Imaging tests may be done to evaluate the cause of symptoms experienced. These imaging tests can include the following:

● X-ray

● CT scan

● MRI

● Ultrasound

If any suspicious areas in the kidney are found on these tests, a biopsy may be done. During a biopsy, tissue from the tumor is removed and tested for the presence of cancer cells. Sometimes, imaging is very suspicious for kidney cancer, and there is no evidence that it has spread anywhere else in the body. Surgery may be done for a biopsy to get a diagnosis with the tumor removed.

Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers. However, it is also one of the most treatable if caught early. This makes kidney cancer screening very important for those who are at risk.

While there are no guarantees, increasing awareness and regular check-ups can help catch kidney cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

The importance of regular melanoma screenings

Posted on by Julie Scott, DNP

What is Melanoma or Skin Cancer?

Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, the cells in the skin that give the skin color. When melanocytes become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably, melanoma develops. There are no specific screening tests for melanoma other than a visual skin check.

These skin checks can include a self-skin check and one done by a dermatologist.

Self-skin check

When performing a self-skin check, it’s important to remember that melanomas can grow on any part of the body, so checking out all areas of the skin is important. The skin check should be done in a well-lit room with a full-length mirror. Having a hand mirror available is helpful as well. Some steps for the self-skin check include:

● Start with a look at the entire front of the body, then the back.

● Raise up each arm and look there as well as each side of your body

● Look in detail at each arm, both front and back, starting at the fingers, looking in between them and up the forearms to the upper arms.

● Examine the legs well, starting at the toes and working up. Don’t forget to look in between the toes as well.

● Use a hand mirror to check your back well.

● Also use a hand mirror to evaluate the skin on the genitals.

● Look at the inside of your mouth, including inside the cheeks and under the tongue.

● Note any areas that may have changed or look different. Take a picture.

Self-skin checks should be done once a month.

 

Dermatologist skin check

If there are any areas on your skin that you think have changed or look suspicious, contact your dermatologist for a skin check. The dermatologist will be able to get a better look at your skin with a special tool to help magnify the skin and look for any suspicious changes. If there is something they find to be worrisome, they can perform a skin biopsy and test the cells for cancer.

 

ABCDEs of melanoma

The ABCDE of melanoma describes the various changes that can be present in a skin lesion that signal the possibility of melanoma.

A: Asymmetry. Each half of the lesion doesn’t match in shape.

B: Borders: The edges of the lesion are not smooth; they can be blurred or uneven.

C: Color: Multiple colors are present or may become a different color.

D: Diameter: Lesion is growing or is at least 6mm wide.

E: Evolving: The lesion has changed, in either size, color, or shape, and may itch or bleed

 

There are many ways to prevent melanoma; the best way is through early detection. Self-check skin cancer examinations should be done every month, and any changes in moles or new growths should be promptly checked out by a dermatologist. In addition to self-checks, regular screenings by a physician can play an important role in the early detection of melanoma.UV exposure is the main cause of melanoma, so protecting your skin from harmful sun rays is important. Wearing sunscreen, covering up with clothing when outdoors, and avoiding peak UV hours can help reduce your risk of developing this disease.

By increasing awareness of the importance of early detection and taking preventive measures against UV exposure, we can work together to help fight melanoma.

What you need to know about thyroid cancer screening – cancergo3

Posted on by admin

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck responsible for hormone production. When cells of the thyroid become abnormal, cancer develops. There are no screening tests to evaluate thyroid cancer cells’ presence. A diagnosis is typically made when someone is being evaluated for the cause of symptoms they may be experiencing.

Risk factors for thyroid cancer

  • Family history of thyroid cancer
  • History of radiation exposure
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Diet too high or low in iodine
  • Inherited syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), familial adenomatous polyposis, and Cowden disease
  • White or Asian race
  • Ages 20 to 55 years old
  • Female sex

Numercial list

  1. Family history of thyroid cancer
  2. History of radiation exposure
  3. Being overweight or obese
  4. Diet too high or low in iodine

One of these tests is an ultrasound, where sound waves are used to get a picture of the thyroid gland. It will be looking for nodules that look suspicious for cancer.

Tests for thyroid cancer

If thyroid cancer is suspected, there can be a variety of tests that can be done.
 
One of these tests is an ultrasound, where sound waves are used to get a picture of the thyroid gland. It will be looking for nodules that look suspicious for cancer. Ultrasound can also look at lymph nodes near the thyroid to see if they also look suspicious for cancer. Ultrasound is often used to assist during a biopsy, where a needle is inserted into a nodule to test for cancer cells.
 
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be done to get a detailed look at the thyroid. It is often done if ultrasound images are inconclusive.
A radioiodine thyroid scan is a test that can be done after thyroid cancer has been diagnosed. During this test, a pill containing radioactive iodine is swallowed. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid and other thyroid cancer cells in the body. Images are then taken to see if there are thyroid cancer cells outside the thyroid.
 
In conclusion, thyroid cancer screening is essential to detect the disease early. The American Thyroid Association recommends that people at high risk for thyroid cancer should get screened annually.
Image with description

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck responsible for hormone production. When cells of the thyroid become abnormal, cancer develops. There are no screening tests to evaluate thyroid cancer cells’ presence. A diagnosis is typically made when someone is being evaluated for the cause of symptoms they may be experiencing.

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