DFW Oncology Navigators
Stay Connected

November Awareness

Posted almost 4 years ago

The following information is about this month's cancer awareness and related awareness dates along with resource links for further information and social media campaigns. See the full calendar and resources at this link. Help share the awareness.

Key Facts about November Cancer Awareness

Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is the 2nd most commonly diagnosed cancer and the # 1 cause of cancer death in American men and women. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer but former smokers and people who never smoked also get lung cancer. People meeting the criteria for screening should get a low dose CT scan. See the recommended guidelines at American Cancer Society.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer develops from either the exocrine (most common) or endocrine cells of the pancreas. Adenocarcinoma, the most common exocrine tumor type, is one of the most deadly cancers, now the #3 cause of cancer death in Americans. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use, diabetes, family history and inherited genetic syndromes caused by mutations in genes such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. NCCN recommends genetic testing for everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are slow growing tumors that develop from hormone producing cells that line the pancreas (PNETs) and GI tract and lungs (carcinoids). Many people with these tumors are misdiagnosed. Some people with carcinoid tumors will develop carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms include abdominal pain, flushing, sweating, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, skin rash, fatigue and diarrhea.

Gastric Cancer
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer is not a common cancer in the US but it is the fifth most common cancer in the world. It is more common in Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and African Americans. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, tobacco use, diets high in smoked and salted foods, obesity and long-term inflammation of the stomach. 

Awareness Topics that Impact Cancer Patients


Genetics
Genetics is the study of genes and inherited diseases. When there is a problem with cancer genes, also called a mutation, it can cause a person to be at increased risk to develop certain cancers in their lifetime. 5-10% of all cancers are inherited even if there is no known family history of cancer. Risk factors for a cancer gene mutation include: a personal history of more than one cancer; a family history of cancer (especially in more than one close blood relative like a parent or grandparent); personal/family history of cancer at a young age, or belonging to a high risk group such as being of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. People who have risk factors should consider seeing a genetic counselor (a specialist in genetics) who can talk with that person about their personal and family history and help them choose if testing is right for them. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests, products purchased online or at the store, are not reliable for identifying gene mutations and do not take the place of genetic counseling.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is a field of medicine with a specialized team of doctors and nurses who address all aspects of pain (and suffering)—physical, psychological, relational, social, spiritual, and religious. (National Institute of Health). Palliative care and hospice are not interchangeable terms. Both provide comfort but palliative care can begin and should be considered as early as at diagnosis.

Caregivers
Caregivers are the relatives, partners and friends who help people through their cancer journey. Caregiving has many challenges and responsibilities and it can be emotionally draining. Caregivers can sometimes suffer more distress than their loved ones. Many of the one on one support resources for patients are also available for caregivers. Many of the cancer websites have good sections for caregivers.

Smoking, Diabetes and GERD can all be risk factors for cancer. About one third of all cancer deaths in the US are due to smoking. Smoking is a risk factor in at least 12 types of cancers and puts those around smokers at risk for at least 9 types of cancers due to secondhand smoke. Type 2 Diabetes is believed to be a risk factor for several cancers including pancreatic, liver, endometrial, colorectal, breast and bladder cancers. A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. GERD (Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease) is the frequent or long-term backward flow (reflux) of acid into the esophagus. This can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s Esophagus.

Movember 

The month of Movember is committed to raising awareness to help reduce early mortality in men from prostate and testicular cancer and mental health problems. Go to https://us.movember.com/about/foundation to learn more.

Additional Resource(s)

An additional resource with videos on lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer risk factors and more is at https://seer.cancer.gov/statistics/videos/

Appreciation of these Healthcare Professionals


Cancer care is a team sport. Please celebrate these members of our multi-disciplinary team this month: Nurse Practitioner Week (7-13) and Genetic Counselor Awareness Day (4)


Happy November from DFW Oncology Navigators!