1. Be knowledgeable of cancer symptoms – Do your homework early.
The fight
against cancer begins with knowledge. Prepare yourself for recognizing
cancer symptoms before cancer strikes by using The Hope Light Project web
site at www.hopelightproject.com to become familiar with different
types of cancers and associated facts. The Hope Light web site links to
the National Cancer Institute (NCI) web site that contains a listing of
each type of cancer and associated symptoms, treatment, genetics,
prevention, and other information. The Hope Light web site also contains
a list of national cancer organization web sites, telephone numbers and
email addresses. Become familiar with these resources for help in making
informed decisions on next actions in the event you notice a suspicious
pain or sore, unusual bleeding or other body dysfunction. The Hope Light
web site also links to the NCI LiveHelp chat line if you wish to
contact a cancer specialist.
2. Know your family history of cancer
types – Risk of cancer is influenced by genes inherited from parents.
People who
inherit a known cancer gene may not get cancer, however, they may have a
significant increased risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. A
number of genes are known to play a role in the development of some
cancers to include breast, ovarian, prostate and thyroid. It is important
to research your family’s history of cancer to identify family members
that had cancer to include; parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles and
grandparents. This is useful information to discuss with your physician,
oncologist or genetic counselor for use in assessing the possibility of
having inherited a cancer gene. Individuals with either a
personal
history or a strong family history of cancer may be high-risk for cancer
that could be identified through genetic testing.
3. Document suspect cancer symptoms
and family cancers for discussion with your physician or oncologist.
Effective
communications between a patient and a physician is essential to obtain a
proper diagnosis. Often patients forget to mention suspect symptoms,
pains, sores and other problems during office visits that may or may not
be cancer related. If this information is documented prior to the office
visit in the form of a checklist, it will be easier to discuss and ensure
full consideration by a physician. Having documentation of family cancer
history is also important for consideration in the diagnosis and to
determine treatment options and needs for genetic counseling. Obtain a
copy of your checklist prior to the visit and provide one for the
physician’s use. Use your copy of the checklist to record important parts
of the discussion. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask the physician
to repeat or explain something you did not understand. If possible, take
a person with you to the visit to ensure a comprehensive understanding of
the physician’s diagnosis and recommended next actions. The key is to
give your full attention to the physician’s explanations and ask questions
when necessary to make the best use of the office visit. If your primary
care physician diagnoses you with cancer, request a referral to a medical
oncologist who specializes in treating your type of cancer.
4. Maintain routine checkups – A
valuable tool to detect cancers in early stages.
In
early stages, some cancers may not be apparent due to slow growth over a
period of time before producing symptoms. In some cases, the
presence of cancer may not be known unless suspected based on symptoms as
a result of a physical examination, or by an x-ray obtained for another
reason such as a personal injury. It is extremely important to visit
a physician on a routine basis to obtain a physical examination and
discuss general health and any abnormalities that may lead to the early
detection of cancer. Often a physician can find cancer or a
pre-cancerous condition early during a physical exam or with routine tests
even though a person has no symptoms. If detected early, cancer
could be treated and cured.
5. Perform self-exams – Early tumor detection can lead to a cure.
Some
cancers may be found early through self-exams that could lead to early
detection, diagnosis, treatment and a cure. Routine self-exams are
extremely important for individuals that have not had a history of cancer
and do not have routine checkups. Self-exams should never be relied upon
as the single means of cancer detection nor replace a professional medical
exam. Any changes observed during a self-exam should be discussed with
a physician immediately. In some
cases, cancer may not be apparent in a single test and will require
multiple exams/tests before it is detected, i.e., screening tests,
physician exams, x-rays and self-exams.
