Breast and Prostate Cancer Prevention

Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer? Abnormal cell growth in lobes or ducts of breast Breast cells grow out of control Cells clump together forming a mass

Breast Mass Most breast masses are not cancerous (benign) Benign masses are not life threatening Some masses are cancerous (malignant)

Breast Cancer Risk Factors Sex Age Race Alcohol consumption Diet

Lifetime Exposure to Estrogen Early menarche Late menopause No pregnancies or 1st child after 30 Use of birth control pills or estrogen therapy

Breastfeeding for at least 3 months appears to lower the risk of developing breast cancer by 25%.

Personal and Family History Have you had breast cancer before? Has your mother, sister or grandmother ever had breast cancer? Have you ever been genetically tested and are said to carry the gene?

If you answered “yes” to any of the aforementioned questions you are at greater risk for developing breast cancer!

Other possible risk factors Obesity Pesticide and other chemical exposure Cigarette smoke Charred red meat

How do you lower your risk of breast cancer? Eat foods high in fiber Eat five or more fruits & vegetables daily Include soy in your diet Limit fat intake Limit alcohol consumption

Stay Physically Fit! Exercising 4 times a week decreased risk by 58% Include weight-bearing exercise to build stronger bones

Avoid Pesticides! Wash all produce! Peel waxed produce Consider organically grown foods

Recognize Symptoms Early! Lump or mass in breast or under arm Change in size, shape, or color of the breast Breast thickening, swelling, or tenderness Dimples, puckers, or scales Pain or discharge from nipple

Breast Cancer Screening Tests Monthly breast self exam (BSE) Examine breasts at same time monthly Best time is right after your menstrual cycle Become familiar with breast tissue and appearance

Breast Cancer Screening Tests Clinical breast exam Part of a physical Conducted by a physician or health care provider Recommended at least every 3 years

Mammogram X-ray that shows an image of breast tissue Can detect problems that cannot yet be seen or felt with a BSE Conducted annually for women over 40

Additional Steps: Discuss your risk and family history with your health care provider Women at a higher risk should discuss screening schedules with a health care provider

If you have any warning signs or symptoms, contact your provider immediately!

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Anatomy of the Prostate Small, walnut-sized gland Located in front of the rectum Part of the male reproductive system Produces fluid that mixes with sperm

What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cells grow out of control Cells clump together and form a mass Masses can be Non-cancerous (benign) Cancerous (malignant)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Abnormal growth of benign cells in the prostate Can press against the bladder 50% of men in US between ages 60 & 70 have symptoms 90% between ages 70 & 90 have symptoms May or may not have to be treated

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors Age Usually occurs in men over 50 Risk goes up with age Average age at diagnosis is 70

Family History Risk doubles if your father or brother has a history of prostate cancer Males whose mothers or sisters have had breast cancer carry a higher risk

Race More common in African American men than Caucasian men Less common in Asian and American Indian men than Caucasian men

Other Risk Factors Farming Diet Farmers who sprayed 250 acres or more doubled their risk Diet Diets higher in fat may increase susceptibility to prostate cancer

How do you lower your risk? Reduce animal fat in diet Especially red meat Increase soy consumption Soy milk Tofu Stay physically fit!

Tomatoes and high fiber diets appear to be protective in nature!

Recognize Symptoms Early! Frequent urination Inability or difficulty urinating Weak or interrupted flow of urine Pain or burning while urinating Blood in urine or semen

Other possible symptoms Painful ejaculation Frequent pain or stiffness Back Hip Thighs Loss of weight or appetite

Prostate Cancer Screening Tests Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) Doctor’s examination with a lubricated finger Recommended at 50 years old Sooner with a family history

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood test Checks level of substance produced by prostrate Recommended at 50 years old Sooner with a family history Test does have limitations

An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean you have cancer!

Additional Steps: Discuss your risk and family history with your health care provider Men at a higher risk should discuss screening schedules with a health care provider

If you have any warning signs or symptoms, contact your provider immediately!

The earlier you detect the cancer the greater chances of successful treatment!