Recording-2025-02-20T18:03:57.918Z

Early Detection of Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

  • Early detection through PSA blood test.

  • PSA = Prostate Specific Antigen. Looking for specific antigen levels in blood tests.

  • Survival rate for all stages nearing 100% when detected early.

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract

• Cervical Cancer

  • Caused primarily by HPV infection (99.9% of cases).

  • HPV is a lifelong virus, no cure available.

  • Risk factors:

    • Smoking, prolonged oral contraceptive use, immunosuppression.

    • Most common in women ages 20-30.

    • 13,000 new cases/year, 4,000 deaths/year.

  • Detection: Regular Pap smear to identify cervical dysplasia.

  • Treatment: Surgery (cervix removal), radiation, chemotherapy.

• Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

  • Cancer in the lining of the uterus, usually post age 55.

  • Symptoms: abnormal vaginal bleeding.

  • Similar risk factors to breast cancer.

  • Treatment: Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy (post-hysterectomy).

  • Survival: 84% at 5 years if detected early; <67% if spread.

• Ovarian Cancer

  • Serious and hard to detect; often diagnosed at advanced stages.

  • Risk factors: family history, genetic factors, obesity.

  • Detection: Pelvic ultrasound, CA-125 blood test.

  • Treatment: Surgery to remove ovaries, radiation, chemotherapy.

  • Survival: ~47% at all stages.

Long-term Effects of Drugs

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

  • Synthetic hormone used to prevent miscarriage; linked to reproductive health issues in daughters and sons.

  • Issues include increased cancer risk (cervical/testicular) and infertility problems.

  • Long-term risk possibly extends to third/fourth generations.

Skin Cancer

• Most common cancer type (3.5M cases/year), with melanoma as the deadliest (76,000 cases/year).

  • Types: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma.

  • Detection: Regular self-examinations; look for changes in skin.

  • Risk Factors: UV exposure (sun, tanning beds), sunburns, tanning practices.

  • Survival: 98% survival if localized; 63% if spread.

Testicular Cancer

• Rare but most common in men ages 20-35.

  • Risk factors: white ethnicity, family history, undescended testicles.

  • Self-exam important for early detection.

  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, limited use of radiation.

  • Survival: 96% at 5 years.

Pancreatic Cancer

• Highly fatal, often diagnosed too late.

  • ~53,000 cases/year; ~45,000 deaths/year.

  • Risk factors: smoking, obesity, diabetes, high-fat diet.

  • Few suitable for surgery; cancer returns often.

Other Cancers

• Head and Neck Cancer: Linked to smoking/alcohol; 61% 5-year survival.

• Stomach Cancer: Rare in the US; H. pylori bacteria linked; 28% 5-year survival.

• Bladder Cancer: 3x more common in men; no screening; blood in urine may indicate.

• Kidney Cancer: Wider risk factors, 71% 5-year survival.

• Brain Cancer: Mostly unpreventable; about 23,000 cases/year.

Leukemia and Lymphoma

• Leukemia: Blood cell cancer; of particular concern due to overproduction of white blood cells.

• Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphatic system; Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's types.

Cancer Causes and Prevention

• Genetic influences: Includes mutated genes (e.g., BRCA genes for breast cancer).

• Tobacco use: Responsible for 33% of cancer deaths.

• Dietary factors: High-fat diets linked to increased cancer risk, while fiber/fruits and veggies lower it.

• Exercise: Reduces obesity, improves digestive health, enhances immune function.

Detecting and Treating Cancer

• Detection: Self-exams for breast/testicular cancer; professional exams through MRIs, CT scans, biopsies.

• Treatment options: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, plus new therapies like gene therapy.

Caution Signs of Cancer

• Change in bowel habits, non-healing sore, unusual bleeding, thickening or lumps.

Living with Cancer

• 13.7 million cancer survivors in the US; psychological support and financial issues are critical concerns.

• Lifestyle choices: Avoid tobacco, maintain healthy diet/weight, regular exercise, early screenings.