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.