WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING ! SIGNS OF CANCER By Beau Benhardt Teacher page

CANCER (the uncontrolled growth of cells) is the second leading cause of death in the United States behind cardiovascular disease. There are over 100 different types of cancer that can effect humans. Cancer kills about 500,000 Americans each year.

According to the American Cancer Society, 49% of all people with cancer are still alive 5 years after the diagnosis. They feel that number could be increased to 75% with early diagnosis and treatment. Many cancers give early warning signs to their victims. Our ability to recognize these signs could mean the difference between life and death.

In your journals, copy the warning signs listed. Next, list all the possible cancers that each sign may be the precursor of :

CHANGE IN BOWEL OR BLADDER HABITS

CHANGE IN BOWEL OR BLADDER HABITS CANCERS OF: COLON, RECTUM, BLADDER, PROSTATE. The incidence of these types of cancer can be minimized by proper nutrition, non-use of tobacco, and annual prostate exams after age 40.

A SORE THAT DOES NOT HEAL

A SORE THAT DOES NOT HEAL Cancers of: mouth, skin Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More than 600,000 cases reported each year. Avoid over-exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays. The primary cause of mouth cancer is tobacco and alcohol use.

UNUSUAL BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE

UNUSUAL BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE Cancers of : Lungs, Stomach, Colon, Prostate, Uterus, Kidneys. If a person coughs up blood, has the presence of blood in his/her urine, blood found in the feces, or a woman’s menstrual flow is heavier or more spotty than normal.

THICKENING OR LUMP IN THE BREAST OR ELSEWHERE

THICKENING OR LUMP IN THE BREAST OR ELSEWHERE Cancers of: Breast, Testicles, Hodgkin’s Disease. Women should practice Breast Self Examination and Men should practice Testicular Self Examination on a monthly basis. If you detect a lump let your doctor determine its severity.

INDIGESTION OR DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING

INDIGESTION OR DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING Cancers of : Stomach, Esophagus, Tongue. Any type of irritation, sore, or other condition that lasts for over a 2-week period should be checked out by a doctor.

OBVIOUS CHANGE IN A WART OR A MOLE

OBVIOUS CHANGE IN A WART OR A MOLE Melanoma- a virulent form of skin cancer. Any mole that changes color or shape, is asymmetrical (not uniform in shape), is larger than a pencil’s eraser in diameter should be checked for possible presence of Melanoma.

NAGGING COUGH OR HOARSENESS

NAGGING COUGH OR HOARSENESS Cancers of: Lung, Larynx. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. Tobacco use is responsible for the majority of these cancers.

THE END

TEACHERS PAGE Objective- The students are made aware of the different types of cancer associated with the various warning signs. Activity-The student will write down in their journals the warning signs and then list the different types of cancer they can foretell. Process- When each warning sign is shown, give the students 2 minutes to write their responses before clicking the mouse.