Please note that what follows below is general information about the five most common cancers only. Click here for a full list of the cancers we treat at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center. If you have any questions or notice any of the symptoms below, see your physician.
Breast
Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.1 One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.2
Early breast cancer may not present any noticeable symptoms; larger
tumors may be recognized as a painless mass within the breast. Other,
less common, symptoms may include thickening, swelling, distortion,
tenderness, skin irritation, redness, scaliness, or nipple
abnormalities. Breast pain is usually not an early symptom of cancer. If
you're over 40, make sure you have a regular mammogram.
Colon
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women.1
Colorectal cancer in its early stage does not usually produce any
symptoms. However, a more advanced stage of the disease may cause rectal
bleeding, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss and cramping pain
in the lower abdomen. Weakness and excessive fatigue may also be
present. Be sure to have a regular colonoscopy after the age of 50.
Lung
Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women.1
Symptoms include a persistent cough, mucous coughed up and streaked
with blood, chest pain, voice changes, unexplained weight loss and
regular bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis.
Melanoma (Skin)
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer deaths, although it accounts for less than 5% of all skin cancer cases.1
Melanoma may be identified by changes over a month or more in the
size, shape, or color of a mole or a new growth on the skin. These tips
can help prevent skin cancer:
- Cover up with clothing that protects as
much skin as possible.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Limit sun exposure by avoiding sun between
the peak hours of 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Also, be sure to know your moles and watch for any changes.
Prostate
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men.1
Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. However, men who are
in a more advanced stage of prostate cancer may notice: changes in
urination; a need to urinate frequently, especially at night; blood in
the urine; or pain or burning when urinating.
Starting at age 50, men should talk to a doctor about testing. Men
with a family history of prostate cancer before age 65 or who are
African American should discuss testing with a doctor when they are 45.1
