Prevention in Plain Language

Often, an article in the paper or a story on the national news will present a lot of great information about cancer prevention. Sometimes, the information can be confusing, and viewers might have a difficult time pulling out the details in the story that apply to their daily lives in real time. New diets and fitness routines can seem too complicated to begin or maintain, and medical research stories don't make it clear how the new findings apply to individuals' daily lives, so it becomes easy to dismiss the information entirely.

To help you navigate the sometimes confusing messages we hear in the media, we've asked our Director of Cancer Prevention and Outreach, Casey Shelor,to answer a few questions for us. Casey is one of our Certified Health Education Specialists who work in the community of Northwest Arkansas providing education and information in group settings and to individuals.

Q: Recently, reports have shown that more young people are being diagnosed with skin cancer than in previous years. What is causing that trend, and how can it be reversed?

A: Most young people don't equate tanned skin with damaged skin, but that's what is actually is. Dr. Bob Burns, PhD in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences at the UAMS College of Medicine explains:

"All skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Research has proven that the cause of skin cancers is not necessarily related to a lifetime of unprotected exposure to UV radiation, but to unprotected exposure such as sunburns or tanning booth exposures in early childhood/adolescent years. Unprotected exposure in the younger years not only causes the development of skin cancers... these skin cancers develop [faster]."

Avoiding unprotected exposure to UV radiation, both natural and mad-made, would reverse the upward trend of skin malignancies in younger people.

Q: Does ending a smoking habit really make a difference for people who have been smoking for decades? 

A: Absolutely. The benefits of quitting smoking (even if you have smoked the majority of your life) can be seen almost immediately - within 20 minutes! According to the American Cancer Society, after you quit smoking the following are benefits you will see over time:

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
• 12 hours after quitting: Your carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
• 2 weeks - 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and lung function increases. 
• 1-9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce risk of infection.
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is cut to half that of a continuing smoker. 
• 5 years after quitting: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years. 
• 10 years after quitting: The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. 
• 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.

No matter how long you have smoked - 1 year or 50 years - it is never too late to quit. You will see benefits for years to come!

Q: The HPV vaccine is supposed to prevent cervical and other cancers caused by the sexually-transmitted Human Papillomavirus (HPV). But if my children are not sexually active, do they still need to have the vaccine?

A: I would definitely recommend the vaccination to any young female or male. It is actually recommended that to receive the maxiumum benefit from the HPV vaccination, an individual should complete all three doses before sexual activity begins.

The vaccination protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It can be administered between the ages of 9 and 26 years, but the recommended age for receiving the vaccination is 11 or 12 years of age.

Q: If you were recommending just one thing people could do to reduce their risk of being diagnosed with cancer, what would it be? 

A: I would urge people to quit, or never start, using tobacco products. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for most cases of lung cancer and it increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovaries, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Cancer can not only increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, but is also responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths.


Thanks to Casey for all this great information! Share your cancer prevention-related questions with us and we will post another Q & A in the future based on your questions.

Cancer Prevention: You Can Help

The following information is borrowed from the American Cancer Society's website and is used with permission.  

There are nearly 13.7 million people in America who have survived cancer, and the increasing number of survivors each year is due in large part to ongoing research being performed around the world. Many of you may make monetary gifts to organizations that support cancer research, but did you know there is another way you can help prevent cancer in future generations?

The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join an historic research study - the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3). The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. By joining CPS-3, you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and give people more of their most precious resource: time.

How Does the CPS Saves Lives?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) first began conducting long-term prospective studies in the 1950s. For these studies, large groups of individuals were recruited through a successful partnership between the ACS researchers and volunteers. The study population provides information (e.g. lifestyle, medical, or behavioral) and then are followed over time to assess their health outcomes and to determine how those outcomes are related to the previously collected exposure data. The commitment of the study participants and the volunteers who recruited them has been vital to the success of these studies.

Past long-term follow-up studies have played a major role in cancer prevention. More than 300 scientific articles by ACS epidemiologists have been published from these studies, significantly contributing to tobacco-related research, and  the understanding of obesity, diet, physical activity, hormone use, air pollution, and various other exposures in relation to cancer and other diseases.

Past American Cancer Society long-term studies include:
Hammond-Horn Study (1952-1955): Included 188,000 U.S. men recruited by 22,000 volunteers. This study was the first large prospective study to examine the effect of cigarette smoking on death rates from cancer and other diseases. This study set the methodologic foundation for the two subsequent Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I and CPS-II).

Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-I (1959-1972): CPS-I included approximately one million men and women recruited by 68,000 volunteers in 25 states. In contrast to the Hammond-Horn Study, CPS-I was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures, in addition to tobacco use, that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-2 (1982-ongoing): CPS-II includes 1.2 million subjects recruited by 77,000 volunteers in 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. All participants have been followed for over 20 years to determine causes of death. Like CPS-I, this study was designed to address a wide range of environmental and lifestyle exposures that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

CPS-2 Nutrition Cohort (1992-ongoing): 185,000 CPS-II participants from 21 states were enrolled in the new CPS-II Nutrition Cohort, a study designed to better understand how diet affects cancer risk. We periodically mail questionnaires to CPS-II Nutrition Cohort members to update exposure information and follow them for both cancer occurrence and all causes of death. For many members of the CPS-II Nutrition Cohort, biological specimens (blood and buccal (cheek) cells) have also been collected. The CPS-II Nutrition Cohort was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures, behavioral, environmental, and genetic, that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

Results from previous American Cancer Society long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated:

• The link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer
• The significant impact of being overweight or obese on risk of cancer occurrence and death
• The impact of hormones, physical activity, diet, various medications and vitamins, and various other factors in relation to cancer risk
• The impact of air pollution on cardiopulmonary conditions motivating the Environmental Protection Agency to propose more stringent limits on particulate air pollution
• the link between aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer
• the link between postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and various gynecologic cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer)
• the link between diabetes and cancers of the pancreas and colon
• the link between physical activity and lower risk of various cancers (including breast, colon, and aggressive prostate cancer)

Why a New Study?
Because the current study population (CPS-2) is aging, we must recruit a new study population for the next generation of research. Also, the environment and individuals' lifestyles change over time. New follow-up studies like CPS-3 are needed to understand these changes. We will be studying CPS-3 members for the next 20 to 30 years. This younger study population will have environmental and lifestyle exposures that may be meaningfully different from our previous populations and will help us further advance our understanding of the factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Finally, as we improve our understanding of what causes cancer, CPS-3 will allow us to explore new and emerging hypotheses related to cancer. Through this landmark new study, we will continue our work to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations.

In Northwest Arkansas, connect with the ACS through their Facebook page. Study enrollments are currently scheduled in Fort Smith for April 2-3, and in Benton and Washington Counties in September with specific dates TBA.

Will you sign up? Feel free to share this information with everyone you know - the more people who are involved in the study, the more useful the results will be.

Cancers on the Rise

As we have shared with you in the past, the incidence rates of many cancers have been on the decline in recent years. This is the result of many behavioral and environmental changes that individuals have been making, and policies that our government has instituted that have cleaned up the air we breathe and the land we live on. However, there are still some cancers that are on the rise, and in an effort to keep you well-informed, we want to share some information about them with you. All of the following information is available from the American Cancer Society via their Cancer Facts & Figures 2012 publication.

Kidney and Renal Cancer       

Between 1999-2008, kidney cancer rates significantly increased for men and women of every race/ethnicity except American Indian or Alaska Native men, for every age group, and most dramatically for localized tumors from 7.6 (per 100,000) in 1999 to 12.2 in 2008. Research suggested that the trend may be due to an increase in imaging procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography and MRI, which detect early stage cancers that may have been undiagnosed in previous study periods.

Rates during 2004-2008 were 2 times higher for men than women, and highest for African American and American Indian and Alaska Native men, perhaps reflecting the higher rates of obesity in these groups of individuals.

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for both kidney and renal cancers, but is most strongly associated with renal pelvis cancer. Risk of kidney cancer increases with both quantity and duration of smoking, and accounts for approximately 20-30% of cases among men and approximately 10-20% of cases among women. For cancer of the renal pelvis, smoking accounts for approximately 70-82% of cases among men and approximately 37-61% of cases among women.

Obesity increases risk of kidney cancer, and accounts for 30-40% of cases. High blood pressure is also shown as a risk of kidney cancer, and there are inherited forms of the disease that account for a small fraction of cases.

Prevention techniques include stopping the use of tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high blood pressure (through diet and exercise) and treating existing high blood pressure.

For more information about kidney and renal cancer, including symptoms and treatment information, visit the Mayo Clinic page.

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma       

Overall, the incidence rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma have shown declines, but while African American males have traditionally been more likely to be diagnosed with this type of cancer, there has been an increase in non-Hispanic white men to be diagnosed in recent years. Although the two most common types of esophageal cancer are related to smoking, only one of them (squamous cell carcinoma) has shown a decline that corresponds with decreased smoking rates. So, what's going on with the other one - adenocarcinoma?

Obesity is associated with a 16-fold increased risk of this type of cancer. Obesity is also associated with gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus, which can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Rates for this kind of cancer increased significantly among white men (1.8% per year), white women (2.1% per year), and Hispanic men (2.8% per year) during 1999-2008. These increasing trends coincide with rises in obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Maintaining healthy body weight may reduce the risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton-pump inhibitors, which reduces gastric acid, thereby slowing or preventing the development of Barrett's esophagus, may also lower risk, although the most effective regimen to reduce cancer risk in these patients is not known. Medical surveillance for people diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus may also be beneficial; however, the timing and frequency of such screening is unclear.

More information on esophageal cancers can be found on the Mayo Clinic website.

Mid-Year Update

The mission and vision of Hope Cancer Resources are framed on the desk of each employee in our office. They remind us every day what we're here to do and where we are headed. When we look back at our numbers from the last six months we are humbled by the work we have done, and the message that those numbers embody - that our work is vital to the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.

We are fortunate to be able to make a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors every day, but we look forward to the day that cancer is cured and our services are no longer needed. Take a look at what we have done to serve Northwest Arkansas with compassionate and professional cancer support and education since the first of the year.

Since January 1st...

• Our social workers have assessed 860 new cancer patients in local oncology clinics;

• We have provided $35,057 in prescription assistance, and helped patients receive another $101,757 from pharmaceutical company programs;

• We have provided $106,163 in direct financial assistance to patients who needed support as they went through treatment;

• We distributed $33,510 in gas cards to patients needing help paying for their trips to and from their medical appointments;

• Emotional support services, including support groups and counseling, were provided to 1,395 people;

• Our Spanish interpreter provided language assistance for 114 patients;

• Our drivers transported patients over 79,500 miles to and from medical appointments associated with their cancer diagnosis;

• Our volunteers donated 2,815 hours of service to our staff and patients;

• Cancer prevention and education information was shared with 671 individuals;

• Smoking cessation counseling was provided to 155 individuals in need;

• We provided 338 free cancer screenings to individuals who are under-insured or uninsured.

Join us in the fight against cancer and to support our neighbors who are dealing with the disease by making a gift, volunteering, attending an event, or inviting us to present prevention information at your civic club or place of employment. Call 479-361-5847 to find out how you can help.

Let's Make More Survivors!

Throughout the month of June we've been sharing information about survivorship and what it means to those who are given the title "Survivor" after hearing the words "You have cancer." The journey of cancer is different for everyone. Some consider the journey to be a kind of battle - a war they will either win or lose. Others look at it as just one bump in the road that they will get over and put behind them. For others it is (or becomes) a spiritual journey that causes them to look at their life differently and perhaps rearrange some of the priorities they had pre-diagnosis. And for some, it's a combination of some or all of these, or something completely their own.

No matter what the journey is to each individual, it's safe to say that the desire to become a "survivor" is universal. And for those of us who have been caregivers or who have just been around as a friend or loved-one dealt with cancer treatments, we want to do everything we can to make their journey shorter, easier, and more likely to end with the rest of a long life ahead of them. What if we told you that you have the opportunity to help potentially millions of people not only become survivors, but never be diagnosed at all? It's true... read on.

The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years of age who have no personal history of cancer to join an historic research study. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. By joining Cancer Prevention Study - 3 (CPS-3), you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer.

The first version of this study, CPS-1, was the largest prospective mortality study of diseases caused by tobacco use ever conducted. The study, which began in 1959 and continued through September 1972, played a critical role in establishing the causal linkage between smoking and several diseases, and it remains one of the most comprehensive presentations of the disease risks caused by smoking. The laws and regulations currently in place related to advertising and sales of tobacco products are a direct result of CPS-1.

CPS-2 began in 1982 as a prospective mortality study of approximately 1.2 million American men and women. Approximately 77,000 volunteers for the American Cancer Society recruited participants into the study in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This study is still ongoing.

All voluntary participants in CPS-3 will be required to undergo a simple blood draw, and to complete a detailed questionnaire that will be used as a base-line for your current health and lifestyle. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand ways to prevent cancer. This multi-year survey will study lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that may cause or prevent cancer with the ultimate goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.

A local enrollment opportunity is coming up July 19 and 20 in Fort Smith. You can find more information on enrollment on the event website. Feel free to share the site and recruit your friends and family. Together, we can make an impact on the future of cancer in our world.

Cancer Prevention: What's on the Horizon?

As early as 2006, we were seeing news articles about the possibility of a vaccine coming to market to fight cervical cancer. At that time, the HPV vaccine was in the final stages of research, and was under review by the FDA. In the summer of that year, the vaccine was approved for girls and young women, and was later approved for males as well. It is now considered a vital tool in the prevention of cervical cancer in men and women, and is as close to being a "cure" as we have seen to date.

Just like those conducted on the HPV vaccine, there are hundreds more clinical research trials being done every day that are investigating the effectiveness of newly developed drugs and procedures. Clinical trials are a vital key to removing the word cancer from "household word" status.

Cancer research trials are conducted for many reasons. Some are simply focused on finding a "cure". Sometimes, these lead to discoveries that were unexpected - such as a medication that was being used to treat one kind of cancer that is then found to be effective on another type, or even another disease altogether. In other studies, researchers may be trying to discover ways to manage symptoms or after-effects of treatment such as "chemo-brain" and post-radiation nerve damage. Trials are also conducted that study the psychological impact of medical treatments and offer new "best practices" for doctors in order to prevent patients from suffering emotional distress during their treatment and recovery.

For a patient, the decision to participating in a clinical trial can be a difficult one to make. Many trials are "double-blind", meaning that the doctor and the patient don't know if the syringe or i.v. of fluid being administered is actually a newly created medication, or a placebo. Entering into that kind of study means placing faith in the importance of the study, not necessarily in any improvement that might be seen by the patient themselves.

There are many benefits to participating in a clinical trial. They offer a level of care that may be a step up from the standard if the treatment you are receiving is found to be effective. Participation can empower a patient and allow them take a lead role in their treatment plan. The psychological effect of this can be beneficial to many patients - feeling "helpless" is a common complaint of cancer patients who are undergoing cancer treatment and request counseling support. Finally, participation in clinical trials allows patients to become part of the important work being done to improve cancer treatment and find cures on a national and global scale. The ongoing legacy of cancer trial participants is significant.

Of course, there can be drawbacks to participation, and patients have to discuss them with their physician as well. There could be side-effects that doctors are not yet aware of. Even if the new treatment has benefits, it may not work on every patient. Health insurance does not always cover all the costs of a research study. New treatments may simply not be any better than the standard of care, which would mean that money spent and side-effects endured may be of no benefit to the individual patient. That's where the ongoing legacy comes in... the more people that are involved in trials, the more quickly the most effective treatment options and cures will be discovered.

More information on clinical trials being conducted in Northwest Arkansas is available on the Highlands Oncology Group website. Their research staff is on the fore-front of the cancer fight and can provide additional information for patients interested in looking at all their treatment options.

Cancer Prevention: Eat to Defeat!

Most of us have the general understanding that some foods are "good" for us and others are "bad". Food, and our relationship with it, has become part of the daily dialogue at work, school, and even on the nightly news. Recent reports say that 1 in 3 adults are considered obese and our kids are following our example and becoming obese themselves.

But even after reading the statistics, it's still difficult for most of us to include enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains in our diets to meet the recommended daily intake and to reduce fats, sugars and empty calories in our meals. You already know that dietary changes can change your body shape and make you "healthier", but would it make a difference in your eating habits to know that some foods may actually help prevent cancer?
 

We mentioned in this month's first blog post that many cancers include "obesity" in their list of risk factors. From the Centers for Disease Control: 

"Research has shown that being overweight or obese substantially raises a person's risk of getting endometrial (uterine), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29, and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher."

In addition to reducing the risk of obesity, some foods have been found to be beneficial because of health benefits they provide in and of themselves. Antioxidants and phytochemicals in particular have been getting a lot of attention as possible G.I. Joe soldiers in the battle against many diseases, cancer included. There are, in fact, seven "Super Foods" that are recommended for inclusion in any diet being consumed with cancer-prevention in mind. Here's the list, condensed from WebMD:

GARLIC

The same sulfur compounds causing garlic's distinctive odor may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body, speed DNA repair, and kill cancer cells. It also battles bacteria, including H. pylori (connected to some ulcers and stomach cancer), and it reduces the risk of colon cancer. To get the most benefit, peel and chop the cloves and let them sit 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to activate enzymes and release the sulfur-containing compounds that have the most protective effect. Experts say that using garlic supplements does not show the same benefits that the whole cloves do.

BROCCOLI

Many cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes that are released when you chew the raw veggie, rupturing the cell walls. Your body also produces those enzymes in the intestines, and they are activated when the raw (or gently cooked) veggies are digested. 

Broccoli and its cousins are most protective against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, but research is also being conducted on sulforaphane, another chemical found in cruciferous vegetables that might reduce cancer risk by detoxifying harmful substances (such as smoke and other environmental pollutants) in the body and act as an antimicrobial agent by attacking the bacterium H. pylori.

TOMATOES

The red coloring that makes it easy to spot a ripe specimen also makes them a potential weapon against prostate cancer. That red hue comes from a phytochemical called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which is most concentrated in tomatoes. Several ongoing studies suggest that a lycopene-rich diet is connected to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In laboratory tests, lycopene has stopped other types of cancer cells from growing, including breast, lung, and endometrial (the lining of the uterus). Researchers speculate that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system and interfering with abnormal cell growth. 

To get the most benefit, eat cooked or processed tomatoes, including tomato juice and pizza sauce. Processing makes the cancer-fighting compounds more available to your body because heat breaks down the plant's cell walls. If you just aren't a fan of tomatoes, you can get a reduced amount of its benefits from lycopene in watermelon, pink grapefruit, or red bell peppers.

STRAWBERRIES

Berries of all kinds have been getting a lot of attention lately. Research points to possible protection against heart disease and memory decline as well as cancer. In a recent study, berry extracts slowed the growth of cancer cells; specifically, strawberry and black raspberry extracts had the greatest impact on colon cancer cells. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and ellagic acid. 

 

In laboratory tests, ellagic acid seems to have anticancer properties that rev up enzymes, which destroy cancer-causing substances and slow the growth of tumors. They also contain flavonoids, which suppress an enzyme that damages DNA and has been linked to lung cancer. Other types of berries, all rich in flavonoids, that are worth adding to your grocery basket include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and are one of the most powerful antioxidants. Some consider berries and cruciferous vegetables the most powerful protective foods available to consumers.

CARROTS

One of the easiest vegetables eat, carrots are packed with disease-fighting nutrients. They contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant scientists believe may protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slow the growth of cancer cells. Carrots also deliver other vitamins and phytochemicals that might guard against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Some studies suggest carrots protect against cervical cancer, perhaps because they supply antioxidants that could battle HPV (human papilloma virus), the major cause of cervical cancer. Plus, carrots contain falcarinol, a natural pesticide, which has been found to reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors in lab tests. 

 

Unlike some foods that lose their potency when cooked, carrots (and tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, and peppers) experience an increase in their antioxidant levels when exposed to heat.

SPINACH

Maybe you've heard that lutein, an antioxidant, is good for your eyes. Early results of research shows it might also play a role in guarding against cancer. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they damage it. They're found in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, and some studies show they could protect against cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. 

An NIH/AARP study of more than 490,000 people found that those who ate more spinach were less likely to develop esophageal cancer. Some studies suggest the carotenoids in spinach and other foods reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, lung, and colorectal cancer, too. Throw in folate and fiber, which researchers think might trim the risk of certain cancers, and you've got nutritional powerhouse in every dark green leaf. Folate helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA, and is especially important for women of childbearing age because it can prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus. 

You'll get the most lutein from raw or lightly cooked spinach. Enjoy it in a salad, steamed, or sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or stirred into soups. For a change (but reduced benefit), substitute kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, or romaine lettuce.

WHOLE GRAINS

You may have noticed that a lot of foods - even sugary kids' cereals and frozen pizzas - are adding whole-grain components to their ingredients. It's a result of revised federal nutrition guidelines that recommend half of all the grains you eat -- rice, cereal, and even chips -- should be whole grains, not processed. Whole grains deliver plenty of fiber, which has been suspected to reduce the risk of colon cancer. 

Experts are not yet sure how the fiber/cancer connection works, but whole grains also contain other substances that might battle cancer, including lignans, which act as antioxidants, and saponins, which could keep cancer cells from multiplying. Look for bread labeled "100% whole wheat" rather than simply "wheat bread," which likely contains refined grains. For even more lignans, choose a whole wheat bread sprinkled with flax or sesame seeds.

So, now you know WHAT to eat, but do you know how much of these foods makes up a serving? Here's an article that can help. Habits can be tough to break, and family-members' preferences can also present a challenge when trying to add some Super Foods to your diet. Use these tips to make changes to your family's meals in small steps. Remember, small steps may be necessary at first, but they still start you off in the right direction.

Cancer Prevention: Know Your Moles

Has a mole that you’ve had since you were a child gone through some changes? Maybe it's a different shape or color, or it's just getting thicker and a little itchy? Have you recently found a new mole that doesn't look like the rest? If you can answer yes to at least one of these questions, then want to consider getting screened by a dermatologist for skin cancer. 

The internet is an abundant source of information about cancer types, prevention, and treatments, but all that information can be overwhelming and confusing. In keeping with our cancer prevention theme through the month of February, we have gathered some great information from our Certified Health Education Specialist, Casey Shelor. We hope this post will help eliminate some confusion with respect to the prevention of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous. 

Here are some tips on reducing the chance of being diagnosed with any type of skin cancer, from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. UV rays from the sun can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. Indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan) exposes users to UV radiation.

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States. UV rays from sunlight are the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America. The CDC recommends several easy options for protection from UV radiation:

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you physically feel a need for relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you're outside—even when you're in the shade.

• Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun's UV rays. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well. Also, a wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. If wearing this type of clothing isn't practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up.

• Wear a hat. For the best protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker-colored hat may offer more UV protection. If you are wearing a ball cap, don't forget to protect the back of your neck and tops of your ears with clothing and/or sunscreen.

• Wear sunglasses. They protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts while also protecting the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side, and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard, but check the labels.

• Use sunscreen. Choose sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Apply a thick layer (rub it in until it's gone) on all parts of exposed skin and get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. Sunscreen does wear off, so all sunscreens (even the "waterproof" ones) need to be reapplied after swimming, sweating or being outside for more than two hours. Check the sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

• Avoid indoor tanning. Using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancers - including melanoma - and cancers of the eye. A recent study found that using a tanning bed - any type and for any length of time - increases a person's risk of melanoma by 74%. Some are likening the use of tanning beds by teens to the use of cigarettes, saying that it is a carcinogen and should be regulated in people under the age of 18. You have to ask yourself: Is a golden tan really worth dying for?

As always - know the facts, and do your part to protect yourself and your loved-ones from the potentially deadly effects of cancer. Skin cancer is preventable, and making the right choices can save your life.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

The Arkansas Department of Health recently published their annual report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It states that cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The overall estimated cost of cancer in the U.S. in 2010 was $263.8 billion, with the highest costs being assocated with breast, colorectal, lymphoma, lung and prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts about 577,190 people will die of cancer in the U.S. this year. That averages out to approximately 1,500 each day. What are you doing to reduce your risk?

Cancers caused by environmental exposures are modifiable and can be prevented. The American Cancer Society estimates that in this country in 2010 approximately 171,000 cancer deaths were related to tobacco use and one-third of the 569,490 deaths were related to obesity and physical inactivity. Deaths from cancers caused by infectious agents, such as Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) etc. could have been prevented through behavioral changes, vaccinations and antibiotics.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so in our weekly posts we'll be taking a closer look at a few specific ways to prevent cancer in yourself and your loved-ones. To get us started, here's a list created by the Mayo Clinic: 

1. Don't Use Tobacco 

Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney — and chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of lung cancer.

Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. If you are being treated for cancer and need help quitting tobacco, our Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Casey Shelor, can help you find a plan that works best for you. Contact her by email or at 479-361-5847 for a confidential appointment.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet 

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, a diet heavy in fats and processed foods has been linked to several types of cancer. Consider these guidelines:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
• Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly. 
  

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight & Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Maintaining a healthy weight may lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better. Try a fitness class, rediscover a favorite sport or meet a friend for daily brisk walks.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

• Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
• Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
• Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get Immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

• Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.(We covered this subject in detail in our recent post about HPV vaccines.)   

6. Avoid Risky Behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

• Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
• Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take Early Detection Seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

If you have any questions about these tips, you can contact one of our Certified Health Education Specialists at 479-361-5847.

HPV Vaccines - Who Needs Them?

You may have heard about the HPV Vaccine, but do you know what HPV is? Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 150 related viruses. They get their name because certain types may cause warts, or papillomas, which are non-cancerous growths. Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs are the primary cause of cervical and anal cancers. Genital HPV infection also causes some cancers of the vulva, vagina, and penis, as well as some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue and tonsils.)

The FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent HPV infection - Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections with the strains of HPV that cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Garadsil also prevents infection with the types which cause 90% of genital warts, a non-cancerous sexually transmitted infection.

Gardasil is approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is recommended that the vaccine be given routinely to girls at age 11 to 12 years old, although doctors may choose to vaccinate girls as young as 9. It requires three doses spread over several months. The vaccine can also be given to girls and women 13 to 26 who did not receive the vaccine at the recommended ages. However, if a girl or woman is already infected with HPV, the vaccine will not prevent that strain of HPV from causing disease. It will protect against new infections with other strains of HPV included in the vaccine.

The vaccine is also being studied in males, and was recently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in men ages 11 to 21. Men can get HPV infections and pass the virus along to their sexual partners. HPV has caused genital warts and is associated with rare cases of cancer of the penis. It is also linked to anal cancers, primarily in homosexual men.

For more information on HPV vaccines or cervical cancer, contact Casey Shelor, one of our Certified Health Education Specialists, by email or by phone at 479-361-5847. Information for this article was gathered from WebMD and the National Cancer Institute.

Happenings on the Horizon!

We take our mission statement very seriously. When we pledge to "provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow" we're not just saying a bunch of words. Call us dreamers, but we truly do want to reach every person in Benton, Carroll, Madison & Washington counties with the education they need to live healthier lives and prevent a cancer diagnosis. FACT: Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of the 571,950 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2011 could be prevented! We also want to provide every person in our area who is being treated for cancer with the support they need to get through the treatment successfully.

In order to provide the "education" component of our mission we have to reach as many people as we can. We do that by purchasing space on bill boards, running ads in local media outlets, visiting with leaders in the community about our organization, and by posting regularly in social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. To fund the "support" component we reach out to our friends and neighbors to ask for support. We write grants, we solicit sponsors for our programs and events, and we welcome individual donations.

Sometimes we find ways to cover both of these bases - outreach and fundraising - with one project. We hope you can join us for a couple of the following opportunities and help us make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and in the health of our community.

Throughout the month of July Cafe Delta Soul will host Hope Cancer Resources. Every Tuesday night they will donate 10% of the night's proceeds to support our patient assistance and community education programs benefiting Northwest Arkansas. Great food, the friendliest waitstaff in town, drinks in mason jars... what more could you ask??? Grab some friends and help us do what we love doing by doing what you love doing. Eat great food!

Continuing through the summer months we have little boxes on the counters of most of the NWA (and River Valley!) Eureka Pizza locations. Each box lists our social network contact information and our website address. Next time you're getting a great deal on three pizzas (for the price of one!) from Eureka, please drop a little change in the boxes. A little goes a long way for our patients. 

For two weeks in August (August 1-14), Harps Food Stores will be partnering with us for their 3rd annual in-store promotion benefiting our patient services and education programs. When you shop at Harps, your cashier will offer you the opportunity to donate to Hope Cancer Resources by purchasing a little postcard in memory or honor of someone you know who has battled cancer. Harps is a long-time supporter of our work in Northwest Arkansas. Be sure to thank them for supporting our vital services and education programs.

Thank you, Northwest Arkansas, for your past and continued support. We can't do it without you!

Poverty as Carcinogen?

The American Cancer Society released a report earlier this month that covers, among other things, the role of socioeconomic disparities in cancer mortality rates. It's a companion to their annual report called Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It names the well-documented contributors to individual cancer risk like smoking and obesity that we've all heard about, but it also outlines the link between socioeconomic status and cancer deaths.

The good news is that the report shows a decrease in the rate of cancer deaths between 1990 and 2007; 22% in men and 14% in women. This means that over that 17 year span 898,000 people didn't die of cancer that would have in years prior.

The bad news, however, is how that survival is spread across the population. Or, more accurately, how it is not. According to the report, death rates in persons with lower socioeconomic status (defined by education, occupation or residence) showed little or no decrease. In fact, there were increases in their cancer deaths in some instances. The evidence shows a continually widening gap in mortality rates between advantaged and disadvantaged segments of the US population. For example: in 1993, in men aged 25-64 (both black and white populations), the cancer death rate was twice as high as the least educated compared to the most educated. By 2007, this disparity had increased to a nearly three-fold difference.

So, what does this mean?? The good news of lower rates of cancer deaths overall shows that research being done every day to find better treatment options is proving successful in the fight against the disease. There is also a direct link to the community education being provided across the country by organizations like Hope Cancer Resources. More screenings are being done, more preventative measures are being taken, and more cancers are being caught in earlier stages. But, the numbers show (on page 25 of the report) that those preventative measures and screenings are being utilized primarily among the educated and those residing in the higher levels of economic comfort.

According to the US Census Bureau, more than 50.7 million Americans were uninsured in 2009. Those people have limited access to health care, and that limited access affects every part of the cancer contiuum: prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. If there is a cancer diagnosis, it is more likely to be made in an advanced stage of the disease and the patient is less likely to have been partaking of healthy lifestyle habits prior to their diagnosis. Consider the observation that there are usually more fast-food restaurants and fewer safe public parks and walking trails in communities that are economically challenged than in those with higher per-capita incomes.

To bear this point out, a study done by the American Cancer Society showed that uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients diagnosed with early state colorectal cancer were less likely to survive five years than privately insured patients diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the disease. This disparity likely reflects the unequal treatment that results from living with limited healthcare access, generally poorer underlying health (also associated with lack of preventative care and absence of healthy activity and food choices), and physical barriers to care, such as transportation to health facilities, that are commonly experienced by non-privately insured patients.

Over the past 30 years, the American Cancer Society has issued a number of special reports on cancer disparities which concluded that poverty is the primary contributing factor to cancer disparities between racial and ethnic groups... and that people living in poverty lack access to health care and endure greater pain and suffering from cancer.

At Hope Cancer Resources we are not able to affect a cure for cancer, nor do we lobby for better healthcare coverage for Americans. But we do provide the community education and free screenings that are so desperately needed if we are to keep seeing a reduction of mortality rates. We provide financial assistance through our Save-A-Life program to people needing tests and procedures they can't afford and we don't offer. We also help reduce obstacles encountered by many of our neighbors by providing financial assistance when a household income is severely affected by a cancer diagnosis, or when transportation to and from treatments is needed. Our mission, to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow holds true for everyone in our community, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

We are on the front lines of the battle against cancer in Northwest Arkansas, and we always welcome the support of additional warriors! Join us as a volunteer, or make a donation today.

Your support makes a difference, and we can't do it without you.

Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap!

It's easy to get complacent about being outside in the sunshine - especially during the cooler seasons and in the early part of summer when the sun's rays aren't especially hot. But you can get a sunburn any time of the year, and therefore set yourself up for a potential skin cancer diagnosis in the future.

Sometimes it's assumed that a lot of exposure all at once is the most dangerous thing for you. While it's true that spending several unprotected hours in the sun can result in a red, stinging burn, lots of short periods of exposure can cause just as much damage even if your skin doesn't burn. The American Cancer Society has come up with a catch phrase we use in schools when we're providing sun-safety education: "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!"

• Slip on a shirt.
• Slop on sunscreen.
• Slap on a hat.
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.

SLIP:
When it comes to clothes, longer is better. Longer sleeves and longer pants or skirts protect more of your skin from the sun. That may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised to learn that darker colors offer more protection than light ones. It's often thought that lighter colors are better because they will reflect the sunlight - but light reflection doesn't keep you from getting hit with those burning UV rays. This goes for other shade-providing items such as sun canopies and umbrellas as well. Don't assume that shade = sunburn protection! Pay attention to the weave of fabrics - the tighter the weave, the better protected you are. And while a t-shirt over your swimsuit may cover a few things you'd like to hide, it won't hide you from the sun! Wet fabric offers less protection than dry.

SLOP: 
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing sunscreen. In fact, it can be confusing at times and you can end up being less protected than you thought. Many groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen – a higher number means more protection. That said, the percentage of increased protection changes only 2% between SPF 30 and SPF 100. (97% vs. 99%) so if you're looking at a big price difference, it's fine to stay with the 30.

When using an SPF 30 sunscreen and applying it thickly, you can count one minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So, one hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending two  minutes totally unprotected. However, many people do not apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen, so the actual protection they get is less. Lay it on thick, and try to do so at least 30 minutes before actually going out in the sun to let the product soak in well before you start to sweat or get it wet. To be sure you use the right amount, fill your palm to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult.

Pay special attention to areas on your body that are not protected by clothing: the backs of hands, ears, face and legs. Don't forget the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals! For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are "water resistant" may protect for only 40 minutes. And drying off with a towel will probably rub it off, so be sure to reapply after you take a dip.

SLAP:
All hats are not created equal when it comes to sun protection. A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp that are often exposed to intense sun. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap but has fabric draping down the sides and back) is also a good choice, and will provide more protection for the neck.A traditional baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not as protective as hats made of tightly woven fabric.

WRAP:
UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing eye disease.

The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to check the label before you purchase. Labels that say "UV absorption up to 400 nm" or "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection.
Just as with the light vs. dark fabric surprise, you may be surprised to know that darker glasses are not necessarily better. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label.

Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles and therefore protect the skin and your eye itself better. Don't forget the kids! Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses – not toy sunglasses.They are more expensive, but they're worth it.

All this information and more can be found at the American Cancer Society's website. Including a Sun Safety Quiz to let you test what you've learned. Skin cancer is definitely preventable. Stay safe this summer and have fun for many years to come!

Cancer Screenings for Everyone!

We know you'd probably rather have ice cream for everyone. Or, a half-day off on Fridays. But today we're going to tell you how important it is to do the work on your end to prevent cancer, or at least detect it in early stages. The earlier it's diagnosed, the better the chance for survival.

For people having periodic health examinations, a cancer related checkup, beginning at age 20, should include health counseling and, depending on a person's age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, and ovaries or testes as well as for some non-malignant diseases. Cancer Screening Guidelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society as outlined:

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below. The tests that are designed to find both early cancer and polyps are preferred if these tests are available to you. Talk to your doctor about which test is best for you.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years*
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year*,**
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**
• Stool DNA test (sDNA) interval uncertain*

*Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive.
**For FOBT or FIT used as a screening test, the take-home multiple sample method should be used. A FOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam in the doctor's office is not adequate for screening.

Breast Cancer Screening

Age 20-39:
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by a healthcare professional every three years.
Breast Self-Exam (BSE) monthly. 

Age 40 and Over:
Yearly Mammogram and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by a healthcare professional, near the time of the mammogram.
Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse.

Women at High Risk:
Talk with your doctor about starting earlier, and about the possible benefit of breast MRI or ultrasound in addition to mammograms and CBE.

Cervical Cancer Screening:

Yearly PAP test to begin about 3 years after you first have sex, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
PAP test should be done annually.

Skin Cancer Screening:
Become familiar with any moles, freckles or other spots on your skin. Use mirrors or have a family member or close friend look at areas you can't see (ears, scalp, lower back).
Check on skin changes once a month.
Show any suspicious or changing areas to your doctor.
Have a healthcare professional perform a skin cancer screening every three years for ages 20-39 and every year for ages 40 and over.

Prostate Cancer Screening:
Men with an average risk of prostate cancer should be offered prostate screening tests - the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE) - beginning at age 50.
    For men with a higher than average risk of prostate cancer, screening is recommended starting at age 45. This includes African-American men and men with at least one first-degree relative with prostate cancer that was diganosed before age 65. (First-degree relatives include fathers, brothers, and sons.)
    For men with markedly higher risk of prostate cancer, screening is recommended starting at age 40. "Markedly higher risk" means that several first-degree relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer early in life.

These cancer screening guildelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society for those people at average risk for cancer (unless otherwise specified) and without any specific symptoms.

For more information, call Sandy Prince, Certified Health Education Specialist, at 479-361-5847.

Cancer Screening is Key!

This month we're talking about cancer prevention and things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. One of the most important components to any prevention regimen is knowing your risk level based on your own habits and family history and if you have an increased level of risk, getting screened regularly.

It's widely known that catching any kind of cancer in earlier stages usually provides a patient with a better prognosis, but for some types of cancer research shows that conducting certain screening tests regularly can  actually reduce deaths from that cancer. These types are breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. This is why regular gynecological exams for women, mammograms for women over 40 and colonoscopies for anyone over the age of 50 are recommended by physicians. But know the symptoms of breast and colorectal cancers and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them, regardless of your age.

For other types of cancer, screenings are being used, but the effect on the number of deaths is still being studied. However, even without a definitive study result, screenings for these kinds of cancers are recommended. These types include lung and prostate cancer, and many skin cancers. More information on screening methods for these cancers and others can be found at the National Cancer Institute website.

At Hope Cancer Resources we strive to make cancer education a priority in our community. We have professionals on our staff who manage prevention and screening programs and work to get the information that can save lives into the hands of people who need it. Our Save-A-Life program provides financial assistance for screening and diagnostic tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers, providing access to early detection and offering a better chance for a cure. We also conduct free screenings several times a year. To find out more about the screenings we provide and the schedule for 2011, contact our Healthcare Navigator, Chuck Parker.

Your risk for contracting some types of cancer can depend heavily on your hereditary risk. If a close family member was diagnosed with one of these types, your risk could be increased. Fortunately, thanks to decades of research being conducted around the world, there are now tests available to measure this risk linked to heredity. Consultation is available with our Cancer Education Specialist, Sandy Prince, to discuss hereditary risk factors for pertinent cancers.

The bottom line is KNOW YOUR RISK. Just as the Boyscouts have said for generations - Be Prepared. If you know your own risk for particular kinds of cancer, change the habits that could increase that risk, and get regular screenings and health check ups, you will be doing a lot to reduce your odds for developing cancer. Right now, 2 out of 3 adults will deal with some kind of cancer in their lifetime - let's change that together.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

If you were asked how you're going to "celebrate" Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, chances are you would not enthusiastically shout out "I believe I'll schedule a prostate screening!!"

Just thinking of having a prostate screening may make you shift uncomfortably in your seat. Even if you're female. But what if a recent study showed that a screening improves your survival odds by 50% ? And what if the screening was absolutely free? Would that make a difference?  Well, it has, and it is. So now you have no excuse.

Where, you ask, would you find such a fantastic deal? Why, right here at Hope Cancer Resources!  We are offering free prostrate screenings September 21st with four of the area's finest urologists, and you are invited to participate.  Screenings will begin at 6p.m.

A screening consists of a brief visit with a doctor, then a quick draw of blood for some lab work, and you're out the door.  It would take you more time to stand in line at Starbucks for a Vente Caffe Macchiato. And those won't save your life. Except, perhaps, on certain Monday mornings...

So man up, give us a call, and get a time scheduled. What's a little discomfort, compared to a long and healthy life? For more info and to schedule a screening, call us at 479-361-5847.