Cancer: Understanding and Reducing Your Risk

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States following heart disease. This new year, make a resolution to learn more about your cancer risk and ways to detect cancer early.

There are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. The following is a list of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and what screenings are available.

Colorectal Cancer
Beginning at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have one of the five screening tests below:

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• FOBT or FIT every year, plus a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (of these first three options, the combination of FOBT or FIT every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years is preferable.)
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

Breast Cancer
All women should have the following tests done to screen for breast cancer:

• Mammography—every three years beginning at age 20, and once a year after age 40.
• Clinical breast exam—annually
• Self examination—regular basis (report any changes to their doctor immediately)

Prostate Cancer
All men should have the following tests done to screen for prostate cancer:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test—annually beginning at age 50.
• Digital rectal examination—annually beginning at age 50. (Men who are considered high-risk should begin this test at age 45).

Lung Cancer
Many of the non-invasive procedures for screening lung cancer may not find the disease in its early stages, and advanced screening is only performed for high-risk individuals. However, if you notice the following symptoms, call your doctor:

• Cough that does not go away.
• Chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
• Hoarseness.
• Weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm).
• Shortness of breath.
• Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that keep coming back.
• Wheezing.

Evaluating Your Risk
A family history of cancer or poor lifestyle habits can also increase your cancer risk. Talk with your doctor about your risk and the possibility of beginning screenings at an earlier age or having these tests done more frequently.

For women concerned about their risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer, consider the University of Pennsylvania's Cancer Risk Evaluation Program.  This program will:

• Help you to understand the risk factors involved.
• Address your personal concerns.
• Review your family history, medical history and lifestyle risk factors.
• Discuss genetic testing and assist you with this decision.
• Provide a written summary of your risk level.
• Outline a plan for continued monitoring to protect your health.
• Evaluate your eligibility to participate in research studies.

Penn's Cancer Risk Evaluation Program also provides information for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and want to know about the role of genetics in their diagnosis.

For more information about Penn's Cancer Risk Evaluation Program or scheduling a cancer screening or, call 800-789-PENN (7366).

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

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