January
Cervical Cancer
Cancer Prevention is critical to lower the chance of getting cancer. In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden on patients, their families, and the public. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer is lowered. Hopefully, this will reduce the burden of cancer and lower the number of deaths caused by cancer.
Risk Factors for Cancer: Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemical or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. They also include things people cannot control, like age and family history. A family history of certain cancers can be a sign of possible inherited cancer syndrome. Learn more
The Genetics of Cancer: Cancer is a genetic disease – meaning, cancer is caused by certain changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide. Genetic changes that promote cancer can be inherited from our parents if the changes are present in germ cells, which are the reproductive cells of the body (eggs & sperm). Such changes, called germline changes, are found in every cell of the offspring. Learn more
The statistics are alarming:
- In 2020, an estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States and over 606,520 people died from the disease.
- Cancer mortality is higher among men than women.
- Approximately 39.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
- In 2020, an estimated 16,850 children and adolescents ages 0-19 will be diagnosed with cancer and over 1,730 will die of the disease.
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
February
National Cancer Prevention
Cancer Prevention is critical to lower the chance of getting cancer. In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden on patients, their families, and the public. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer is lowered. Hopefully, this will reduce the burden of cancer and lower the number of deaths caused by cancer.
Risk Factors for Cancer: Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemical or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. They also include things people cannot control, like age and family history. A family history of certain cancers can be a sign of possible inherited cancer syndrome. Learn more
The Genetics of Cancer: Cancer is a genetic disease – meaning, cancer is caused by certain changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide. Genetic changes that promote cancer can be inherited from our parents if the changes are present in germ cells, which are the reproductive cells of the body (eggs & sperm). Such changes, called germline changes, are found in every cell of the offspring. Learn more
The statistics are alarming:
- In 2020, an estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States and over 606,520 people died from the disease.
- Cancer mortality is higher among men than women.
- Approximately 39.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
- In 2020, an estimated 16,850 children and adolescents ages 0-19 will be diagnosed with cancer and over 1,730 will die of the disease.
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
Gallbladder / Bile Duct Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver in the upper abdomen. The gallbladder stores the bile, a fluid made by the liver to digest fat.
Risk factors for Gallbladder Cancer: Being female and Native American can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
Detection: Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose for the following reasons:
There are no symptoms in early stages of gallbladder cancer.
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer, when present, are like the symptoms of many other illnesses.
The gallbladder is hidden under the liver.
Gallbladder cancer is sometimes found when the gallbladder is removed or other reasons. Patients with gallstones rarely develop gallbladder cancer.
Source: American Cancer Society
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