Transcript Cancer and its prevention MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21

MHPE Volunteer Resource
ILLNESS PREVENTION
Cancer and its prevention
Tab 21
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21
Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Cancer: what is it?
• Mutations within cells
– Cancer type (e.g. carcinoma, leukaemia) is
important as well as location
• Benign vs. malignant tumours
• Spread via invasion and metastases
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Why is ‘cancer’ so frightening
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Common: 1 in 2 Australians
Ageing is the biggest risk factor!
Survival rates are improving
Most do well
And yet…
“He’s got
cancer”
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21
Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21
Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Prostate health
• Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE/BPH)
• Pressure on the urethra, so urinary symptoms
• Difficulty starting, weak stream, urgency,
frequency, dribbling, sleep disrupted to urinate
• Doctor may perform digital examination ± PSA
• Treatment: do nothing, drugs or surgery
BPE is not cancer
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Prostate cancer
• Few early symptoms: all men >50 should talk
regularly with their doctor about any urinary or
sexual concerns
• Variety of treatments, including ‘watch and wait’,
hormones, radiotherapy and surgery
• Early diagnosis improves outcomes
• Slow growing: most men with prostate cancer
will die with the disease rather than from it
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21
Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21
Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Colorectal (bowel) cancer
• May be preventable with healthy lifestyle
• National screening at ages 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
and 74 for early detection
• See your GP if bleeding, changes in bowel
habits, bloating, cramping or weakness
• Excellent outcomes with early detection
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Lung cancer
• Mostly preventable: Don’t smoke, or quit now
• Breathing symptoms, cough, chest pain, blood in
sputum (‘phlegm’), lethargy or weight loss
should be discussed with your doctor
• Often few early symptoms, so high mortality
• Most common cause of cancer death
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Skin cancer
• Two main groups: melanoma and NMSC (nonmelanoma skin cancers: BCC, SCC)
• 95-99% due to excessive sun exposure, so
largely preventable
• Know your skin & get all changes checked
• Very high cure rates when detected early
• Be SunSmart: slip, slop, slap, seek, slide!
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Testicular cancer
• Mostly men <40, but very low incidence
• Little evidence Testicular Self-Examination
improves outcomes, but no harm either
• Not caused by trauma, strains etc
• No symptoms other than lump or swelling
• Diagnosis (and cure) by orchidectomy
• 97% cure if in testicle only
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Talking about cancer
• Most people prefer to talk about cancer
• It may be to a professional, family or a friend
• Keep the door open to discussion when, and if,
the person wants it
• It is about their experience, not yours
• Practical help makes a difference
• The person is living, at their own pace
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Preventing cancer
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At least 1/3 of cancers are preventable
Don’t smoke (Quit now)
Eat healthily
Maintain a healthy weight
Be SunSmart
Limit alcohol
Exercise regularly
See your doctor for checks
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Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention
Resources
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Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Victoria
Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia
Andrology Australia
© Commonwealth of Australia 2015