Why is early cancer detection very important?

Fri, Feb 13, 2015

Continued from Tuesday, February 10th edition of Searchlight

Mouth – Your doctor and dentist should examine your mouth at regular visits. Also, by looking in a mirror, you can check inside your mouth for changes in the colour of the lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks, and for scabs, cracks, sores, white patches, swelling, or bleeding. It is often possible to see or feel changes in the mouth that might be cancer or a condition that might lead to cancer. Any symptoms in your mouth should be checked by a doctor or dentist. Oral exams are especially important for people who use alcohol or tobacco products and for anyone over age 50.{{more}}

Prostate – Men over age 40 should have a yearly digital rectal exam to check the prostate gland for hard or lumpy areas. The doctor feels the prostate through the wall of the rectum.

Testicles – Testicular cancer occurs most often between ages 15 and 34. Most of these cancers are found by men themselves, often by doing a testicular self-exam. If you find a lump or notice another change, such as heaviness, swelling, unusual tenderness, or pain, you should see your doctor. Also, the doctor should examine the testicles as part of regular medical check-ups.

Breast – When breast cancer is found early, a woman has more treatment choices and a good chance of complete recovery. They should talk to their doctor about this disease, the symptoms to watch for, and an appropriate schedule of check-ups. Women should ask their doctor about:

• Mammograms (x-rays of the breast);

• Breast exams by a doctor or nurse; and

• Breast self-examination (BSE)

Cervix – Regular pelvic exams and Pap tests are important to detect early cancer of the cervix.

Lastly, I will be remiss in not mentioning the link between stress and cancer. It is very important that one remain as stress free as possible. Substantial research has shown evidence that exposure to long periods of stress increases rates of cancer development and growth. New research further indicates that stress can cause permanent changes to our genes. One hypothesis of how stress impacts on cancer development or growth is that these genetic changes could develop in key control points in the cancer process.

For further discussion or information as it relates to cancer, its treatment and support, feel free to contact Dr Jozelle Miller, 456-1185 ext, 115, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Also, for anyone requiring emotional support as they deal with a diagnosis of cancer, feel free to join the SCORCH Cancer support group, meeting time: 4:30 p.m. at the Outpatient Dept, (MCMH).

Prepared by

Dr Jozelle Miller

Health Psychologist (MCMH)

Founder of SCORCH Cancer Support group

Email address: jozellemiller@gmail.com