Nearly 127,100 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
While we can’t control everything about our health, the World Health Organization reports that 30 to 50 percent of all cancers may be preventable.
Lower your cancer risk by maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular cancer screenings, engaging in physical activity, practicing sun safety, and eliminating tobacco use.
Screening exams can diagnose cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment will be the most effective.
Texas Oncology recommends regular screening and/or self-exams for breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular, lung, and cervical cancers. Early detection remains the most effective way of combating these diseases.
Individuals should be aware of their cancer risk, which may be higher for those with a personal or family history of cancer, or certain genetic profiles that have been associated with specific cancer types. Screening may need to occur more often or begin at an earlier age for those with these risk factors.
Research does not indicate the most appropriate age to begin cancer screening. Patients should consult a physician to make an informed decision about screening, considering the patient’s history and circumstances.
Genetic risk evaluation and testing identifies if an individual has increased risk for developing certain types of cancer.
While the majority of cancer happens by chance, about 5-10 percent of people with cancer have an inherited cancer.
There are more than 50 different genes known to cause heredity cancer syndromes. Two of the more common ones are Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome and Lynch Syndrome.
Texas Oncology’s Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing Program provides an in-depth cancer risk assessment for individuals with a significant personal and/or family history of cancer.
Based on the genetic test results, patients can learn more about reducing their risk of developing cancer through a combination of screenings and other preventative strategies.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.
Patients with underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, or compromised immune systems, including many cancer patients, are more susceptible to viruses, including COVID-19. Some cancer therapies, such as targeted drugs, steroids, as well as some cancer types, like blood cancers, can result in a weakened immune system.
Cancer patients, caregivers, and close contacts can take proactive measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Patients should be mindful of potential exposure risk in their contact with anyone, including a caregiver. To the extent possible, cancer patients should limit extended, direct contact. It is essential that patients, caregivers, close contacts wear face coverings.
Nearly 65,300 men in Texas will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
Men are more likely to get prostate, lung, and skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why it’s important to manage cancer risks with early detection and a healthy lifestyle.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, other than skin cancer – one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both Texas and the United States, and claims more lives each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Texas Oncology recommends regular screening and/or self-exams for men for prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular, and lung cancers.
Keep an eye on your skin and check for changes in freckles, moles, and other skin markings once a month.
Men should check both testicles for hardened lumps and variations in size, shape, or consistency every month.
Nearly 61,800 women in Texas will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
Texas Oncology recommends regular screening and/or self-exams for women for breast, colorectal, skin, lung, and cervical cancers based on the guidelines below for women with average risk.
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both Texas and the United States, and claims more lives each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Keep an eye on your skin and check for changes in freckles, moles, and other skin markings once a month.
Women should check their breasts monthly for lumps or masses; skin changes such as redness, scaling, or dimpling; nipple discharge; or other changes.
Women with a first degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 should begin receiving mammograms 10 years before reaching that relative’s age at diagnosis.
Women with a family history of breast, ovarian, and/or other cancers should consider evaluation by a genetics counselor.
Women who have had a previous pelvic malignancy should consult with their physician regarding type and frequency of follow-up exams.
