The MInnie Pearl Cancer Foundation
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Cancer Detection

Journal of Hope
Winter 2006: Running For Ron

In 2001, little did Roger Bricco know that an afternoon run would evolve into a passion or, more importantly, a mission. Zealous about the sport, Roger trained and ran…

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Detection

Early detection of cancer obviously ensures a greater likelihood of survival, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to a physician. The following symptoms may also signal the presence of some form of cancer:

Call your physician if you develop symptoms that may signal cancer, are not clearly linked to another cause, and persist for more than two weeks. You should schedule a medical examination. 
While the following guidelines apply to people with an average risk of developing cancer, those at increased risk because of personal or family history should ask their physician about the appropriate timing and frequency of screenings:
Men and women should begin colorectal screenings at age 50. Consult your physician about what type of test is best for you and the frequency. 
Women should begin breast self-exams in their 20s. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
Cervical cancer screening (PAP smears) should begin once a woman is sexually active or no later than 21 years of age.
Beginning at age 50, men who are at average risk of prostate cancer should discuss with their physician the potential benefits and limitations of prostate cancer early detection testing. This discussion should include when to begin testing via prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) yearly.

The Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
To remember the seven early warning signs of cancer (as designated by the American Cancer Society), think of the word CAUTION:

Change in bowel or bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore
Nagging cough or hoarseness

The following symptoms may also signal the presence of some form of cancer:

  • Persistent headaches
  • Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
  • Chronic pain in bones
  • Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting 
  • Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent
  • Repeated instances of infection 

 

Call your physician if you develop symptoms that may signal cancer, are not clearly linked to another cause, and persist for more than two weeks. You should schedule a medical examination. 

Screenings

While the following guidelines apply to people with an average risk of developing cancer, those at increased risk because of personal or family history should ask their physician about the appropriate timing and frequency of screenings:

  • Men and women should begin colorectal screenings at age 50. Consult your physician about what type of test is best for you and the frequency. 
  • Women should begin breast self-exams in their 20s. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
  • Cervical cancer screening (PAP smears) should begin once a woman is sexually active or no later than 21 years of age.
  • Beginning at age 50, men who are at average risk of prostate cancer should discuss with their physician the potential benefits and limitations of prostate cancer early detection testing. This discussion should include when to begin testing via prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) yearly.

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