Cancer Care

Colorectal cancer is the third most common, and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, in the United States. Early detection, even before any symptoms show, is critical as it's when colon cancer is the most curable.

Are You at a Higher Risk for Colon Cancer? 

There is no single known cause of colon cancer as they almost always begin as benign polyps, which, overtime slowly develop into cancer. You are at a higher risk of colon cancer if you:

• Are 45 years of age or older
• Have a family history of colon cancer
• Are African American or of Eastern European descent
• Regularly eat red or processed meats
• Have colorectal polyps
• Suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Smoke cigarettes
• Regularly drink alcohol

Symptoms

While colon cancer often does not show any signs or symptoms, any of the following may indicate colon cancer.

• Abdomen pain and tenderness, particularly in the lower abdomen
• Bloody and/or narrow stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Sudden weight loss

Diagnosis 

Early detection, even before any symptoms show, is critical as it's when colon cancer is the most curable. Screening is the most effective way to diagnose colorectal cancer. Noncancerous polyps that are found during the colonoscopy are removed to prevent cancer. If cancer is detected, a carefully crafted treatment plan will be configured. Only a full colonoscopy can see the entire colon.

Treatments 

Colon cancer, depending on several factors, including its stage, is treated by all, or a combination of:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted Therapy

Skin cancer is the world's most common form of cancer; it's also the most preventable. Most skin cancers are easily treatable and curable, however, some, most notably Melanoma, if left untreated, can be very serious. Skin cancer is the direct result of too much sun exposure. 

Types of Skin Cancer

There are five different types of skin cancer.

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Kaposi sarcoma
• Malignant melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, resulting in the most deaths. It is curable if diagnosed and removed in its early stages. When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. When not detected early and the melanoma has spread to other organs, the prognosis is often poor. 

Are You at Risk?

If you have any of the following characteristics, you may be at an increased risk to develop melanoma or another form of skin cancer:

• Fair skin
• Work outdoors
• Have a history of sunburn
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have freckles, moles or birthmarks (in particular large, dark colored birthmark)
• Have precancerous skin lesions
• Are HIV-positive
• Excess exposure to the sun as a youth

Diagnosis 

Your doctor will examine your skin. If they find any alarming areas of growth, a biopsy will be performed to determine if cancer is present. 

Treatment

The goal of treatment is initially to remove the cancerous growth in order to stop the spread of the disease. Most skin cancer can be surgically removed. Cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy and radiation may also be used to treat the disease. 

Prevention 

Skin cancer, in the majority of cases, can be prevented by staying out of the sun - especially if you fall into any of the "high risk" characteristics. When the sun is unavoidable, wear a hat and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. 

You should also check your skin regularly for new or changing moles/growths as well as be screened by a physician regularly.

Did you know that more people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other form of cancer? The reason why is simple—most discover lung cancer after it has progressed. A simple exam can help detect lung cancer at its earliest stage, when it’s most treatable. 

Types of Lung Cancer

Non-small cell and small cell are the two main types of lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer is rare, making up only 10 percent of lung cancer cases, despite being aggressive and fast growing.
Non-small cell lung cancers make up approximately 90 percent cases. Smoking is the leading cause of this form of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer consists of the likes of:

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Large cell carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Pleomorphic
• Carcinoid tumor
• Salivary gland carcinoma
• Unclassified carcinoma

Diagnosis 

At Bristol Hospital, we offer a broad range of medical imaging and related services, including Low Dose CT Scan for lung cancer screening to detect lung cancer in its early stages. Lung cancer screening exam is done using a CT scan (computed tomography). A CT scan is a painless exam that can find even the tiniest of lung nodules long before they cause symptoms.

Treatment

Lung cancer can be treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor will determine which course of action is best for you based on your type of cancer and how far it has spread. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted Therapy

About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it (outside of skin cancer) the most common form of cancer in men in America. Early detection can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.  

Are You at Risk? 

The likelihood of prostate cancer increases with age, with it becoming the most common cause of death from cancer in men over the age of 75. However, age is not the only factor. Others who are at a higher risk are:

• African American
• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Frequent alcohol use
• Eat a high-fat diet
• Obese
• Have been exposed to "Agent Orange"
• Farmer, painter or tire plant worker

Symptoms

In its early life, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms. However, as prostate cancer grows, you may experience:

• Difficulty starting to urinate
• Dribbling or leaking of urine
• Weak urinary stream
• Not being able to fully empty your bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain or tenderness in lower back and pelvic region

Diagnosis 

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a digital rectal exam as well as through a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test. PSA levels typically rise before any prostate cancer symptoms arise. A biopsy of suspicious areas may be necessary, followed by a diagnostic imaging to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.  

Treatments 

Treatment depends on many factors - including your age, Gleason score and your general overall health. If the cancer has not spread beyond your prostate, common treatments include:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy

If it has spread, your doctor may recommend:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy