Vim & Vigor - Spring 2018 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 7

Breast Cancer

About 1 out of 8 eight women
will develop breast cancer in her
lifetime, making it the most common
cancer that women face. "But with early
detection and today's wide range of
customized treatments," says Kevin H.
Peacock, MD, medical director, Gwinnett
Breast Program, "the five-year survival
rate has risen to 91 percent."
The Gwinnett Breast Program,
accredited by the National Accreditation
Program for Breast Centers, is also
affiliated with the Duke Cancer Network.
"This affiliation provides our patients
and their providers access to some of
the nation's most advanced research and
education programs," Dr. Peacock says.
Having a family history of breast
cancer will raise your own risk of
developing the disease. However, it has
been found that 7 out of 10 women who
develop breast cancer do not have any
family history of the disease.
Dr. Peacock advises that early
detection is vitally important. "Make a
monthly breast self-exam part of your
routine," emphasizes Dr. Peacock. "Also,
keep your mammogram appointments
on the schedule recommended by your
health care practitioner."

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer isn't just a man
thing. In fact, it's the third
leading cause of cancer-related deaths
in women. Despite it being deadly,
it's also known to be one of the most
preventable cancers. It usually starts
with the development of a polyp,
which is easily removed if caught soon
enough. A polyp is a small growth on
the lining of the colon or rectum.
"That's why we strongly recommend
colonoscopies or other screenings
beginning at age 50, and continuing

subsequent screenings and tests on the
schedule recommended by your health
care practitioner," says Alexander Saker
Jr., MD, medical director, GMC's Center
for Cancer Care. "If you are at higher
risk for colorectal cancer, screenings
should begin at a younger age, as
recommended by your physician."
Although colon cancer is most often
found in people ages 50 and older,
steps to prevent it should begin much
younger. "We know that obesity, lack of
exercise and eating a diet high in animal
fats contributes to developing colon
cancer," Dr. Saker says. "It's never too
late or too early to build healthy habits
for yourself or for your family."

Lung Cancer

If you thought colon cancer was
scary, you'll be surprised to learn
that lung cancer is even more deadly
for women. So, why is it that up to
98 percent of women don't consider
lung cancer to be a top health risk?
Because it's believed that smoking is
the only risk factor, accounting for 8
out of 10 lung cancer deaths. However,
people who don't smoke can also
develop lung cancer.
"If you smoke, quit and keep quitting
until you succeed. If it's too tough on
your own, join a program like GMC's

Smoking Cessation class, or ask your
health care practitioner for help,"
says Christopher Hagenstad, MD, an
oncologist affiliated with GMC's Center
for Cancer Care. "And if you don't
smoke, don't start." Other measures
include to avoid breathing in other
people's smoke and limiting exposure
to radon gas.
"If you're a smoker, or a former
smoker, the Cancer Institute's lung
screening program can help find lung
cancer in an early stage, when it's
more treatable," Dr. Hagenstad says.
Regardless of whether you're a smoker,
see your health care practitioner right
away if you develop a chronic cough or
cough up blood, as these may be signs
of lung cancer. ■

BY THE

NUMBERS

3 1 in 8 lifetime risk of a woman
developing cancer

3 91% five-year survival rate for women

with breast cancer
3 Two-thirds of cancer deaths in the
U.S. are preventable
Source: American Cancer Society

WEBSITE

Comprehensive Cancer Care
At GMC's Cancer Institute, you'll receive care from the area's top
oncologists, radiologists and cancer treatment experts, who can provide
specialized treatment for all types of cancer. We offer a full range of
advanced, comprehensive cancer-fighting services, as well as screenings
and early detection programs, including hereditary cancer risk assessment
services. Learn more at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cancer.

SPRING 2018

7
http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cancer
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