Cancer Screening

Cancer & Australian Statistics

Cancer is a leading form of death in Australia with an estimated 39 000 deaths per annum.  1 in 2 men,  and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.  However the survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30% in the past two decades.  Today the most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are prostate, colorectal (bowel), breast, melanoma, and lung cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

More than 14 000 Australians are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.  1 in 10 men, and 1 in 14 women will be diagnosed by the age of 85.  More than 4 372 deaths annually are attributed to colorectal cancer. 

Causes and Prevention

· Genetics, age, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and smoking are all known risk factors.

· The best prevention is to quit smoking, maintain a healthy body weight, and eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Symptoms

· Changes in bowel habits i.e. diarrhea, constipation or feeling of incomplete emptying.

· Thin bowel movements.

· Bloating, cramping, or blood in the motions.

Screening

· Can be screened by a FOBT (faecal occult blood test).

· Abnormal tests are followed up with a colonoscopy.

Lung Cancer

9 700 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year.  Lung cancer accounts for 9% of all diagnosed cancers, and 18% of deaths attributed to cancer.

Causes and Prevention

· Smoking is a the largest cause of lung cancer.  Risk is also increased with exposure to asbestos, radon, hydrocarbons and metals.

· The greatest preventative measure is to not smoke.

Symptoms

· Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing producing blood in sputum, chest pain.

Screening

· No routine screening test.

· Abnormal tests are followed up with a colonoscopy.

Melanoma

Melanoma presents as 9.5% of all cancers, with nearly 10 300 new cases diagnosed each year.  More than 1 430 deaths annually are the result of melanoma cancer. 

Causes and Prevention

· Risk is increased with exposure to UV, particularly with episodes of sunburn.  Additional risk exists for people with fair skin, a family history, those with previous melanoma, a dysplastic naevi (a mole of  unusual appearance), or depressed immune system.

· Prevention entails avoiding sunburn, UV exposure particularly between 10am and 3pm, and when the UV alert is above 3.  Avoid tanning salons.

Symptoms

· Usually asymptomatic, but a skin lesion that is asymmetrical, has uneven boarders, is changing, has a diameter > 6mm, or is evolving, may be associated with melanoma.

Screening

· Self-examination of the skin surface for skin lesions that are irregular and changing.

· Annual checks by a dermatologist especially people with dysplastic naevi.

Breast Cancer

Approximately 12 700 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Australia. In 2007 there were 2 680 deaths in Australian women  and 26 Australian men due to breast cancer.

Causes and Prevention

· Genetics and age are known risk factors, excess alcohol consumption, as well as exposure to female hormones (natural and administered), obesity and exposure to past radiation.

· No specific method of prevention.  High risk women may benefit from certain hormones i.e. tamoxifen.

Symptoms

· New lumps or thickening of breasts under arms, rash or red swollen breasts, nipple sores, skin of breast dimpling or discharge, pain is rare.

Screening

· Mammographic screening every two years is recommended to women from the age of 40.

· MRI or ultrasound is used for high risk younger women.

Ovarian Cancer

More than 1 200 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Causes and Prevention

· Age and genetics, as well as no oral contraception, first child after 30 or childlessness or infertility, early menarche (before 12 years) or late menopause.

· No proven prevention.

Symptoms

· Cramps and bloating, persistent abdominal pain, tiredness, painful intercourse, pelvic or back pain.

Screening

· No proven screening methods.

Cervical Cancer

175 new cases are diagnosed in Queensland each year.

Cause and Prevention

· 80% caused by Human Papilloma Virus.  Women who have had several pregnancies or several sexual partners are at higher risk.

· Prevention for young women is through a new vaccine.  For all other women, early detection is the key.

Symptoms

· Asymptomatic in early stage therefore regular pap smear.

· Late stage cancer can be accompanied by irregular bleeding between periods, unusually heavy bleeding after intercourse, unexpected bleeding, or prolonged bleeding.

Screening

· Women who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap smear every 2 years (even if no longer sexually active).

Prostate Cancer

More than 19 400 new cases each year, accounting for 30% of all male cancers. In 2007 there were  2 938 deaths reported in Australian men resulting from prostate cancer.

Causes and Prevention

· Age (particularly 50+), and genetics, as well as diets high in fat and low in fresh fruit.  There is also an association with high testosterone levels.

· No proven prevention.

Symptoms

· Can include: frequent urination, pain while urinating, blood in the urine, a weak stream of urine or unexplained weight loss.

Screening

· PSA blood test (prostate specific antigen) can detect cancer early, however it doesn’t detect all prostate cancers and elevated PSA  levels are not always indicative of cancer.

· DRE (digital rectal examination), performed by a GP.

Testicular Cancer

More than 700 new cases each year.  More than half of these are under the age of 35.

Causes and Prevention

· Causes and predisposition include genetics, personal history of undescended testicles, and atrophied (wasted) testicle.

· No proven prevention.

Symptoms

· Swelling, a small hard lump, difference in shape and texture between testicles, often painless.

Screening

· Monthly self examination to detect lumps, swelling or discomfort on the surface of the testicles.

References

The Cancer Council Australia: www.cancer.org.au

The Queensland Cancer Fund: www.qldcancer.com.au

www.medicalonline.com.au/medical/cancer/cervical.htm

www.health.qld.gov.au/cervicalscreening/

For More Information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2 / 46 Edward Street

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone:  07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.

Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are two almond shaped organs that form part of the female reproductive system. The role of the ovaries is to produce ova, or eggs, as well as hormones that are involved in the menstrual cycles and fertility. Normally cells grow and multiply in a orderly way, but changed genes cause them to behave abnormally and metastasised and form a growth or tumour. Ovarian cancer is when a group of damaged cells grow and multiply in the ovary and form a malignant tumour.

What causes Ovarian Cancer?

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, there are a number of risk factors that increase the chance of a women developing ovarian cancer.  These include:

· Age

· Lifestyle factors i.e. Caucasian women in industrialised countries with a higher standard of living, dietary factors such as the consumption of meat, whole milk and animal fat may result in an increase risk (research is inconclusive at present) and increased body mass index

· Having few or no children

· Having started periods at an early age

· Having your first child after the age of 30

· Menopause occurring after the age of 50

· Family history

However 95% of all ovarian cancers occur in women without these risk factors and many women who have risk factors do not develop ovarian cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

In most cases women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are already in the advanced stages of the disease. Unfortunately early detection results in a significant difference in survival rates. 

Ovarian cancer in its early stages is often described as being a silent disease with many women experiencing no symptoms. If symptoms do present they are often very vague and may include:

· Vague abdominal pain or pressure

· Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion - different to your normal sensations

· Vague abdominal pain or pressure

· Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating

· Persistent change in bowel or bladder patterns

· Low backache of cramps

· Abnormal vaginal bleeding

· Pain during intercourse

· Unexplained weight loss

Due to the nature of the above symptoms, many women who experience one or two symptoms do not have cancer. However, it is important that you seek medical advice if the symptoms are unusual or persist

Diagnosis

At present there is no simple or effective screening test for ovarian cancer. In order for a conclusive diagnosis to be made, a tissue biopsy must be taken and then examined under a microscope. Diagnosis however can be assisted by:

· Physical examination i.e. general check-up including internal pelvic examination and potentially a pap smear

· Blood tests: a full blood count maybe done and measure of the blood protein Ca 125 which is often raised in women with ovarian cancer

· Imaging: a chest and/or abdominal x-rays and an ultrasound of the lower abdomen. Ultrasound does not provide a definite diagnosis though. A Cat scan may also be performed to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

· Biopsy: This may be performed during the operation to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.

Treatment

By the time that ovarian cancer is detected it is usually in the advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body including the pelvis, the surface of the bowel and a large deposit is frequently found in the omentum (a fatty apron that hangs down form the bowel). Small deposits are also regularly found in the internal abdomen.  Surgery involving removal of these tumour deposits as well as follow-up chemotherapy are the primary means of treating the disease.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Incidence:

· Ovarian cancer is the 9th most common cancer in Australia

· One in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer before the age of 85

· In 2007, 1,266 Australian women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Projected estimates are for 1,645 cases in 2011

Mortality

· Ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer death in Australia

· A total of 848 women died from ovarian cancer in 2007

· The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. About 81% of all new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2006 were in women 50 years or older

Survival

· The five year relative survival rate for Australian women with ovarian cancer has increased significantly, from 33% in 1982-1987 to 40% in 2000-2006.

Reference:

www.ocrf.com.au

www.ovariancancer.org.au

www..nbcc.org.au

www.aihw.gov.au

For more information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2, 46 Edward St

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone: 07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Heartline (National) 1300 362 787

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.

Skin Cancer Facts

What are the Statistics?

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with over 444 300 cases reported each year for all types of skin cancers.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer is the 2nd most common form of cancer in males and females alike. Approximately 1 in every 11 males and 1 in 19 females in Queensland will develop a melanoma in their lifetime.

More than 1200 Australians die from melanoma each year.

What Do I Look For?

See your doctor if you notice a freckle, mole or lump that is new or changing in size, shape or colour, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Following is some information on the different types of sun spots.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancers. If left undetected and untreated, the cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body.

Early detection and treatment is the key - 95% of all melanomas are cured with early treatment.

A melanoma will appear as a new spot, or a change in an existing spot such as colour, size or shape. It usually has a smudgy outline and is more than one colour. Melanomas grow over weeks to months. 

 

Dysplastic Naevi

Dysplastic Naevi are not skin cancers, but may be a warning that you are more prone to melanoma.

They are often flat, fairly large moles which share some of the features of early melanoma. It is characterized by irregular borders and uneven colour with multiple shades of brown and sometimes pink.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is not as dangerous as melanoma but can also spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

It appears as a thickened red, scaly spot that may later bleed easily or ulcerate. It’s found on sites most often exposed to the sun such as the face, and grows over some months.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous skin cancer.

It appears as a lump or scaling area and can be red, pale or pearly in colour. As it grows it may become ulcerated like an unhealing sore or one that heals and then breaks down again. It grows slowly, usually on the head, neck and upper torso.

Freckles and Moles

Freckles are harmless, coloured spots that range in size from 1mm to 10mm.

Moles are evenly coloured and may be raised, although not necessarily. They have clear, even edges and are usually circular or oval in shape.

Solar Keratoses

Solar Keratoses are not skin cancers but a warning that you are prone to developing skin cancer.

Solar Keratoses are characterized by red, flattish, scaling areas which may sting if scratched. They usually appear on sun-exposed skin in the over 40 age group.

 

HARMLESS SPOTS

Seborrhoeic Keratoses

By the age of 60, most people will have at least one or two Seborrhoeic Keratoses.

They have a very discrete edge and frequently sit up on top of the skin. Colours can very from pale skin through to orange or black. The size can also vary from a few millimeters to 2cm.

How Can I Save My Skin?

Avoid Dangerous Times in the Sun

Reduce your sunlight exposure, particularly in the peak radiation times of 10am to 3pm. Even on cooler days it’s still important to avoid the sun.

Be Protected

Cover up your body by remembering to ‘slip, slop slap’. Wear a long-sleeved collared shirt with closely woven  fabric, put on a hat with a wide brim, don’t forget sunglasses for your eyes and wear sunscreen. It is a good idea to find some shade, or create your own with an umbrella.

Sunscreen

Put on SPF30+ sunscreen (or higher) before you enter the sun and make sure you reapply it regularly (every 2 hours). Liberal application is recommended: use approximately 1 teaspoon per limb as a guide.

When choosing a sunscreen ensure it’s broad spectrum and water resistant if you plan to go in the water. Store  below 30°C and remember to check the use by date as  its effectiveness decreases after this time.

Get Regular Skin Checks

Ninety five percent of melanomas that are treated early are cured. Regular skin checks are the most effective way to detect skin cancer early.

Reference

www.cancer.org.au

Queensland Cancer Fund: www.qldcancer.org.au

For More Information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2 / 46 Edward Street

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone:  07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Cancer Information and Support Service

13 11 20 (toll free)

Queensland Cancer Fund

PO Box 201

Spring Hill

QLD 4004

The Skin Cancer Foundation

Http://www.skincancer.org

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.