Ask the CIS : Cancer Information Service : February 2007
"Ask the CIS" is a short, easy-to-read cancer column providing answers to cancer related questions. The column is based on the latest cancer information from the National Cancer Institute. The Cancer Information Service of the Mid-South produces four columns, in question-and-answer format, monthly.
Q: My doctor told me that my risk of prostate cancer is higher because I am African American. What are other risk factors for prostate cancer?
A: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than white men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include the following:
- Age: This disease is rare in men younger than 45. The risk goes up sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.
- Family history: A man’s risk is higher if his father or brother had prostate cancer.
- Certain prostate changes: Men with prostate cells that look abnormal under a microscope may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
- Diet: Some studies suggest that a diet high in animal fat or meat increases prostate cancer risk, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower risk.
Most men who have known risk factors do not get prostate cancer. On the other hand, men who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older. You can help protect yourself by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and plan a schedule for checkups.
For more information about prostate cancer, call the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER.
Q: What are the symptoms of leukemia?
A: Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in blood cells. Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel through the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, people with leukemia may have different symptoms.
Common symptoms of leukemia may include:
- Fevers or night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Feeling weak or tired
- Bleeding and bruising easily
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit
It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem could also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
For more information about leukemia, call the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER.
Q: My child just finished treatment for cancer. What can I do to help her stay healthy?
A: Because of better treatment, children who have cancer are living longer than they used to, and their quality of life is better. Although they lead normal lives, survivors of cancer must take extra-special care of their health. Parents of children who have been treated for cancer should do the following:
- Schedule regular checkups.
- Be alert to signs of the possible return of cancer.
- Be alert to signs of lasting effects of cancer treatment.
- Be tuned in to any problems your child may have in dealing with feelings about having had cancer, even years after treatment has ended.
- Promote good health habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Ask your child’s doctor about when to schedule checkups, and what to look for that may indicate a return of cancer or lasting effects of treatment. More information about what parents can do to help a child who has been treated for cancer is available in the NCI booklet Young People with Cancer: A Handbook for Parents. You can get a copy by calling the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER. You can also view and print it from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/youngpeople on the Internet.
Q: Are light cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes?
A: There is no such thing as a safe cigarette. You might think that cigarettes called low-tar, mild, light, or ultra-light are less harmful to your health than regular or full-flavor cigarettes. Smoke from light cigarettes may feel smoother and lighter on the throat and chest, but they are not healthier than regular cigarettes. The truth is that light cigarettes do not reduce the health risks of smoking. Also, switching to light or ultra-light cigarettes does not help smokers quit.
The only proven way to reduce the risk of diseases caused by smoking is to quit smoking completely. Quitting at any age reduces the risk of lung cancer, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
More information is in the NCI fact sheet The Truth About “Light” Cigarettes: Questions and Answers. You can get a copy by calling the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER. You can also view and print it from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/light-cigarettes on the Internet.
For one-on-one help with quitting, call the NCI’s Smoking Quitline toll-free at 1–877–448–7848.
The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) is one of the country’s most trusted resources. Ask the CIS is distributed by the (region) CIS, which serves (list states). Call the CIS toll-free at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
