THE GOOD NEWS
Nearly 9 out of 10 women could survive it
STAY ALERT
Check your breasts monthly
Age 20-40: have a health care professional check your breasts every three years
Age 40: have your first mammogram (breast x-ray)
Age 40-50: have a health care professional check your breasts every year. Have a mammogram every year or two (ask how often)
Over age 50: have a health care professional check your breasts every year. Have a mammogram every year
SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
You find a lump in your breast
You notice any other changes in your breasts
LUNG CANCER
THE FACTS
Is the leading cancer killer of women
Approximately 62,000 women die each year
Almost all lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking
THE GOOD NEWS
More than 40,000 women wouldn’t have to die of lung cancer every year - if they just didn’t smoke
If you quit early enough, most damage from smoking will heal
STAY ALERT
Don’t smoke - No cigarette is safe
Can’t quit yet? Smoke less, especially cigarettes low in tar and nicotine
Don’t use smokeless tobacco products (chewing tobacco, snuff)
Stay away from people who are smoking
SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
You have a nagging or painful cough that doesn’t go away
You cough up blood
Your chest hurts all the time
UTERINE CANCER (CERVICAL/ENDOMETRIAL)
THE FACTS
Approximately 48,600 new cases every year
Can strike women at any age
THE GOOD NEWS
Fewer women die from cancer of the uterus each year - because they have regular Pap tests and pelvic examinations
The Pap test detects signs of cervical cancer early, usually in time to cure it
STAY ALERT
Have a Pap test every year if you are:
over 18
sexually active
You are more likely to get endometrial cancer if you are: over 40, overweight, taking hormones, have abnormal bleeding, are infertile, or do not ovulate
SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
You have any abnormal bleeding
You have reached menopause and are overweight or taking hormones
COLON AND RECTUM CANCER
THE FACTS
About 67,500 new cases a year
Third major cancer killer
Most often strikes people over age 50
THE GOOD NEWS
Finding out early can save more than 4 out of 5 people
STAY ALERT
People most likely to get this cancer:
have ulcerative colitis (a painful condition your health care provider can diagnose)
have a family member with colon or rectum cancer
have a family member with polyps in the colon or rectum
Over age 40: have a digital rectal exam each year
Over age 50: ask a health care professional what kinds of exams you need
SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
You bleed from your rectum
You see blood in your stool
You see a persistent change in your bowel habits
You have cramping pain in your abdomen
CANCER: WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?