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MHPE Volunteer Resource ILLNESS PREVENTION Cancer and its prevention Tab 21 MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Cancer: what is it? • Mutations within cells – Cancer type (e.g. carcinoma, leukaemia) is important as well as location • Benign vs. malignant tumours • Spread via invasion and metastases MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Why is ‘cancer’ so frightening • • • • • Common: 1 in 2 Australians Ageing is the biggest risk factor! Survival rates are improving Most do well And yet… “He’s got cancer” MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Prostate health • Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE/BPH) • Pressure on the urethra, so urinary symptoms • Difficulty starting, weak stream, urgency, frequency, dribbling, sleep disrupted to urinate • Doctor may perform digital examination ± PSA • Treatment: do nothing, drugs or surgery BPE is not cancer MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Prostate cancer • Few early symptoms: all men >50 should talk regularly with their doctor about any urinary or sexual concerns • Variety of treatments, including ‘watch and wait’, hormones, radiotherapy and surgery • Early diagnosis improves outcomes • Slow growing: most men with prostate cancer will die with the disease rather than from it MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Colorectal (bowel) cancer • May be preventable with healthy lifestyle • National screening at ages 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 74 for early detection • See your GP if bleeding, changes in bowel habits, bloating, cramping or weakness • Excellent outcomes with early detection MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Lung cancer • Mostly preventable: Don’t smoke, or quit now • Breathing symptoms, cough, chest pain, blood in sputum (‘phlegm’), lethargy or weight loss should be discussed with your doctor • Often few early symptoms, so high mortality • Most common cause of cancer death MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Skin cancer • Two main groups: melanoma and NMSC (nonmelanoma skin cancers: BCC, SCC) • 95-99% due to excessive sun exposure, so largely preventable • Know your skin & get all changes checked • Very high cure rates when detected early • Be SunSmart: slip, slop, slap, seek, slide! MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Testicular cancer • Mostly men <40, but very low incidence • Little evidence Testicular Self-Examination improves outcomes, but no harm either • Not caused by trauma, strains etc • No symptoms other than lump or swelling • Diagnosis (and cure) by orchidectomy • 97% cure if in testicle only MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Talking about cancer • Most people prefer to talk about cancer • It may be to a professional, family or a friend • Keep the door open to discussion when, and if, the person wants it • It is about their experience, not yours • Practical help makes a difference • The person is living, at their own pace Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Preventing cancer • • • • • • • At least 1/3 of cancers are preventable Don’t smoke (Quit now) Eat healthily Maintain a healthy weight Be SunSmart Limit alcohol Exercise regularly See your doctor for checks MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 21 Illness prevention: Cancer and its prevention Resources • • • • Cancer Council Australia Cancer Council Victoria Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia Andrology Australia © Commonwealth of Australia 2015