About.com Cancer

Listen Up, Ladies! New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Have Been Released

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:33:48 +0000

For those at average risk of breast and cervical cancer, it has been a busy week! Last week new, more lenient mammography guidelines were recommended, stirring up controversy among cancer organizations and political cynics. Today, we see changes in cervical cancer screening guidelines, issued by The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Like the updated mammography guidelines, ACOG is recommending less Pap smear tests for women of average risk of cervical cancer. Women who have had abnormal cervical screenings should continue to follow their doctors recommendations as the new guidelines only apply to women of average risk.

New Guidelines Suggest:

Women should have their first period at age 21. Old guidelines recommended women have their first Pap when they become sexually active or at age 21 -- whichever came first.
Women in their 20's should have a Pap smear every two years, instead of annually.
Women in their 30's and have had three consecutive normal Pap smears should have undergo screening every three years.
Women 65-70, who have have three normal Pap smear results consecutive and no abnormal findings in 10 years, can discontinue screenings altogether if they choose.
Women who have undergone a total hysterectomy due to a noncancerous condition and have not had previously abnormal Pap smears can also discontinue screenings.

Shouldn't We Be Screening More Often?

Unlike a lot of cancers, cervical cancer is very slow growing. It can take up to 8-10 years for cervical cancer to develop. New guidelines give ample time to catch any cases of cervical pre-cancer before it progresses into cancer. Conspiracy theorists argue that these new guidelines for cancer screenings are among a grand plan by the Obama administration to cut costs for healthcare reform. I completely disagree. There have been talks of updating guidelines for years now. Medically, it makes perfect sense to increase the time between Pap smears and there isn't a huge debate among cancer organizations about the new changes. Now, the breast cancer screening debate is a whole different ballgame. Check out About.com's Breast Cancer site's heated discussion about the new changes.

Listen Up, Ladies! New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Have Been Released originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 10:33:48.

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Kareem Abdul Jabbar Diagnosed with Cancer

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:42:28 +0000

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar has revealed that he has battled and managed a cancer diagnosis for almost a year. The 62 year old suffers from Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare form of the disease. His leukemia is currently in remission.

What I find admirable is that while many celebrities choose not to discuss their health in public, Kareem Abdul Jabbar is doing the total opposite. He has become a full fledged advocate for the disease, devoting a Facebook page to it and also Twitters about it regularly. He has discussed in detail his symptoms and treatment in hopes that it may help others seek medical attention if they are experiencing the same. To help spread the word about leukemia, Abdul Jabbar has upped the ante by giving Lakers tix to his 1,000,000th Twitter follower - which should happen today!

Kareem Abdul Jabbar Diagnosed with Cancer originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 10:42:28.

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Dennis Hopper Has Prostate Cancer

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:50:25 +0000

Hollywood actor Dennis Hopper has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 73 year old screen legend has cancelled his upcoming engagements to concentrate on treatment. He is being treated at the University of Southern California. Sam Maydew, Hopper's manager and the person who announced the diagnosis, did not reveal the star's prognosis, only saying "We're hoping for the best."

The American Cancer Society estimates that 192,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. For more information about prostate cancer, please visit About.com's prostate cancer site.

Dennis Hopper Has Prostate Cancer originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 10:50:25.

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Medicinal Marijuana and Cancer Treatment

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:50:05 +0000

The use of medicinal marijuana has always been a controversial topic, but when the U.S. Attorney General set forth guidelines urging more states to be more lenient of medicinal users, it has become a hot political topic. Despite it's strong support from the medical oncologic community, some people strongly oppose medicinal marijuana. They claim it is highly addictive and a gateway drug

I certainly believe that marijuana is addictive and can be a gateway drug for those who use the drug recreationally. People with cancer, however, do not use marijuana to get high. The goal is to control the pain, relieve the nausea, and hopefully stimulate the appetite. �It is certainly difficult to completely understand the stress, frustration, and decline of the quality of life that people with cancer endure without experiencing it for yourself �or witnessing a loved one go through it. I have known several cancer patients who used medicinal marijuana legally and have found immense, immediate relief. They only required one medication (medicinal marijuana) to combat treatment side effects instead of 4-5 pharmaceutical drugs.

With that being said, how do you feel about medicinal marijuana?

Poll: Do you think it is acceptable to smoke marijuana for medicinal purposes?

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Medicinal Marijuana and Cancer Treatment originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 09:50:05.

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Childhood Cancer Survivors May Experience Suicidal Thoughts As Adults

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:39:42 +0000

A new study claims that adult survivors of childhood cancer experience suicidal ideation at an increased rate, especially if they were experiencing ill mental or physical health. The study, published in the Oct 19 edition of the �Journal of Clinical Oncology, compared 9,126 childhood cancer survivors to 2,968 of their siblings who had not had childhood cancer. 7.8 percent of childhood cancer survivors reported having suicidal thoughts, while only �4.6 percent of the sibling control group having suicidal thoughts.

How Does This Affect You?

If you are a childhood cancer survivor or know someone who is, it is important to receive follow-up care, as many adult survivors do not receive proper follow-up screenings. These medical evaluations are important, as they can identify and help to relieve any underlying symptoms or causes that may be related to suicidal thoughts. More studies certainly need to be done, but this study sheds light on childhood cancer survivorship and how treatment during childhood may affect patients into adulthood.

Childhood Cancer Survivors May Experience Suicidal Thoughts As Adults originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 08:39:42.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed with Cancer

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:01 +0000

Legendary composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 61 year has been admitted to a London hospital to undergo treatment, according to several news reports. Fortunately, the cancer was detected at an early stage, when treatment is usually less aggressive.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed with Cancer originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 08:00:01.

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What People With Cancer Need to Know About the H1N1 Virus

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:09:34 +0000

The novel 2009 H1N1 virus, also referred to as the "swine flu," is a major health concern for most people -- especially people with cancer. Many myths exist about the H1N1 virus, but one thing remains true: it can be serious and fatal in those with compromised immune systems. This includes people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

You should also know that more common strains of seasonal flu can be equally serious in cancer patients who are undergoing these cancer treatments, so taking extra precautions during flu season is highly recommended.

Learn more about the novel H1N1 virus and people with cancer

What People With Cancer Need to Know About the H1N1 Virus originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 10:09:34.

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FDA Approves Gardasil for Males

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:54:35 +0000

The FDA has given their approval to expand the use of Gardasil to include males. The vaccine, which provides protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), is targeted for males ages 9 to 26. It will help prevent two strains of HPV known to cause genital warts in both men and women. The vaccine has not yet been included in the CDC's vaccine schedule for males, but it is likely to be included. Until Gardasil is included in the vaccine schedule, most insurance companies will not likely cover the cost of the vaccine, which is about $360. The good news is that the CDC is expected to meet next week to discuss Gardasil's inclusion, so there shouldn't be too long of a delay in getting males vaccinated.

What Parents of Boys Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine

FDA Approves Gardasil for Males originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 07:54:35.

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Before You Buy Pink This Month...

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:11:14 +0000

I am all for raising awareness for breast cancer throughout the year, not just in October. But, this month our store displays and aisles turn a little more pink, in light of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can't help but to pick up a ton of pink merchandise this time of year! But, after a trip to my local retailer today, I was in shock of all the pink products that they had available this year. Pink soup cans, pink candy, pink t-shirts, pink watches, and even pink breast cancer awareness undies were among the offering. Once I reached the cereal aisle, I had to wonder if my favorite leprachaun would be featuring pink ribbon marshmallows amongst clovers and rainbows this month! (Sadly, no, but someone really should mention it to the cereal maker!

I did spy a cute pink ribbon keychain. I noticed the tag read "portions of this purchases to benefit breast cancer research". No organization was mentioned or how much of my purchase would be going to help out with research. Hmmm. being the savvy consumer that I am, I put the keychain back on the shelf. For all I know, some random, for profit, phony breast cancer organization could be getting the proceeds of my purchase.

Soon, I found myself picking up other pink items and realizing that many of them did not even claim to donate proceeds to an organization! Some of them did, but I had never heard of the organization. So, before you "go pink" this month, make sure you know where and how much of the proceeds are going to a legitimate breast cancer orgnaization. Or if you really want to help, make a direct donation to an organization of your choice, like the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Before You Buy Pink This Month... originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 09:11:14.

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How to Get a Free Pap Smear

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:14:17 +0000

Thanks to federal programs, no woman in the U.S. has to go without having a regular Pap smear. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides free or low cost Pap smears to eligible women across the country. Through this program, uninsured and impoverished women can receive Pap smears at local clinics and doctor's offices.

Where to Get a Free Pap in Your State

More About Pap Smears

Your First Pap Smear: What You Need to Know

How Often Should You Have a Pap Smear

Tips for Accurate Pap Smear

How to Get a Free Pap Smear originally appeared on About.com Cancer on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 00:14:17.

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