Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 7

a mutated gene in common, as do
colon and uterine cancer.

A MATTER OF DEGREES

Breast and
Ovarian Cancer

Seven out of every 10 women who
develop breast cancer have no family
history of this disease. And women over
age 40 are most at risk of ovarian cancer,
with half the cases occurring in women
age 63 and older. But for those who
have certain gene mutations, like BRCA,
a little knowledge can go a long way.
"Everyone should follow the general
cancer-prevention guidelines," says
Snyder. "In addition, breastfeeding and
keeping your weight under control after
menopause seem to lower the risk of
developing breast cancer."
Knowing your body is also important.
See your health care provider right
away if you notice any changes in your
breasts, including a new lump or nipple
inversion, a size change or a rash.
More women die from ovarian cancer
than die from breast cancer. The reason
is that symptoms often aren't noticeable
until ovarian cancer is advanced.
"Symptoms can mimic other
conditions," says Snyder, "and include
bloating, a feeling of fullness and new
stress or urinary incontinence."

Colorectal Cancer:
The Most Preventable
Cancer

"If you have a first-degree relative
with colorectal cancer," says Snyder,
"your risk for developing colorectal
cancer is increased. And it's higher if
that relative was diagnosed when they
were younger than age 60, or if you
have more than one first-degree relative
with a colorectal cancer diagnosis."
In addition to following the general
cancer-prevention guidelines, the risk

First-degree relatives
Parents, siblings
and children

Second-degree relatives
Grandparents,
aunts and uncles

of colorectal cancer can be lowered
by following a low-fat, high-fiber diet
and controlling your weight, especially
after menopause.
"Ask your health care provider when
and what screenings are recommended
for you," says Snyder. "Screenings can
reveal polyps, and removing those can
often prevent colorectal cancer."

Good Health Guidelines

According to current research, you
can minimize your risk of any type of
cancer by following these guidelines
(and they're pretty good for improving
your overall health, too):
* Do not smoke. Lung cancer is the
No. 1 cancer killer in America, and
90 to 95 percent of lung cancers result
from smoking.
* Watch your diet. Eat more fruits
and vegetables, less red meat and
processed foods.
* Exercise at least four hours
per week.
* Drink no more than one alcoholic
drink per day.
* Keep your weight in a normal
range, with a body mass index
below 25 (especially for women
after menopause).

Third-degree relatives
Cousins, great-aunts
and great-uncles

The Bottom Line

To minimize your risk of cancer,
follow good health guidelines. Make
sure your health care provider knows
your complete family health history.
Ask what screenings you should have
and when, and follow through on
completing them. Remember, early
detection is your best chance of fighting
cancer, regardless of family history. n

CALL

Come to
the Cancer
Specialists
Gwinnett Medical Center
experts are driven to provide
the best in patient-centered
care, from diagnostics to
treatment. To make an
appointment for genetic
testing and counseling,
call 678-312-3235.

SU MM E R 2 01 7

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Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - Contents
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