mhpe volunteer resource illness prevention cancer and its prevention tab 21

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



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”



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



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



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



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



Skin cancer

• Two main groups: melanoma and NMSC (non-melanoma 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!



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



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



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



Resources

• Cancer Council Australia • Cancer Council Victoria• Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia• Andrology Australia

© Commonwealth of Australia 2015

mhpe volunteer resource illness prevention cancer and its prevention tab 21

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