Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Cancer screening

Canada 02 · 03-10-2011, 12:56 PM

I thought most of this was common knowledge, but I encounter people on a daily basis who don't know, don't care, don't have the time, don't have the means, don't trust damn doctors, don't want to take embarrassing tests etc. All we can do is repeat the message, or better yet, have friends and family repeat the message to loved one!

Colon Cancer
Routine colonoscopy to look for early signs of cancer should begin at age 50 for most people - earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors (obesity, diabetes, low fiber/high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle).

Prostate Cancer
First prostate exam (digital rectal exam) or PSA blood test at age 40-45. Depending on results, family history, and other markers, probably won't need annual screening until age 50+

Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 34. Once you hit puberty, you should do a self exam frequently (in between the Fap, Fap, Fap - you're down there any ways)
Testicular self exam (TSE) :
Do it during or after a hot shower when the skin is relaxed.
Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers.
When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea.
Remember that one testicle is slightly larger than the other for most guys - this is also normal.
Also the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube) is a normal lump at the top and back of the testicle.

Breast Cancer
Under 40, perform breast self-exam regularly (or get your husband/boy friend to do!). This is not a reliable test because many women don't know how to do this properly, so get a brochure, watch a video or ask your doctor. If done properly, it can be very effective. http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfExam.html
Over 40, mammograms are highly encouraged (esp. if there is a family history). Over 50 - just do it!

Cervical Cancer
Pap smear. Get it done annually if you are 21+. Get it done if you are under 21 and sexually active.
HPV vaccination - it's damn effective!

Skin Cancer
Adults should exam their skin regularly. Look for new lesions, or lesions that change in size, shape and colour. Look for moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, or non-uniform pigmentation.

Other Cancers
Unfortunately, most cancers don't have easily observable signs or symptoms, nor are there common screening procedures. Therefore they are often detected late. That's also why these cancers (pancreatic, ovarian, liver etc) often have a very poor outcome. Perhaps for Liver Cancer one can get the Hepatitis B vaccination - a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (most common form of liver cancer). Hep. B is not overly common in N.A., but if you travel the world you may be exposed. Even without the liver cancer risk, Hep.B is a crappy disease to have; the immunity lasts for 20 years+

What else can you do? In addition to the above screens, exercise and eat healthy (obesity is a huge risk factor for most cancers), don't smoke, don't binge drink (a drink or two occasionally is fine).

more detail if requested

I'm sick of people I care about getting this frak'n disease. Help put me out of work!

03-10-2011, 12:56 PM	#1
Canada 02 Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Exp:	Cancer screening - just do it! I thought most of this was common knowledge, but I encounter people on a daily basis who don't know, don't care, don't have the time, don't have the means, don't trust damn doctors, don't want to take embarrassing tests etc. All we can do is repeat the message, or better yet, have friends and family repeat the message to loved one! Colon Cancer Routine colonoscopy to look for early signs of cancer should begin at age 50 for most people - earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors (obesity, diabetes, low fiber/high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle). Prostate Cancer First prostate exam (digital rectal exam) or PSA blood test at age 40-45. Depending on results, family history, and other markers, probably won't need annual screening until age 50+ Testicular Cancer Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 34. Once you hit puberty, you should do a self exam frequently (in between the Fap, Fap, Fap - you're down there any ways) Testicular self exam (TSE) : Do it during or after a hot shower when the skin is relaxed. Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers. When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea. Remember that one testicle is slightly larger than the other for most guys - this is also normal. Also the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube) is a normal lump at the top and back of the testicle. Breast Cancer Under 40, perform breast self-exam regularly (or get your husband/boy friend to do!). This is not a reliable test because many women don't know how to do this properly, so get a brochure, watch a video or ask your doctor. If done properly, it can be very effective. http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfExam.html Over 40, mammograms are highly encouraged (esp. if there is a family history). Over 50 - just do it! Cervical Cancer Pap smear. Get it done annually if you are 21+. Get it done if you are under 21 and sexually active. HPV vaccination - it's damn effective! Skin Cancer Adults should exam their skin regularly. Look for new lesions, or lesions that change in size, shape and colour. Look for moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, or non-uniform pigmentation. Other Cancers Unfortunately, most cancers don't have easily observable signs or symptoms, nor are there common screening procedures. Therefore they are often detected late. That's also why these cancers (pancreatic, ovarian, liver etc) often have a very poor outcome. Perhaps for Liver Cancer one can get the Hepatitis B vaccination - a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (most common form of liver cancer). Hep. B is not overly common in N.A., but if you travel the world you may be exposed. Even without the liver cancer risk, Hep.B is a crappy disease to have; the immunity lasts for 20 years+ What else can you do? In addition to the above screens, exercise and eat healthy (obesity is a huge risk factor for most cancers), don't smoke, don't binge drink (a drink or two occasionally is fine). more detail if requested I'm sick of people I care about getting this frak'n disease. Help put me out of work!