Download Top 10 Cancers Affecting Young Adults

Every 8 minutes, a
young adult is
diagnosed with
cancer. That’s over
70,000 people in
their 20s and 30s
each year.
Awareness is power.
B
REAST
breasts) before age 30 are at an
increased risk of breast cancer. This
includes women treated with radiation
for Hodgkin lymphoma. Studies show
that the younger a woman was when
she received radiation treatment, the
higher her risk of breast cancer later in
life.
CANCER
Breast Cancer is cancer that
forms in tissues of the breast,
usually the ducts (tubes that
carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands
that make milk). It occurs in both men and
women, although male breast cancer is
rare.

Reproductive and menstrual history:
o
RISK FACTORS
Some of the risk factors for breast cancer
include:
o

o



Personal health history: Having breast
cancer in one breast increases your risk
of getting cancer in your other breast.
Also, having certain types of abnormal
breast
cells
(atypical
hyperplasia, lobular
carcinoma
in
situ [LCIS], or ductal carcinoma in
situ [DCIS])
increases
the
risk
of invasive
breast
cancer.
These
conditions
are
found
with
a
breast biopsy.
Family health history: Your risk of
breast cancer is higher if your mother,
father, sister, or daughter had breast
cancer. The risk is even higher if your
family member had breast cancer
before age 50. Having other relatives (in
either your mother's or father's family)
with
breast
cancer
or ovarian
cancer may also increase your risk.
Certain genome changes: Changes in
certain genes,
such
as BRCA1 or BRCA2,
substantially
increase the risk of breast cancer. Tests
can sometimes show the presence of
these rare, specific gene changes in
families with many women who have
had breast cancer, and health care
providers may suggest ways to try to
reduce the risk of breast cancer or to
improve the detection of this disease in
women who have these genetic
changes.
Radiation
therapy to
the
chest: Women who had radiation
therapy to the chest (including the
The older a woman is when she
has her first child, the greater her
chance of breast cancer.
Women who never had children are
at an increased risk of breast
cancer.
Women
who
had
their
first menstrual period before age
12 are at an increased risk of
breast cancer.

Breast density: Breasts appear on
a mammogram (breast x-ray)
as
having areas of dense and fatty (not
dense)
tissue.
Women
whose
mammograms show a larger area of
dense tissue than the mammograms of
women of the same age are at
increased risk of breast cancer.

History of taking DES: DES was given
to some pregnant women in the United
States between about 1940 and 1971.
(It is no longer given to pregnant
women.) Women who took DES during
pregnancy may have a slightly
increased risk of breast cancer. The
possible effects on their daughters are
under study.

Lack of physical activity

Drinking alcohol
SYMPTOMS
Early breast cancer usually doesn't cause
symptoms. But as the tumor grows, it can
change how the breast looks or feels. The
common changes include:



A lump or thickening in or near the
breast or in the underarm area
A change in the size or shape of the
breast
Dimpling or puckering in the skin of
the breast



A nipple turned inward into the breast
Discharge (fluid) from the nipple,
especially if it's bloody
Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the
breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area
of skin at the center of the breast). The
skin may have ridges or pitting so that
it looks like the skin of an orange.
B
RAIN
CENTRAL
&
OTHER
NERVOUS
SYSTEM TUMORS
not shown consistent links between
these possible risk factors and brain
tumors, but additional research is
needed.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of a brain tumor depend on
tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms
may be caused when a tumor presses on a
nerve or harms a part of the brain. Also,
they may be caused when a tumor blocks
the fluid that flows through and around the
brain, or when the brain swells because of
the buildup of fluid.
Brain cancer is the result of the growth of
abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain.
Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or
malignant (cancer). When most normal cells
grow old or get damaged, they die, and new
cells take their place. Sometimes, this
process goes wrong. New cells form when
the body doesn't need them, and old or
damaged cells don't die as they should. The
buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of
tissue called a growth or tumor.
These are the most common symptoms of
brain tumors:
RISK FACTORS

Studies have found the following risk
factors for brain tumors:

Ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation
from
high
dose x-rays (such
as radiation therapy from a large
machine aimed at the head) and other
sources can cause cell damage that
leads to a tumor. People exposed to
ionizing radiation may have an
increased risk of a brain tumor, such as
meningioma or glioma.

Family history: It is rare for brain
tumors to run in a family. Only a very
small number of families have several
members with brain tumors.
Researchers are studying whether using
cell phones, having had a head injury, or
having been exposed to certain
chemicals at work or to magnetic fields
are important risk factors. Studies have







Headaches (usually worse in the
morning)
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in speech, vision, or hearing
Problems balancing or walking
Changes in mood, personality, or ability
to concentrate
Problems with memory
Muscle
jerking
or
twitching
(seizures or convulsions)
Numbness or tingling in the arms or
legs
C
ERVICAL
CANCER
Cervical Cancer is cancer that
forms in tissues of the cervix (the
organ connecting the uterus and
vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer
that may not have symptoms but can be
found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in
which cells are scraped from the cervix and
looked at under a microscope).
RISK FACTORS
Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)
is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV
infection and other risk factors may act
together to increase the risk even more:

HPV infection: HPV is a group
of viruses that can infect the cervix.
An HPV infection that doesn't go away
can cause cervical cancer in some
women. HPV is the cause of nearly all
cervical cancers.
HPV infections are very common. These
viruses are passed from person to
person through sexual contact. Most
adults have been infected with HPV at
some time in their lives, but most
infections clear up on their own.
Some types of HPV can cause changes
to cells in the cervix. If these changes
are found early, cervical cancer can be
prevented by removing or killing the
changed cells before they can become
cancer cells.

Lack of regular Pap tests: Cervical
cancer is more common among women
who don't have regular Pap tests. The
Pap test helps doctors find abnormal
cells. Removing or killing the abnormal
cells usually prevents cervical cancer.

Smoking: Among women who are
infected with HPV, smoking cigarettes
slightly increases the risk of cervical
cancer.

Weakened immune
system (the
body's
natural
defense
system):
Infection with HIV (the virus that
causes AIDS) or taking drugs that
suppress the immune system increases
the risk of cervical cancer.

Sexual history: Women who have had
many sexual partners have a higher
risk of developing cervical cancer. Also,
a woman who has had sex with a man
who has had many sexual partners may
be at higher risk of developing cervical
cancer. In both cases, the risk of
developing cervical cancer is higher
because these women have a higher
risk of HPV infection.

Using birth control pills for a long
time: Using birth control pills for a
long time (5 or more years) may slightly
increase the risk of cervical cancer
among women with HPV infection.
However, the risk decreases quickly
when women stop using birth control
pills.

Having many children: Studies suggest
that giving birth to many children (5 or
more) may slightly increase the risk of
cervical cancer among women with HPV
infection.

DES (diethylstilbestrol):
DES
may
increase the risk of a rare form of
cervical cancer in daughters exposed to
this drug before birth. DES was given to
some pregnant women in the United
States between about 1940 and 1971.
(It is no longer given to pregnant
women.)
SYMPTOMS
Early cervical cancers usually don't cause
symptoms. When the cancer grows larger,
women may notice one or more of these
symptoms:




Abnormal vaginal bleeding
o Bleeding that occurs between
regular menstrual periods
o Bleeding after sexual intercourse,
douching, or a pelvic exam
o Menstrual periods that last longer
and are heavier than before
Increased vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Pain during sex
C
OLON
CANCER
Colon Cancer is cancer that
forms in the tissues of the colon
(the longest part of the large
intestine). Most colon cancers
are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in
cells that make and release mucus and
other fluids).
RISK FACTORS
Studies have found the following risk
factors for colorectal cancer:

Colorectal polyps: Polyps are growths
on the inner wall of the colon or
rectum. They are common in people
over age 50. Most polyps are benign

(not
cancer),
but
some
polyps
(adenomas) can become cancer. Finding
and removing polyps may reduce the
risk of colorectal cancer.
Family history of colorectal cancer:
Close relatives (parents, brothers,
sisters, or children) of a person with a
history of colorectal cancer are
somewhat more likely to develop this
disease themselves, especially if the
relative had the cancer at a young age.
If many close relatives have a history of
colorectal cancer, the risk is even
greater.

Personal history of cancer: A person
who has already had colorectal cancer
may develop colorectal cancer a second
time. Also, women with a history of
cancer
of
the
ovary,
uterus
(endometrium), or breast are at a
somewhat higher risk of developing
colorectal cancer.

Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease: A
person who has had a condition that
causes inflammation of
the
colon
(such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's
disease) for many years is at increased
risk of developing colorectal cancer.


Diet: Studies suggest that diets high in
fat (especially animal fat) and low
in calcium, folate,
and fibermay
increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Also, some studies suggest that people
who eat a diet very low in fruits and
vegetables may have a higher risk of
colorectal cancer.
Cigarette smoking: A person who
smokes cigarettes may be at increased
risk
of
developing
polyps
and
colorectal cancer.





L



Having diarrhea or constipation
Feeling that your bowel does not empty
completely
Finding blood (either bright red or very
dark) in your stool
EUKEMIA
Leukemia is cancer that starts in
the tissue that forms blood. In a
person with leukemia, the bone
marrow makes abnormal white blood cells.
The abnormal cells are leukemia cells.
Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells
don't die when they should. They may
crowd out normal white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets. This makes it
hard for normal blood cells to do their
work.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors may be different for the
different types of leukemia:

Radiation: People exposed to very high
levels of radiation, such as from
radiation
therapy
for
medical
treatments and diagnostic x-rays, are
much more likely than others to get
acute
myeloid
leukemia,
chronic
myeloid leukemia, or acute lymphocytic
leukemia

Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases
the risk of acute myeloid leukemia.

Benzene: Exposure to benzene in the
workplace can cause acute myeloid
leukemia. It may also cause chronic
myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic
leukemia. Benzene is used widely in the
chemical industry. It's also found in
cigarette smoke and gasoline.

Chemotherapy: Cancer patients treated
with certain types of cancer-fighting
drugs sometimes later get acute
myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic
leukemia. For example, being treated
with
drugs
known
asalkylating
agents or topoisomerase inhibitors is
SYMPTOMS
A common symptom of colorectal cancer is
a change in bowel habits. Symptoms
include:
Finding your stools are narrower than
usual
Frequently having gas pains or cramps,
or feeling full or bloated
Losing weight with no known reason
Feeling very tired all the time
Having nausea or vomiting
linked with a small chance of later
developing acute leukemia.




Down
syndrome and
certain
other inherited diseases:
Down
syndrome and certain other inherited
diseases increase the risk of developing
acute leukemia.
Myelodysplastic
syndrome and
certain other blood disorders: People
with certain blood disorders are at
increased risk of acute myeloid
leukemia.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type
I (HTLV-I):
People
with
HTLV-I
infection are at increased risk of a rare
type of leukemia known as adult T-cell
leukemia. Although the HTLV-I virus
may cause this rare disease, adult T-cell
leukemia and other types of leukemia
are not contagious.
Family history of leukemia: It's rare
for more than one person in a family to
have leukemia. When it does happen,
it's most likely to involve chronic
lymphocytic leukemia. However, only a
few people with chronic lymphocytic
leukemia have a father, mother,
brother, sister, or child who also has
the disease.
SYMPTOMS
Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel
through the body. The symptoms of
leukemia depend on the number of
leukemia cells and where these cells collect
in the body.
People with chronic leukemia may not have
symptoms. The doctor may find the disease
during a routine blood test.
People with acute leukemia usually go to
their doctor because they feel sick. If the
brain is affected, they may have headaches,
vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control,
or seizures. Leukemia also can affect other
parts of the body such as the digestive
tract, kidneys, lungs, heart, or testes.
Common symptoms of chronic or acute
leukemia may include:








Swollen lymph nodes that usually don't
hurt (especially lymph nodes in the
neck or armpit)
Fevers or night sweats
Frequent infections
Feeling weak or tired
Bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding
gums, purplish patches in the skin, or
tiny red spots under the skin)
Swelling
or
discomfort
in
the abdomen (from
a
swollen spleen or liver)
Weight loss for no known reason
Pain in the bones or joints
L
YMPHOMA
There are two types of lymphoma:
Hodgkin Lymphoma and NonHodgkin Lymphoma.
Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the
immune system that is marked by the
presence of a type of cell called the ReedSternberg cell. The two major types of
Hodgkin lymphoma are classical Hodgkin
lymphoma
and
nodular
lymphocytepredominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is any of a
large group of cancers of lymphocytes
(white
blood
cells).
Non-Hodgkin
lymphomas can occur at any age and are
often marked by lymph nodes that are
larger than normal, fever, and weight loss.
There are many different types of nonHodgkin lymphoma. These types can be
divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and
indolent (slow-growing) types, and they can
be formed from either B-cells or T-cells. Bcell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include
Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic
leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
(CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,
follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large
cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic
lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Tcell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include
mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell
lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic
lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after
bone marrow or stem cell transplantation
are
usually
B-cell
non-Hodgkin
lymphomas.
person. The following are the main
types of infection that can increase the
risk of lymphoma:
o
Human
immunodeficiency
virus (HIV): HIV is the virus that
causes AIDS. People who have HIV
infection are at much greater risk
of some types of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma.
o
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Infection
with EBV has been linked to an
increased risk of lymphoma. In
Africa, EBV infection is linked
to Burkitt lymphoma.
o
Helicobacter pylori: H. pylori are
bacteria that can cause stomach
ulcers. They also increase a
person's risk of lymphoma in the
stomach lining.
o
Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
virus type 1 (HTLV-1): Infection
with HTLV-1 increases a person's
risk of lymphoma and leukemia.
o
Hepatitis C virus: Some studies
have found an increased risk of
lymphoma in people with hepatitis
C virus. More research is needed to
understand the role of hepatitis C
virus.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors for Hodgkin Lymphoma
include the following:


Certain viruses: Having an infection
with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or
the human
immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) may increase the risk of
developing
Hodgkin
lymphoma.
However, lymphoma is not contagious.
You can't catch lymphoma from
another person.
Weakened immune system: The risk of
developing Hodgkin lymphoma may be
increased by having a weakened
immune system (such as
from
an inherited condition
or
certain
drugs used after an organ transplant).

Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is most
common among teens and adults aged
15 to 35 years and adults aged 55 years
and older.

Family history: Family members,
especially brothers and sisters, of a
person with Hodgkin lymphoma or
other lymphomas may have an
increased chance of developing this
disease.
In general, the risk factors for Non-Hodgkin
Lymphoma include the following:

Weakened immune system: The risk of
developing
lymphoma
may
be
increased by having a weakened
immune system (such as
from
an inherited condition
or
certain
drugs used after an organ transplant).

Certain infections: Having certain
types of infections increases the risk of
developing
lymphoma.
However,
lymphoma is not contagious. You
cannot catch lymphoma from another

Age: Although non-Hodgkin lymphoma
can occur in young people, the chance
of developing this disease goes up with
age. Most people with non-Hodgkin
lymphoma are older than 60.
Researchers are studying obesity and
other possible risk factors for NonHodgkin Lymphoma. People who work
with herbicides or
certain
other
chemicals may be at increased risk of
this disease. Researchers are also
looking at a possible link between
using hair dyes before 1980 and NonHodgkin Lymphoma.
SYMPTOMS
Hodgkin Lymphoma
symptoms:
can
cause
many








Swollen lymph nodes (that do not hurt)
in the neck, underarms, or groin
Becoming more sensitive to the effects
of alcohol or having painful lymph
nodes after drinking alcohol
Weight loss for no known reason
Fever that does not go away
Soaking night sweats
Itchy skin
Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest
pain
Weakness and tiredness that don't go
away
Studies have shown that the following are
risk factors for melanoma:

Sunlight: Sunlight is a source of UV
radiation. It's the most important risk
factor for any type of skin cancer. The
sun's rays cause skin damage that can
lead to cancer.

Severe, blistering sunburns: People
who have had at least one severe,
blistering sunburn are at increased risk
of skin cancer. Although people who
burn easily are more likely to have had
sunburns as a child, sunburns during
adulthood also increase the risk of skin
cancer.

Lifetime sun exposure: The total
amount of sun exposure over a lifetime
is a risk factor for skin cancer.

Tanning: Although a tan slightly lowers
the risk of sunburn, even people who
tan well without sunburning have a
higher risk of skin cancer because of
more lifetime sun exposure.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can also cause
many similar symptoms:







Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the
neck, armpits, or groin
Unexplained weight loss
Fever
Soaking night sweats
Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest
pain
Weakness and tiredness that don't go
away
Pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in
the abdomen
M
Sunlight can be reflected by sand, water,
snow, ice, and pavement. The sun's rays
can get through clouds, windshields,
windows, and light clothing.
In the
United States, skin cancer is more
common where the sun is strong. For
example, more people in Texas than
Minnesota get skin cancer. Also, the sun
is stronger at higher elevations, such as
in the mountains.
ELANOMA
Melanoma is a form of skin
cancer
that
begins
in
melanocytes (cells that make
the pigment melanin). It may
begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can
also begin in other pigmented tissues, such
as
in
the
eye
or
in
the
intestines. Melanoma can occur on any
skin surface. In men, it's often found on
the skin on the head, on the neck, or
between the shoulders and the hips. In
women, it's often found on the skin on the
lower legs or between the shoulders and
the hips. Melanoma is rare in people with
dark skin. When it does develop in people
with dark skin, it's usually found under the
fingernails, under the toenails, on the
palms of the hands, or on the soles of the
feet. Melanoma is more likely than other
skin cancers to spread to other parts of the
body.
RISK FACTORS

Sunlamps
and
tanning
booths:
Artificial sources of UV radiation, such
as sunlamps and tanning booths, can
cause
skin
damage
and
skin
cancer. Health care providers strongly
encourage people, especially young
people, to avoid using sunlamps and
tanning booths. The risk of skin cancer
is greatly increased by using sunlamps
and tanning booths before age 30.

Personal history: People who have had
melanoma have an increased risk of
developing other melanomas. Also,
people who have had basal cell or
squamous cell skin cancer have an
increased risk of developing another
skin cancer of any type.




Family history: Melanoma sometimes
runs in families. Having two or more
close relatives (mother, father, sister,
brother, or child) who have had this
disease is a risk factor for developing
melanoma. Other types of skin cancer
also sometimes run in families. Rarely,
members of a family will have an
inherited disorder, such as xeroderma
pigmentosum or nevoid
basal
cell
carcinoma syndrome, that makes the
skin more sensitive to the sun and
increases the risk of skin cancer.
dysplastic nevus if it looks like it might
have changed into melanoma.

SYMPTOMS
Often the first sign of melanoma is a
change in the shape, color, size, or feel of
an existing mole. Melanoma may also
appear as a new mole. Thinking of "ABCDE"
can help you remember what to look for:
Skin that burns easily: Having fair
(pale) skin that burns in the sun easily,
blue or gray eyes, red or blond hair, or
many freckles increases the risk of skin
cancer.

Certain
medical
conditions
or
medicines: Medical conditions or
medicines (such as some antibiotics,
hormones, or antidepressants) that
make your skin more sensitive to the
sun increase the risk of skin cancer.
Also, medical conditions or medicines
that
suppress
the immune
system increase the risk of skin
cancer.

Dysplastic nevus: A dysplastic nevus
is a type of mole that looks different
from a common mole. A dysplastic
nevus may be bigger than a common
mole, and its color, surface, and border
may be different. It's usually wider than
a pea and may be longer than a peanut.
A dysplastic nevus can have a mixture
of several colors, from pink to dark
brown. Usually, it's flat with a smooth,
slightly scaly or pebbly surface, and it
has an irregular edge that may fade
into the surrounding skin.
A dysplastic nevus is more likely than a
common mole to turn into cancer.
However, most do not change into
melanoma. A doctor will remove a
More than 50 common moles: Usually,
a common mole is smaller than a pea,
has an even color (pink, tan, or brown),
and is round or oval with a smooth
surface. Having many common moles
increases the risk of developing
melanoma.



Asymmetry: The shape of one half
does not match the other half.
Border that is irregular: The edges are
often ragged, notched, or blurred in
outline. The pigment may spread into
the surrounding skin.
Color that is uneven: Shades of black,
brown, and tan may be present. Areas
of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may
also be seen.
Diameter: There is a change in size,
usually an increase. Melanomas can be
tiny, but most are larger than the size
of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or
about 1/4 inch).
Evolving: The mole has changed over
the past few weeks or months.
Melanomas can vary greatly in how they
look. Many show all of the ABCDE
features. However, some may show
changes or abnormal areas in only one
or two of the ABCDE features.
In more advanced melanoma, the
texture of the mole may change. The
skin on the surface may break down and
look scraped. It may become hard or
lumpy. The surface may ooze or bleed.
Sometimes the melanoma is itchy,
tender, or painful.
S
ARCOMA

A sarcoma is a type of cancer that
develops from certain tissues, like
bone or muscle. The main types of
sarcoma are: osteosarcoma, which
develops from bone, and soft tissue
sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcomas can
develop from soft tissues like fat, muscle,
nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or
deep skin tissues. Secondary bone cancer is
cancer that spreads to the bone from
another part of the body (such as the
prostate, breast, or lung).
RISK FACTORS
When sarcomas start on the arms or
legs, most people simply notice a lump
that has grown over a period of time
(weeks to months). It can be painful, but
generally, it doesn't hurt. More than half
of sarcomas begin in an arm or leg.
Studies have shown that the following are
risk factors for sarcoma:

Radiation exposure: Patients might
develop sarcomas from radiation given
to treat other cancers, like breast
cancer or lymphoma. The sarcoma
often starts in the area of the body that
had been treated with radiation. The
average
time
between
radiation
exposure and diagnosis of a sarcoma is
about 10 years. Radiation exposure
accounts for less than 5% of sarcomas.

Genetic syndromes: Certain inherited
conditions increase a person's risk of
developing soft tissue sarcomas.

Damaged lymph system: Lymph is a
clear fluid containing immune system
cells that is transported throughout the
body by a series of lymph vessels. These
vessels connect lymph nodes (small
bean-shaped collections of immune
system cells). When lymph nodes have
been removed by surgery or damaged
by radiation therapy, lymph fluid can
build up. This is called lymphedema. In
other parts of the world, severe
lymphedema
(a
condition
called elephantiasis)
is
sometimes
caused by infection with a parasite that
blocks
lymph
vessels.
Lymphangiosarcoma (a malignant tumor
that develops in lymph vessels) is a very
rare
complication
of
chronic
lymphedema.
Chemicals: Exposure to vinyl chloride (a
chemical used in making plastics) is a
risk factor for developing sarcomas of
the liver, but it has not been proven to
cause soft tissue sarcomas. Exposure to
dioxin and to herbicides that contain
phenoxyacetic acid at high doses (farm
workers work closely with these
chemicals) may also be risk factors, but
this is not known for certain. There is
no evidence that herbicides (weed
killers) or insecticides, at levels
encountered by the general public,
cause sarcomas.
When
sarcomas
grow
in
the
retroperitoneum (the back wall inside
the abdomen), the symptoms they cause
are more often caused by other
problems. Sometimes the tumors cause
pain. They may also cause blockage or
bleeding of the stomach or bowels. They
may grow large enough for the tumor to
be felt in the abdomen. About 20% of
sarcomas begin in the abdomen
(stomach) area.
Sarcomas can also begin on the outside
of the chest or abdomen (about 10%) or
in the head or neck area (around 10%).
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following problems,
see a doctor right away:




A new lump or a lump that is growing
anywhere on your body
Abdominal pain that is getting worse
Blood in your stool or vomiting
Black, tarry stools (when bleeding
happens in the stomach or bowels, the
blood isn't always red, and it may make
the stool look very black and tarry)
T
ESTICULAR
don’t know how often CIS becomes true
(invasive) cancer, it isn’t clear that
treating CIS is a good idea. Some experts
think that it may be better to wait and
see if the disease gets worse or becomes
a true cancer. This could allow many
men with CIS to avoid the risks and side
effects of treatment.
CANCER
Testicular Cancer is cancer that
forms in tissues of one or both
testicles. It is most common in
young or middle-aged men.
Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells
(cells that make sperm) and are called
testicular germ cell tumors.

Cancer of the other testicle: Men who
have been cured of cancer in one testicle
have an increased risk (about a 3% to 4%
chance) of getting cancer in the other
testicle.

Age: Nine out of 10 cases of testicular
cancers occur in men between the ages
of 20 and 54.

Race and ethnicity: White American
men are about 5 times more likely to get
testicular cancer than are AfricanAmerican men. Whites have more than 3
times the risk of Asian-American and
American Indian men. The risk for
Hispanics falls between that of Asians
and non-Hispanic whites. The reason for
these differences is not known.

Body size: Some studies have that the
risk of testicular cancer is somewhat
higher in tall men but other studies
have not shown a link.
RISK FACTORS
Studies have shown that the following are
risk factors for testicular cancer:




Undescended testicle: One of the main
risk factors for testicular cancer is a
problem
called cryptorchidism,
or
undescended testicle(s). Before birth,
the testicles normally develop in the
belly of the fetus and then move down
(descend) into the scrotum before birth.
But in about 3% of boys, the testicles do
not move into the scrotum. Sometimes
the testicle stays inside the belly. In
other cases, the testicle starts to come
down, but gets stuck in the groin.
Family history: A family history of
testicular cancer increases the risk. If a
man has the disease, there is a slight
risk that his brothers or sons may also
get it. But very few cases of testicular
cancer are actually found in families.
HIV infection: There is some evidence
that men infected with HIV (human
immunodeficiency
virus)
have
an
increased risk of testicular cancer. This
may be especially true for men who
have AIDS. No other infections have
been shown to increase testicular cancer
risk.
CIS (carcinoma in situ): It isn't clear
how often CIS in the testicles becomes
cancer. It is sometimes found when a
man is tested for infertility. It may also
be found when a man has a testicle
removed because of cryptorchidism.
Radiation or surgery (to remove the
testicle) is used to treat CIS. Since we
SYMPTOMS
In most cases of testicular cancer, the man
has a lump on a testicle or notices that the
testicle is swollen or larger. Most of the
time there is no pain. Men with testicular
cancer may also notice a feeling of
heaviness or aching in the lower belly or
scrotum.
In rare cases, men with germ cell cancer
notice their breasts are sore or have gotten
bigger. This happens because some germ
cell tumors give off high levels of a
hormone
called
human
chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG), which causes the
breasts to grow. Blood tests can measure
HCG levels. These tests are important in
finding, staging, and follow-up of some
testicular cancers.
T
HYROID
CANCER
Thyroid Cancer is cancer that
forms in the thyroid gland (an
organ at the base of the throat
that makes hormones that help
control heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, and weight). Four main types
of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular,
medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The four types are based on how the
cancer cells look under a microscope.

Family history of goiters or colon
growths: A small number of people
with a family history of having goiters
(swollen thyroids) with multiple thyroid
nodules are at risk for developing
papillary thyroid cancer. Also, a small
number of people with a family history
of having multiple growths on the
inside of the colon or rectum (familial
polyposis) are at risk for developing
papillary thyroid cancer.

Personal history: People with a goiter
or benign thyroid nodules have an
increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Being female: In the United States,
women are almost three times more
likely than men to develop thyroid
cancer.

Iodine: Iodine is a substance found in
shellfish and iodized salt. Scientists are
studying iodine as a possible risk factor
for thyroid cancer. Too little iodine in
the diet may increase the risk of
follicular thyroid cancer. However,
other studies show that too much
iodine in the diet may increase the risk
of papillary thyroid cancer. More
studies are needed to know whether
iodine is a risk factor.
RISK FACTORS
Studies have found the following risk
factors for thyroid cancer:


Radiation: People exposed to high
levels of radiation are much more likely
than others to develop papillary or
follicular thyroid cancer. One important
source of radiation exposure is
treatment with x-rays. Between the
1920s and the 1950s, doctors used
high-dose x-rays to treat children who
had enlarged tonsils, acne, and other
problems affecting the head and neck.
Later, scientists found that some
people who had received this kind of
treatment developed thyroid cancer.
Family history of medullary thyroid
cancer: Medullary
thyroid
cancer
sometimes runs in families. A change
in a gene called RET can be passed
from parent to child. Nearly everyone
with the changed RET gene develops
medullary thyroid cancer. The disease
occurs alone as familial medullary
thyroid cancer or with other cancers
as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
syndrome.
A blood test can detect the changed
RET gene. If it's found in a person with
medullary thyroid cancer, the doctor
may suggest that family members be
tested. For those who have the changed
gene, the doctor may recommend
frequent
lab
tests
or surgery to
remove the thyroid before cancer
develops.
SYMPTOMS
Early thyroid cancer often does not have
symptoms. But as the cancer grows,
symptoms may include:





A lump in the front of the neck
Hoarseness or voice changes
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Pain in the throat or neck that does not
go away
**This information is not intended to substitute for the
advice of, and treatment by, a physician. Contact your
doctor for any questions or concerns you may have,
including those related to symptoms and diagnosis of
a disease. Additionally, the symptoms listed here are
not necessarily indicative of cancer; another health
problem could be the cause. Therefore, if you have
any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor so
problems can be diagnosed and treated.
The
information contained herein was obtained from the
National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer
Society.