Ask The Oncologist
- Getting older, especially being diagnosed after age 50
- Having a first menstrual period at a young age (before 12)
- Starting menopause at an older age (after 55)
- Never giving birth or having a first child after age 30
- Not breastfeeding
- Having a close family member with breast cancer, especially at a young age
- Having certain gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking alcohol
- Not getting enough exercise
- Exposure to high levels of radiation to the chest area early in life
- Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
No, having risk factors does not mean you will definitely get breast cancer. Many women with risk factors never develop breast cancer, while some women with no known risk factors do get breast cancer.
- A new lump or mass in the breast, which may be painless, hard, and have irregular edges
- Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
Breast cancer lumps are often painless, hard, and have irregular edges. However, some may be soft, round, and tender. Any new lump should be checked by a doctor.
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at age 45. Women ages 40-44 should have the choice to start annual screening. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years or continue annual screening.
During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to obtain images from different angles. Some discomfort is common but should not be painful. Results are usually available within 10 days.
Examine your breasts in the shower, in front of a mirror, and lying down. Look for changes in size, shape, texture or skin. Feel for lumps, thickening or changes in the nipple or breast. Perform self-exams monthly.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Starts in the milk ducts and accounts for about 80% of breast cancers
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the lobules and accounts for 10% of breast cancers
- Surgery: Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast)
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells
- Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel certain breast cancers
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells
Persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. People who become sexually active at a young age or have multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of HPV infection.
No, most HPV infections go away on their own within 1-2 years as the immune system clears the virus. Only persistent infections with high-risk HPV types can lead to cervical cancer over time.
High-risk HPV infection, weakened immune system, smoking, long-term use of birth control pills, having many full-term pregnancies, and exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during fetal development.
A weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs, makes it harder for the body to fight off persistent HPV infections that can progress to cancer.
Yes, smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage cervical cells and impair the immune system's ability to clear HPV.
Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25 with either an HPV test or a Pap smear. Screening is recommended every 3-5 years depending on the test and your age.
Pap smears look for precancerous changes in cervical cells. HPV tests detect the presence of high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer.
An abnormal result may require more frequent screening, further testing like a colposcopy, or treatment to remove precancerous lesions before they progress to cancer.
Get the HPV vaccine if eligible, practice safe sex, quit smoking, and get regular cervical cancer screening as recommended. Screening can detect precancerous changes that can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Older age, family history, and race (African American men are at higher risk) are the main risk factors.
Yes, prostate cancer can have a hereditary component. Men with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) with prostate cancer have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing it themselves. Genetic testing may be recommended for men with a strong family history.
Some studies suggest that a diet high in red meat, dairy products, and saturated fats may increase prostate cancer risk, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may be protective. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise may also help lower risk.
The American Cancer Society recommends men start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor at age 45-50, depending on their risk factors. Screening typically involves a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam.
A high PSA level can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions. Further testing like a biopsy is usually needed to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is staged based on the tumor size, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to other organs. Staging helps determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment options include active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The best approach depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and overall health.
Common side effects include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel problems, and hormone-related effects like hot flashes. The risk and severity of side effects varies by treatment type.
Many cases of prostate cancer, especially when caught early, are highly treatable and curable. However, advanced or aggressive prostate cancers may be more difficult to cure. Early detection through screening is key.
Yes, prostate cancer can metastasize to other organs like the bones, lungs, and liver if it is not caught and treated early. Metastatic prostate cancer is more difficult to treat.
- The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. This can range from microscopic amounts only detectable by a urine test to visible bright red or rusty-colored urine.
- Other common symptoms include frequent urination, painful or burning urination, and feeling the need to urinate even when the bladder is not full.
Any amount of blood in the urine, even if it comes and goes, should be evaluated by a doctor. While it may have a benign cause like a urinary tract infection, it can also be a sign of bladder cancer.
Advanced bladder cancer that has grown large or spread can cause additional symptoms like inability to urinate, lower back pain, pelvic pain, unintentional weight loss, swelling in the legs, and bone pain.
Smoking is the biggest risk factor, as it accounts for about half of all bladder cancer cases. Other risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and a family history of bladder cancer.
Yes, bladder cancer is more common in older adults, with 9 out of 10 cases diagnosed in people over age 55. The average age at diagnosis is 73.
Men are about 4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to women. However, women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage.
Diagnosis typically involves a urine test, cystoscopy (using a tiny camera to examine the bladder), and possibly imaging tests like CT scans or MRI.
Bladder cancer is staged based on the size and depth of the tumor, whether it has invaded the bladder muscle, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Staging helps determine the appropriate treatment.
Early-stage, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers have a very good prognosis, with 5-year survival rates over 80%. However, prognosis worsens as the cancer becomes more advanced and muscle-invasive, with 5-year survival dropping to 0-22% for the most advanced stage.
Treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, but may include transurethral resection, intravesical therapy (placing drugs directly into the bladder), radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder).
In its early stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer grows, common early symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, and shortness of breath[1][3][4].
A persistent cough that gets worse over time or doesn't go away after 3 weeks can be an early symptom of lung cancer[1][2][3]. If you have a new, worsening, or persistent cough, see your doctor.
Yes, chest pain is a common symptom of lung cancer, especially if it worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing[3]. The pain may be located in the center of the chest or radiate to the back, shoulder, or arm.
As lung cancer progresses, symptoms may include severe fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, wheezing, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, and recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia[1][3][4].
Yes, lung cancer can spread to the brain and cause neurological symptoms like headaches, weakness or numbness in the limbs, dizziness, balance problems, or seizures[3].
Less common symptoms include changes in the appearance of the fingers (clubbing), swelling of the face or neck, and shoulder pain from a type of lung cancer called a Pancoast tumor[2][5].
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans for adults aged 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
During a low-dose CT scan, you lie on a table while an X-ray machine uses a low dose of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The scan only takes a few minutes and is not painful.
See your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of lung cancer, especially a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss[1][3][4]. Early diagnosis is key for effective treatment.
Diagnostic tests may include imaging scans like CT, PET, or MRI, sputum cytology, and biopsy to confirm lung cancer and determine the type and stage[3].
The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell are non-melanoma skin cancers[1][2].
- Basal cell carcinomas often look like a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns[1][2].
- Squamous cell carcinomas usually appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface[1][2].
- Melanomas can look like a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. They may have an irregular border, uneven color, or be larger than 6mm in diameter[4].
A new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, a change in an existing growth or mole, or any of the ABCDE signs of melanoma (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter over 6mm, evolving)[4].
- Asymmetry: The mole or spot has an irregular shape with two parts that look very different[4].
- Border: The border is irregular or jagged[4].
- Color: The color is uneven[4].
- Diameter: The mole or spot is larger than the size of a pea (6mm)[4].
- Evolving: The mole or spot has changed in the past few weeks or months[4].
Examine your skin regularly, especially after sun exposure. Look for new growths, changes in existing moles, and any of the ABCDE signs of melanoma. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas[3].
See a dermatologist if you notice a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal within 4 weeks, or any changes in an existing mole or spot[2][3].
Your doctor will examine your skin, including hard-to-see areas. They may perform a biopsy if skin cancer is suspected, removing a sample of tissue for analysis[5].
Limit UV exposure, especially during peak hours. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher[5].
Yes, skin cancer is more common in non-Hispanic white people, people with lighter natural skin colors, those with a history of sunburns, and those with many moles[5].
Yes, although less common, people with darker skin tones can develop skin cancer. It is often diagnosed at later, harder-to-treat stages in this population[5].