When you are going through cancer treatment all focus should be on keeping your body as healthy as possible.  Cancer treatment attacks cells in your body so that it can rid it of cancer.  While that is necessary, it can be incredibly hard on the body so it is imperative that you care for your body in any way possible.  Though treatments may make you feel ill, unwell and exhausted, caring for your body through good nutrition and physical activity is an important tool in the battle against cancer.  When you are going through treatment, proper nutrition can feel daunting, especially if you feel nauseated or exhausted.  But, proper nutrition can provide added strength, potentially help treatment be more effective, and help improve your overall outlook after treatment.

Proper nutrition during cancer treatment focuses heavily on healthy vegetables, fruits and lean proteins.  As much as possible, it is important to opt for healthy foods.  Though, if you are ill and very few things sound good, whatever you can stomach is better than nothing.  While being treated for cancer, it is not the time to have an extreme diet, it is the time for a well-rounded, nutritious diet.  Half of your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables, and the other half grains and proteins.  For proteins, focus on lean meats such as chicken or fish.  Focus on eating high-calorie foods that will provide natural fuel to your body.  Low fat dairy and dairy alternatives also provide a calorie boost that is healthy and delicious.  Whole grains and starchy vegetables are filling and will provide your body with much needed energy.

The key to getting nutritious meals in throughout the day, regardless of hectic schedules and treatment appointments, is to plan ahead.  If you have the energy, or have a support system in place that can help you, prepare some meals ahead and place them in the refrigerator or freezer.  That way, when hunger does strike, you can quickly grab a meal and eat it.  When you are exhausted, you will not have to worry about cooking, you can grab a meal and eat it.  Pre-pack lots of small, nutritious snacks that you can either keep at home or that can travel with you.  Again, this helps by keeping nutrition right at hand for the moment that hunger strikes.  This will help you avoid some nausea and keep your energy up throughout the day.  Finally, when eating during cancer treatment, it is important to avoid excessive amounts of processed food or added sugar.  Things like sweetened beverages, yogurts, cereals, and baked goods may sound good but they will not give you the vital nutrients that you need during this time.  Sugar can suppress the immune system and will provide no help to your fighting body. Additionally, avoid red meats and trans fat (known to promote cancer growth) to ensure optimal health.  For additional nutritional advice during cancer treatment, consult your physician who can offer advice based on your personal health history.

Every woman who goes for the annual gynecological exam gets a pap smear as part of a standard protocol to maintain optimal health.  A pap smear is a quick procedure in which a sample of cells are collected from the cervix or vagina.  This test looks for any changes or abnormalities in cervical or vaginal cells that may indicate cancer or other conditions.  Many women get normal results but some will get results that show an abnormality.  This abnormality is something that needs to be explored through further testing but many women worry or instantly assume that an abnormal pap smear automatically means a cancer diagnosis.

If you have an abnormal result from your pap test, it is considered a positive result.  A positive test result means that you will require additional testing to determine what is causing the abnormality.  Tests may include a colposcopy or cervical biopsies, of which, there are a few different types.  Below, the American Cancer Society provides a detailed explanation of the three different types of abnormalities that may occur and be detected in a pap test, and what they mean.  If your pap test returns an abnormal result, consult your physician about the next steps and what testing is needed to determine the source of abnormality and how to maintain your best health moving forward.

1. Atypical squamous cells (ASC-US and ASC-H)

• If the Pap results show atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US), some doctors will repeat the Pap test in 12 months. Another option is to test for human papilloma virus (HPV). What is done next depends on how old you are. If you are 21 to 24 years old, and HPV DNA is found, the doctor will recommend a repeat Pap test in a year. If you are at least 25 years old and HPV is detected, the doctor will recommend a colposcopy. If HPV is not detected, then the doctor will recommend the Pap test be repeated in 3 years. If you are at least 25 years old, an HPV test will be done at the same time as the repeat Pap test. If the results of a Pap test are labeled atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H), it means that a high grade SIL is suspected. The doctor will recommend colposcopy.

2. Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs)

• These abnormalities are divided into low-grade SIL (LSIL) and high-grade SIL (HSIL).
• For LSIL, further testing depends upon HPV testing:
• the HPV test result was negative (meaning the virus wasn’t detected), then repeating the Pap test and HPV test in one year is recommended.
• HPV was found, then colposcopy is recommended.
• no HPV test was done and the woman is at least 25 years old, colposcopy is recommended.
• the woman is under 25, she should have a repeat Pap test in a year.
• women with LSIL should have colposcopy.
• For HSIL, either colposcopy or a loop electrosurgical procedure is recommended for women 25 and older. For women under 25, colposcopy is recommended.

3. Atypical glandular cells and adenocarcinoma in situ (on a Pap test)

• If the Pap results read atypical glandular cells or adenocarcinoma but the report says that the abnormal cells do not seem to be from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), guidelines recommend colposcopy with the biopsy type called endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping). The doctor may also biopsy the endometrium (this can be done at the same time as the colposcopy). For information about endometrial biopsy, see our document Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer. If the atypical glandular or adenocarcinoma cells look like they are from the endometrium (based on how they look under the microscope), experts recommend a biopsy of the endometrium along with an endocervical curettage, but a colposcopy isn’t needed unless the results from the endometrial biopsy are negative and do not explain the Pap test result.

Testicular cancer can be a sensitive topic of discussion but it is important to know the symptoms so that you can be aware and vigilant.  According to the American Cancer Society, in 2016 just in the United States approximately “8,720 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed and about 380 men will die of testicular cancer.”  Testicular cancer can affect one or both of the testicles, which are located inside the scrotum.  Mayo Clinic notes that, while testicular cancer is relatively rare when compared with other forms of cancer, it is “the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35.”  There are a variety of risk factors that may increase your risk of testicular cancer, though they do not mean that you will definitely get testicular cancer.  These risk factors include an undecided testicle, a family history of testicular cancer, an HIV infection, having been previously diagnosed with testicular cancer, being of a certain race or ethnicity (Caucasian men are 4-5 times more likely to get testicular cancer than other races/ethnicities), body size, and carcinoma in situ of the testicle.  It is important to get regular checkups and physicals to ensure optimal health but it is also important to know potential symptoms of testicular cancer and perform routine self examinations.  If you think you are experiencing one of these symptoms it is important to speak to your physician and explore whether or not you need further testing.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms Include:

1. Lumps

• Lumps or masses in your testicles may be a symptom of testicular cancer.  When performing a self examination, if you feel a lump or mass it is important to seek the advice of your physician as soon as possible.  Lumps and masses are the most common symptom of testicular cancer.

2. Swelling

• Any enlargement or swelling of the testicle should be examined by a physician.  Regardless of how small or large the swelling might be.  Additionally, if any enlargement or swelling of the breasts occurs it is important to see a physician as this may also be a symptom of testicular cancer.

3. Pain or Discomfort

• Any tenderness of pain in the testicle may be a symptom of testicular cancer.  But, pain and discomfort is a broad range.  This means that if it feels like a your scrotum has suddenly filled with fluid or your testicles feel heavy, these may also be symptoms of testicular cancer.  Additionally, if you feel a low or dull ache in the abdomen or groin these may be symptoms of testicular cancer, particularly if they last more than 2 weeks.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a form of cancer that is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States.  Colon cancer has some common warning signs and symptoms that may be concerning and warrant a visit to the doctor’s office to get checked.  Additionally, it is often recommended that adults over 50 get routine screening to check for certain things like polyps which may indicate cancer.  While it may seem embarrassing or uncomfortable to discuss certain symptoms related to colon cancer, or you may feel uneasy at the idea of a routine screening, the benefits of discussing symptoms and getting screenings with a physician far outweigh those feelings.  Because colon cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, early detection can literally be life saving for many patients.

First it is important to understand what colon cancer is and what some of the most common symptoms are.  The CDC describes what exactly colon cancer is, “Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short…The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.”  A common symptom of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits.  This may include diarrhea, constipation, or a change in consistency or color of your stool.  Another symptom is persistent abdominal discomfort such as gas, cramping, bloating or pain.  In addition, rectal bleeding (that is either bright red or very dark) is another symptom of colon cancer.  Finally, weakness or fatigue, or any unexplained weight loss, may be a symptom of cancer.  Treatment often includes one, or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.  For advanced colon cancer, ablation or embolization may be used.  It is important that, should you notice any of these symptoms, that you discuss them with your doctor so that colon cancer can be ruled out.  Should a colon cancer diagnosis be determined, the stage and specific diagnosis will determine what treatment path is chosen.

Month after month we raise awareness for a different kind of cancer.  And it seems like we are frequently learning of a friend or loved one who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Cancer seems to be everywhere and it is truly frightening.  World Cancer Day is working to raise awareness and points out some alarming statistics, “Currently, 7.6 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years). So unless urgent action is taken to raise awareness about the disease and to develop practical strategies to address cancer, by 2025, this is projected to increase to an alarming 6 million premature cancer deaths per year.”  These startling numbers emphasize the importance of taking specific measures to reduce your cancer risk.  Luckily, there are simple ways to make changes in your everyday life that will help significantly lower your risk of certain kinds of cancer.

1. Maintain A Healthy Weight

• Maintaining a healthy weight by choosing to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise will help you reduce your risk of cancer.  The CDC elaborates on how important maintaining a healthy weight is when trying to reduce your cancer risk, “Research has shown that being overweight or obese substantially raises a person’s risk of getting endometrial (uterine), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29, and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Learn how to choose a healthy diet at Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight, and read about exercise at Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight.”

2. Limit Prolonged Sun Exposure

• Short amounts of sun exposure provide a healthy dose of Vitamin D but long periods of sun exposure without sun protection significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer.  Avoid the sun during peak hours (10am – 4pm), opt to sit or play in a shady area, wear light layers of clothing that protect your skin from direct sun exposure, apply sunscreen, wear a hat with a wide brim and protective sunglasses.

3. Limit Alcohol Intake

• When it comes to alcohol, an occasional glass of wine or a cocktail at a celebration is is relatively innocuous, but if you want to limit your risk of cancer it is important to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible.  WebMD discusses why it is important to restrict your alcohol intake, “When it comes to health, alcohol wields a double-edged sword. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that light alcohol consumption, especially red wine, may be beneficial for heart health. But on the other hand, it appears that any alcohol consumption can raise your risk of cancer. “For cancer, there is no safe level of alcohol,” Bender says. “It’s a dose response: The more you drink, the greater the risk, especially for certain cancers like those of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.” And if you smoke, too, the combined effects of drinking and smoking shoot your risk for these up even higher.  What to do? Both the AICR expert report and the American Cancer Society recommend that women limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day, and men no more than two.”

4. Eat a Healthy Diet Filled With Fruits and Vegetables

• A healthy, well-rounded diet can help you reduce your cancer risk significantly.  Processed foods and sugar have been shown to have a link to cancer so it is important to stick to a plant-based diet with healthy, lean meats.  Foods that fight cancer include apples, berries, cruciferous vegetables, cherries, coffee, cranberries, flaxseed, legumes, walnuts, dark leafy green vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, grapes, carrots, and many more.

5. Don’t Use Tobacco Products

• Tobacco products such as cigarettes are well-known to highly increase an individual’s risk of cancer.  While they are highly addictive, it is important that every step be taken to quit smoking, regardless of if you have smoked for one month, one year, or 25 years.  Mayo Clinic explains just how important it is to avoid tobacco products, “Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer. Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. It’s also an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.”