The probability of your child developing cancer by the age of 19 is approximately 1 in 330, second only to accidents as a cause of death in children. The symptoms for childhood cancer include:
- Continued, unexplained weight loss.
- Headaches, often with early morning vomiting.
- Increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints, back, or legs.
- Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, or armpits.
- Development of excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash.
- Constant infections.
- A whitish colour behind the pupil.
- Nausea which persists or vomiting without nausea.
- Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness.
- Eye or vision changes which occur suddenly and persist.
- Recurrent or persistent fevers of unknown origin.
90% of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, inactivity and poor dietary intake in adults. More than 100 000 South African is diagnosed with cancer every year and six out of ten South African survive cancer.
South African women’s lifetime risk of cancer is 1:9. The most common types of cancer in women are breast, cervical and colorectal. On the contrary, South African men’s lifetime risk of cancer is 1:8. The most common types of cancer in men are prostate, lung and colorectal.
There are particular cancer screening tests that are important for women. Each are highly effective and recommended for all females, although some tests are only performed at certain ages.
Cervical Cancer
A Pap smear is a highly effective test that screens for cervical cancer in women. Women aged 19 and over should undergo a pap smear every three years unless ordered more frequently by your physician. At 30, women should also be tested for HPV, a common virus that causes cervical cancer, to be done with a routine Pap smear.
Gynaecologic Cancers
A regular pelvic exam is necessary for all women. A pelvic exam is one of the first steps in diagnosing several conditions such as gynecologic cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. How often a woman needs a pelvic exam varies depending on her risk factors for certain conditions and previous exam findings. A pelvic exam is often accompanied by the Pap smear.
Breast Cancer
Women who are over 40 or at high risk for developing breast cancer need to have a regular mammogram. A screening mammogram is able to detect breast abnormalities that could signal breast cancer. Aside from regular mammograms, women of all ages should perform monthly breast self-exams to check for abnormalities.
Colonoscopy or Other Recommended Colon Cancer Screening Test
Several tests are available to screen for colon cancer, including a colonoscopy and faecal occult blood tests. Your doctor will recommend a colon cancer screening test based on your colon cancer risk factors, age and general health. Common examples of colon cancer screening tests include. Colon cancer screening normally begins for men and women who are over 50 years of age. However, those who are at an increased risk for the disease may begin screening earlier.
Skin Cancer
You should check your skin for abnormalities every month at home. Each year, however, you should have a clinical skin exam. During a clinical skin exam, a doctor visually examines the skin to look for any new developments or changes to existing moles or spots. Moles that may have changed into skin cancer are often irregularly shaped, contain many colours and are larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
Oral Cancer
A yearly oral exam is not only necessary to prevent and detect dental problems, but also to screen for oral cancer. Before the exam, the dentist may ask if you smoke, chew tobacco or drink alcohol. It is important to let your dentist know if you have these habits so he or she can determine your risk of developing oral cancer. During an oral exam, the dentist will visually exam your mouth and gums, checking for oral cancer symptoms.
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
At the time of menopause, women should report any unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting to their physician. Some women, because of their history, may need to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy.
Lung cancer
No tests are recommended for lung cancer for people who are at average risk. However, if you are 55-74 years of age, have at least a 30 pack-year (the number of cigarette packs smoked each day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked) smoking history and are either still smoking or have quit within the last 15 years, screening should be done.
Prostate cancer
Starting at age 50 or if you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 45.
How to prevent cancer in adults
- Try to be physically active for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week.
- Avoiding using and being exposed to tobacco products.
- Eat food rich with chemo protectives. This is especially important to reduce a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. For example, lycopene, the ingredient found in tomatoes and processed tomato products that gives them their red colour, may have cancer-fighting properties. Read about Kicking the Coffee Habit here.
- Men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.
- Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Most skin cancer occurs on exposed parts of your body, such as your face, hands, forearms and ears. To prevent skin cancer wear sunscreen, avoid mid-day sun, wear protective clothing when outdoors and avoid tanning beds.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly also may play a role in preventing cancer. Obesity may be a risk factor for cancer of the prostate, etc.
- Some types of cancers can be genetic. Knowing your family history of cancer can help you make more informed decisions.
- Research suggests that a diet high in saturated fat can lead to the development of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.
- Unprotected intercourse can result in the infection of the HPV virus, a known cause for cervical cancer.
- Chemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer.
- Exposure to light at night may increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women.
Research done by Prof. Dr. Ina Shaw (MMI Holdings and University of Johannesburg) and Prof. Dr. Brandon S. Shaw (University of Johannesburg).
