What should people know about cancer of the prostate?

The prostate is a male sex gland. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Americans.  Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancer, diagnosed among men. It is estimated that one in every 5.5 men will develop prostate cancer sometime during his life.

Is the number of men with prostate cancer increasing?

There are more men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in New York State now than there were in the 1980s. It is believed that most of the increase has been due to more screening for prostate cancer. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test can identify very early cases of prostate cancer, many years before they would otherwise be diagnosed, increasing the incidence rate in parts of the state with active screening programs. Also, prostate cancer is more common at older ages and more men are living longer and reaching the ages when prostate cancer most frequently occurs. The death rate from prostate cancer, however, is declining.

Who gets prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is more common among older men. Almost 75% of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer in New York State are age 65 and over. Prostate cancer occurs more frequently among Black men than among white men. Black men are also more likely to die from the disease than white men.

What causes prostate cancer?

At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer. We do know that certain characteristics increase a man’s chance of getting prostate cancer. These risk factors include:

• increasing age – as men get older their risk of getting prostate cancer increases.
• race – Black men in New York State are one and half times more likely to get prostate cancer and almost twice as likely to die from the disease than white men.
• residence – men living in North American and Europe are more likely to get prostate cancer than those living in Asia, Africa or South America.

Studies also indicate that the amount of fat in a man’s diet may be associated with prostate cancer. Other research suggests that 5% to 10% of prostate cancers may have a genetic link.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting prostate cancer?

Currently, prostate cancer cannot be prevented, but eating a health diet may reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer, as well as other cancers and chronic diseases. Men who are considering screening for prostate cancer should talk with their health care provider about the advantages and disadvantages and whether they are good candidates for prostate cancer screening.

Ovarian cancer can develop in one or both ovaries. About 1 in 55 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime (compared with 1 in 9 diagnosed with breast cancer). However, because it is often not discovered until it has spread beyond the ovary, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women (after lung, breast, and colon cancer).

What are the risks for ovarian cancer?

A family history of ovarian cancer: Having a relative with ovarian cancer increases a woman’s risk of getting it herself. Generally, the closer the relative, the greater the risk. However, only about 10% of all ovarian cancers can be linked to a family history of the disease.

Breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer.

No pregnancies: Women who have not been pregnant are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Possible risks: One study suggests that women who have taken the fertility drug clomiphene citrate (Clomid) may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Other possible risks being studied are a diet high in fat; exposure to asbestos; and the use of talc (a mineral substance found in talcum powder) near the vaginal area.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Often there are no symptoms until the disease has spread throughout the abdomen. Even then, the symptoms are often vague and can be confused with other conditions. They include:

• Feeling bloated;
• Abdominal discomfort and/or backaches;
• Gas or indigestion that can’t otherwise be explained;
• A feeling of fullness, even after a light meal;
• Nausea or loss of appetite;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Pain during sexual intercourse;
• Change in menstrual flow;
• Feeling tired;
• Slight fever.

As the tumor grows, it can cause pressure on other organs and may cause frequent urination, constipation and weight change. However, these symptoms can also be caused by fibroids and other non-cancerous conditions.

Are there tests for ovarian cancer?

There is no single test. If a woman has ovarian cancer in her family history, or if she is having symptoms, she should be checked with a combination of tests. They include:

• A rectovaginal pelvic exam, so the doctor can feel if there is any mass or growth in the abdomen. The doctor will insert one finger into your vagina and one finger into your rectum and press down on your abdomen with the other hand.
• A transvaginal sonogram (also called an ultrasound). This painless test uses sound waves to check for growths inside the pelvis.
• A CA-125 test. CA-125 is a substance often found in the blood and urine of women with ovarian cancer. However, other, non-cancerous conditions can also cause an increase in CA-125, so a cancer diagnosis cannot be made from this test alone.

What if ovarian cancer runs in my family?

An inherited risk of ovarian cancer can be passed through either the father’s or mother’s side of the family. It may be caused by a defect in a gene that keeps tumors from growing.

Ask your relatives if any women in your family have had ovarian, breast, or colon cancer. (In some cases the risk for these cancers is linked.) If there is a family history, be sure to tell your gynecologist. You may need to be checked more often.

If there is ovarian cancer in my family, what can I do to protect myself?

Bring the information about your family history to your gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in ovarian, vaginal, or uterine cancer). Depending on your risk, you may be advised to be checked every six months. If you are at very high risk, are over 35, and have completed your family, your doctor may advise you to have your ovaries surgically removed before they show any signs of disease.

I have no history of ovarian cancer in my family. What can I do to protect myself?

All women, regardless of their risk, should have regular rectovaginal pelvic examinations throughout their lives.

Talk to your doctor about oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Some studies suggest that they protect against ovarian cancer.

Avoid the use of powders (talc or cornstarch-based) and feminine deodorant sprays around your vaginal area.

Try to limit your fat intake.

Where can I get more information about ovarian cancer?

If you have a family history or other genetic concerns related to ovarian cancer, you can call the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry. The registry is named in honor of comedienne Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Registry support staff offer advice and help for women who may be at risk for the disease. The number is 1-800-OVARIAN.

For referral to a genetic counselor with expertise in cancer risk assessment and counseling, call the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Services at (518) 474-1222.

For general information on ovarian cancer or any other form of cancer, call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.

For a referral to gynecologic oncologists in your area, call the American Society of Clinical Oncology at (703) 299-0150 or the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation at 1-800-444-4441.

What should people know about ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in one or both of the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce and release a monthly ovum or egg. One in every 55 women develop ovarian cancer. More than 80% of the cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage when treatment may be less successful. While the prognosis for early stage ovarian cancer is excellent, early stage diagnosis is made more difficult because there is no general population screening test for ovarian cancer at this time.

Who gets ovarian cancer?

Any female can develop ovarian cancer, but it is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 65 and 84. Ovarian cancer accounts for 10% of all cancers among women. In New York State, approximately1,700 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually and more than 1,000 die from the disease – making it the fifth most common cause of cancer death among New York women. Women of all races and ethnic backgrounds develop ovarian cancer.

What causes ovarian cancer?

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, there are some factors that appear to increase the chance of developing this disease. The likelihood of being diagnosed increases with age. Under a number of conditions women face a higher than average risk of developing ovarian cancer. These include:

• Women over 40;
• Women who have never been pregnant;
• Women who are identified with a specific mutation in a gene called BRCA1 or BRCA2;
• Women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have had ovarian cancer; although most affected women do not have a family history of ovarian cancer,
• Women with a history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colon cancer on either side of her family; and
• Women with a personal history of breast, uterine or colon cancer.

What can be done to reduce my chances of getting ovarian cancer?

Pregnancy and childbirth decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. All women, regardless of their risk, should have regular recto-vaginal pelvic examinations throughout their lives. Women should talk to their doctors about oral contraceptives, as numerous studies suggest that birth control pills, when taken for five years or more, reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 60%. Some experts believe that risk can be reduced by not using a powder containing talc around the vaginal area and consuming a low-fat diet. Women considered at high risk due to personal or family history should consult regularly with a specialist and discuss strategies for prevention and early detection. Women at high risk who have completed their families may consider removal of the ovaries as a preventive measure.

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Some symptoms may include feeling bloated; abdominal, pelvic or back pain; a feeling of fullness even after a light meal; excessive fatigue or tiredness; and frequent and/or urgent urination. One reason that ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage is that the symptoms can be vague and sometimes ignored or overlooked by women and their health care providers. It is important that a woman see a doctor if she has these symptoms for a month or more.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

An aggressive approach to disease management can maximize chances for survival. Once a diagnosis is made, consultation with a gynecologic oncologist is highly recommended. For most patients, surgery to remove all of the visible tumor is required, a process known as debulking. This surgery generally is followed by a course of chemotherapy.

Is there a screening test?

High-risk women should talk to their doctors about screening for ovarian cancer. Ovaries can be examined with a pelvic ultrasound and a substance called a biomarker (CA-125) can be measured in a blood sample. However, other non-cancerous conditions also can cause an increase in CA-125, so a cancer diagnosis cannot be made from this test alone. Unfortunately, there is not yet a general screening test for women at average risk. A great deal of research is underway to identify a test for widespread use.

What should people know about cancer of the oral cavity?

The oral cavity is made up of the mouth, pharynx and salivary glands. Almost four percent of cancers occur in the oral cavity. The tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, lip, tonsil and lower pharynx are where most oral cavity cancers occur. Cancer of the salivary glands is relatively rare. However, when it does occur, it most frequently starts in the parotid gland.

Who gets cancer of the oral cavity?

Cancer of the oral cavity is two to three times more common among males than females. Black men are more likely to get oral cavity cancer than white men, and are almost twice as likely to die from the disease.

What causes cancer of the oral cavity?

The most common risk factors for getting cancer of the oral cavity are tobacco use (both cigarette smoking and smokeless/chewing tobacco) and drinking alcoholic beverages in excess. Each of these activities increases a person’s risk for developing cancer of the oral cavity. In combination, tobacco and excess alcohol use significantly increase the risk for getting oral cavity cancer. It is estimated that as much as 75% of all oral cavity cancers may be due to these two risk factors.

Certain parts of the oral cavity also have their own risk factors. For example, cancer of the lip is associated with outdoor occupations, such as farming and fishing. This may be due to excess exposure to sunlight. Cancer of the salivary gland has been associated with exposure to ionizing radiation (X rays). It also is associated with working as a farmer or in the rubber-making industry.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting cancer of the oral cavity?

The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of getting cancer of the oral cavity is to not use tobacco products and to only drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, stop. If you drink alcoholic beverages, try to limit the amount to two or fewer drinks per day. If you work outdoors, avoid too much sunlight and use sunscreen. A regular examination of the entire mouth by your dentist or health care provider can detect early signs of oral cavity cancer. Also, if you work in a high risk job, be aware of the health and safety rules and follow them.

What should people know about non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Lymphoma is the name for cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, a part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system helps the body fight infection and diseases. It is made up of thin tubes, similar to blood vessels, that branch into tissue throughout the body. These tubes carry a watery, colorless fluid, called lymph, which contains infection fighting cells called lymphocytes. Along the network of tubes are small, oval-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the armpits, neck, chest, abdomen and groin.

Other parts of the lymphatic system are the thymus, spleen, tonsils and bone marrow. Lymphatic tissue is also found in other body parts including the stomach, skin and intestines.

There are several different types of lymphoma. Lymphomas are often divided into two groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The information in this section is about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Each year in New York State almost 2,000 men and 1,870 women are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Approximately 750 men and 700 women die from this disease each year in New York State. Nationally, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the sixth most common site of new cancer diagnoses among men and fifth among women.

Who gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs more frequently among men than among women. It also occurs more frequently among whites than among Blacks. Although children can get non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the risk of getting lymphoma increases with age. Approximately 70% of people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are age 50 and over.

What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. People with depressed immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants or individuals with HIV/AIDS, have an increased risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Studies among farmers and other occupations also indicate that exposure to herbicides, pesticides and certain other chemicals may be associated with getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other risk factors that are being investigated include Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis C infections and obesity.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Most people who develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma do not have any risk factors. Treating the immune suppression caused by AIDS will help people who are infected with HIV to avoid Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS is also important. Treatment for Heliobacter pylori and Hepatitis C infections may also prevent some cases of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for the prevention of many types of cancer and chronic diseases.

What should people know about cancer of the liver and intrahepatic bile duct?

The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. It stores nutrients, produces bile that is needed for digestion, and helps the body process the foods we eat. The liver also breaks down many drugs and chemicals that would be dangerous if they built up in the body.

Because it functions as a filter for the body, many other types of cancer (such as colon cancer and breast cancer) frequently spread to the liver. This is called metastasis. The data on this website show only those cases of cancer that began in the liver or intrahepatic bile duct. Cases of cancer that began in other parts of the body and spread to the liver are not included here.

Each year in New York State, almost 850 men and 400 women are diagnosed with cancer of the liver. More than 600 men and 340 women in New York die from this disease each year.

Who gets liver cancer?

Cancer of the liver is more common in older people. Over half of people newly diagnosed with liver cancer in New York State are age 65 and over. Liver cancer is more common in men than in women. Liver cancer rates are highest among Asians and Pacific Islanders, most likely because of higher prevalence of viral Hepatitis infection. Liver cancer rates are lower among whites than Blacks or Asians and Pacific Islanders.

What causes cancer of the liver?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes cancer of the liver. There are several different types of liver cancer. The most common type is associated with long-term excessive alcoholic beverage use, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus infection. Long-term use of anabolic steroids can also increase the risk of getting liver cancer. Smoking is also believed to increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Studies show that workers exposed to vinyl chloride during the manufacturing of some plastics, have an increased risk of getting liver cancer. Eating foods contaminated with aflatoxins caused by improper storage also increases the risk of liver cancer. However, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the quality and safety of foods and products that may develop aflatoxins.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting liver cancer?

You can reduce your chances of getting liver cancer by consuming alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Vaccination to prevent Hepatitis B is an important prevention measure. Although there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C at this time, treatment of the infection may reduce the risk of getting liver cancer among those already infected. Also, if you work in a high risk job, be aware of the health and safety rules and follow them.

What should people know about cancer of the lung and bronchus?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among Americans. The lungs are the organs we use to breathe. The bronchus is one of the two tubes that lead from the windpipe (trachea) to the lung. Lung cancer is known to be caused by smoking. Choosing not to smoke, or stopping smoking, will make it much less likely a person will get lung cancer.

Nationally, lung cancer death rates among men have been declining in recent years, but among women death rates are still increasing slightly.

Who gets lung cancer?

More men than women still get lung cancer. That is because more men than women smoke. But since women started smoking in larger numbers, more women are getting lung cancer.

Among men, lung cancer rates are higher among white and Black men, compared to men who are Asian, Pacific Islander or Hispanic. Non-Hispanic white women have higher lung cancer rates than other racial or ethnic groups. Again, this reflects the smoking patterns of these groups.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer and one that is under our control. Research studies show that exposure to other peoples’ cigarettes (second-hand smoke), exposure to radon gas, and exposure to asbestos also increase the risk for lung cancer.

Other studies show that lung cancer is associated with working with certain chemicals, such as arsenic and chromium. Studies also show a possibility that exposure to silica, substances in foundries, processing coal, and some other chemicals may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. An association has also been shown between having a medical history of some lung diseases and getting lung cancer. Diets low in fruits and vegetables might increase the risk of lung cancer among people who smoke. Air pollution may also increase lung cancer risk slightly, but much less than smoking.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting lung cancer?

The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer is not smoke. If you do smoke, quit. Also, limit your exposure to second-hand smoke and find out whether you should test your home for radon. Increasing the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat may also decrease your risk, as well as helping to prevent other diseases. Also, if you work in a high risk job, be aware of the health and safety rules and follow them.

Health Tips - About leukemia

What should people know about leukemia?

Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. Blood is made up of a fluid, called plasma, and three types of cells that are made in the bone marrow. Each has its own function:

• white blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes) – these cells help the body fight infections and diseases.
• red blood cells (also called RBCs or erythrocytes) – these cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body and take carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
• platelets (also called thrombocytes) – these cells help form blood clots that control bleeding.

When someone has leukemia, the body makes large numbers of abnormal blood cells. In most types of leukemia, the abnormal cells are white blood cells. Leukemia cells look different from normal blood cells and do not work as they should.

The most common types of leukemia are:

• acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) – the most common type of leukemia in children. It also affects adults, especially those age 65 and older.
• acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – this disease occurs in both adults and children and is sometimes called acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
• chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) – this disease most commonly affects adults over age 55 and rarely occurs in children.
• chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) – this disease occurs mainly in adults, but a small number of children also get this form of leukemia.

Who gets leukemia?

Although it is often thought of as a children’s disease, most cases of leukemia occur in older adults. Leukemia is ten times more common in adults than in children and more than half of all leukemia cases occur in people over the age of 65.

The five year survival for leukemia has tripled in the past 40 years. For children, the improvement in survival has been even more dramatic. In 1960, only 4% of children with the most common form of childhood leukemia (ALL) lived five years. Now, the five year survival rate for children with this disease (ALL) is greater than 85%.

What causes leukemia?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes most leukemias. People with Downs syndrome and certain other genetic abnormalities get leukemia more frequently. Certain unusual forms of leukemia are caused by a rare virus. Long term workplace exposure to benzene, a chemical, and exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (such as atomic bombs) have been associated with the development of leukemia. Also people treated with certain anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment are at greater risk of getting leukemia. Researchers believe that up to 20% of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are caused by smoking.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting leukemia?

If you currently smoke, you can reduce your risk of acute myeloid leukemia by stopping smoking. If you don’t smoke now, don’t start. If you work in a high risk job, be aware of health and safety rules and follow them. Avoiding unnecessary radiation is important for the prevention of many types of cancer.

What should people know about cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis?

The kidneys are two reddish-brown organs, shaped like beans, located above the waist on each side of the spine. The renal pelvis is the inner, curved part of the kidney where urine collects. The kidneys filter blood and produce urine to remove wastes from the body. Urine collects in the renal pelvis and then moves down the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored. The kidneys also assist in controlling blood pressure and in regulating red blood cell production.

Who gets cancer of kidney and renal pelvis?

Cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis is more common among older people and occurs more often among men than women. The risk of getting kidney cancer increases with age, most often occurring in people over the age of 50. However, about 40 children are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year in New York State, most of them with Wilm’s Tumor, which is the kidney cancer most common in children.

What causes cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis. It is known that some types of kidney cancer are more common among people with certain genetic disorders (Von Hippel-Lindau disease and some others) and in people with a family history of kidney cancer. Cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis is also more common in urban, industrialized areas.

The risk of kidney cancer among smokers is about 40% higher than among nonsmokers. In addition, the longer a person smokes, the higher their risk of developing this disease. If a person quits smoking, their risk decreases over time. Being very overweight and having an inactive lifestyle are also associated with kidney cancer.

Studies also suggest that coke oven workers in steel plants and workers exposed to asbestos or cadmium may have an increased risk for getting cancer of the kidney or renal pelvis. Other studies indicate that radiation therapy for disorders of the uterus, exposure to thorotrast (a radioactive substance used in the 1920s) and heavy and long-term use of the drug phenacetin (a pain killer no longer used in the United States) may be associated with cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis. People who are on dialysis for chronic kidney failure may also have an increased risk for getting this disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is also associated with an increased risk for getting cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting cancer of the kidney?

If you currently smoke, you can reduce your risk of kidney cancer by stopping smoking. If you don’t smoke now, don’t start. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting adequate exercise may also reduce the risk of kidney cancer. If you work in a high risk job, be aware of health and safety rules and follow them.

What should people know about cancer of the colon and rectum?

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is one of the most common cancers among Americans. Nationally, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. It is estimated that one in 18 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime during their life.

The colon and rectum are part of the body’s digestive system. The colon (large intestine) and rectum (the last 7-8 inches of the intestines) absorb water and eliminate waste products from digestion.

Who gets cancer of the colon and rectum?

Colorectal cancer is more common in older people. Over 75% of people newly diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum are age 65 and over. At all ages, men are more likely to get colorectal cancer than women.

What causes cancer of the colon and rectum?

At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes colorectal cancer. We do know that certain risk factors increase a person’s risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include:

• increasing age – age is the most important risk factor for getting colorectal cancer.
• family history – people with certain inherited diseases (familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer) are more likely to get cancer of the colon and rectum.
• personal factors – people with a history of colon cancer, intestinal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
• diet – diets high in animal fats (such as red meats) increase a person’s risk for getting cancer of the colon and rectum, while a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber may reduce risk.
• being overweight, leading an inactive lifestyle, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also may increase risk.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting cancer of the colon and rectum?

Some cancers of the colon and rectum can be prevented by removing polyps. In addition, colorectal cancers are more treatable when found early, before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. To increase the chances of prevention or diagnosing colorectal cancer early, men and women at average risk over the age of 50 should be screened. People at higher risk should talk with the doctor about beginning screening sooner.

Some research studies show that participation in regular physical activity may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the colon and rectum. Men and women who use aspirin regularly and hormone replacement therapy in women after menopause may also decrease the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Because hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of other disease, women should discuss using hormone replacement therapy with their health care provider.