Download Risk Factors and Screening Guidelines for the 12 Most

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Quick Reference
Risk Factors and Screening Guidelines for the
12 Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancers
Saint Louis University Cancer Center
SLUCare physicians and the health care professionals of Saint Louis University Hospital have partnered to create the
Saint Louis University Cancer Center. The Center offers the complete range of inpatient and outpatient cancer services as
well as a research program focused on oncology and a cancer information center dedicated to providing information and
support to cancer patients.
To reach the Grand Vision Cancer Information Center call,
(314) 268-7015
or to schedule an appointment with a SLUCare specialist, call
(314) 977-4440 or (866) 977-4440.
www.slucare.edu
www.sluhospital.com
9/08
Quick Reference
The specialists in the Saint Louis University Cancer Center at Saint Louis University Hospital are known
for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They’re also seeking early cancer detection methods
as well as ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer. The Quick Reference is a part of this effort. Here
you’ll find the 12 most commonly diagnosed cancers along with their risk factors and screening guidelines.
Even though it is not known why cancer occurs, there is proof that certain things can increase your
chance of developing the disease. These are called cancer risk factors and they fall into two broad categories – controllable and uncontrollable. Lifestyle or behavioral factors, such as smoking, are controllable.
Other factors, such as age or gender, are uncontrollable. In some cases the risk factors may overlap or
may work together to increase your risk. Individual risk factors do not mean you will develop cancer, but
indicate that your risk for developing cancer is increased.
If you find you’re at risk for developing cancer, follow the screening guidelines, get regular checkups by
your doctor or call (314) 977-4440 or (866) 977-4440 for a referral to a SLUCare specialist.
Cancer
Risk Factors
Screening Guidelines
Breast Cancer
Uncontrollable female gender
ages 20 - 39
increasing age monthly breast exam (BSE)
family history of breast cancer* doctor’s physical exam of breasts
personal history of breast cancer every 3 years
history of radiation treatment
age 40 and up
history of breast biopsy – confirmed monthly self breast exam (BSE)
atypical hyperplasia doctor’s physical exam of breasts
beginning menstrual periods before every year
age 12 or experiencing menopause screening mammogram every year
after age 50
bearing few or no children
* women with a strong family history of
having first child after age 30
breast cancer may benefit from genetic
Controllable
taking birth control pills testing for a breast cancer susceptibility
taking estrogen replacement therapy gene
not breastfeeding
alcohol consumption
diet high in fat
lack of exercise
For detailed information about risk factors for a specific type of cancer,
call the Grand Vision Cancer Information Center at (314) 268-7015.
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Cancer
Risk Factors
Screening Guidelines
Prostate Cancer
Uncontrollable
Controllable male gender
age 50 and up
increasing age doctor’s digital rectal exam every year
African-American race PSA test every year
family history of prostate cancer (age 40 and up for high risk groups)
diet high in fat
alcohol use
Lung Cancer Uncontrollable
Controllable increasing age
smoking*
asbestos exposure
carcinogen exposure in workplace
radon gas exposure
lung scarring from certain pneumonias
If you have any of these risk factors,
discuss them with your health care
provider.
* seriously consider smoking cessation
Colorectal Cancer Uncontrollable family history of colorectal cancer*
age 50 and up**
personal history of colorectal cancer yearly fecal occult blood test plus
personal history of polyps flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
50 years of age and older OR
Controllable diet high in fat colonoscopy every 10 years
obesity OR
lack of exercise double contrast barium enema every
5 - 10 years
* persons with a strong history of colorectal
cancer may benefit from genetic counseling
and testing
** those with a personal or family history of
colorectal cancer or polyps may need to
modify these guidelines
Uterine and Uncontrollable female gender
age 18 and up
Ovarian Cancer
family history of uterine or ovarian cancer* pelvic examination every year
personal history of: women should be encouraged to
infertility problems report any unexpected bleeding
or spotting
irregular menstrual periods
breast cancer
colorectal cancer
* those with a family history of uterine or
endometrial hyperplasia (uterine)
ovarian cancer may benefit from genetic
bearing few or no children
counseling and testing
beginning menstrual periods before age
12 or experiencing menopause after
age 50
Controllable
taking fertility drugs (ovarian)
diet high in fat (uterine)
Urinary Tract Cancer Uncontrollable Caucasian race If you have any of these risk factors,
age over 60
discuss them with your health care
chronic bladder problems
provider.
history of bladder cancer
Controllable
smoking*
* seriously consider smoking cessation
chemical exposure, especially to
aromatic amines
For detailed information about risk factors for a specific type of cancer,
call the Grand Vision Cancer Information Center at (314) 268-7015.
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Cancer
Risk Factors
Screening Guidelines
Leukemia/
Uncontrollable history of chemotherapy
Lymphoma
Controllable Benzene exposure
high-dose radiation exposure
smoking If you have any of these risk factors,
discuss them with your health care
provider.
Oral Cancer
Uncontrollable male gender
age 20 - 40
age over 60 cancer-related check up of the
African-American race oral cavity every 3 years
history of gastroesophageal reflux
age over 40
Controllable using tobacco products cancer-related check up of the
alcohol consumption oral cavity every year
chemical exposure
poor nutrition
Skin Cancer/ Uncontrollable fair skin
monthly skin self examination
Melanoma
long-term skin problems
age 20 - 40
weak immune system cancer-related check up every 3 years
Controllable exposure to strong sunlight or
age over 40
tanning beds cancer-related check up every year
chemical exposure
radiation exposure
psoriasis treatment
Pancreas Cancer
Uncontrollable
Controllable age over 60
male gender
African-American race
history of diabetes
smoking diet high in meats
diet high in fats
If you have any of these risk factors,
discuss them with your health care
provider.
Liver Cancer
Uncontrollable
Controllable history of Hepatitis B
history of Hepatitis C
history of cirrhosis
chemical exposure
anabolic steroid use
tobacco use
If you have any of these risk factors,
discuss them with your health care
provider.
Cervical Cancer
Uncontrollable history of abnormal Pap test
age 21 or after becoming sexually active
weakened immune system yearly Pap test and pelvic exam
Controllable
multiple sexual partners
After 3 or more consecutive satisfactory
history of sexually transmitted viruses normal annual examinations, the Pap
smoking test may be performed less frequently
at the discretion of the physician
For detailed information about risk factors for a specific type of cancer,
call the Grand Vision Cancer Information Center at (314) 268-7015.
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