5 Things You Need to Know about Ovarian Cancer

Throughout the year, cancer prevention and research activists—along with patients, survivors, and families—come together to educate the public about the many forms of cancer, efforts to advance treatment, and ways to support those battling the disease. This September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity for all people—both women and men—to learn about the condition and the ways that women can protect themselves and their loved ones. Stay Informed During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month To support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, commit to broadening your own education with these five facts about the disease: Ovarian cancer affects the female reproductive organs and shows itself in several different forms, including on the stomal cells that release estrogen and progesterone, the germ cells that produce eggs or the surface epithelial cells, which account for 90% of ovarian cancer cases. The disease overwhelmingly affects older women: About two-thirds of cases are seen in women ages 50-75, and just 5% in those under 30. It is the second-most common gynecological cancer, affecting about one in every 70 women in the United States. There are a number of factors that can increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer, including inheriting the BRCA1 or 2 genes, endometriosis, and family history. Symptoms include weight changes, abdominal pain, changes to urination and bowel patterns, vaginal bleeding between periods, lack of appetite, and more. Women with persistent symptoms are urged to contact a physician and undergo a pelvic exam. Because ovarian cancer often develops slowly and symptoms gradually progress, it can be difficult to diagnose, leading many women to develop advanced forms of the disease. As such, it is...

5 Things You Need to Know about Leukemia

Leukemia Awareness Month is marked every September, as a way to honor those who are fighting the disease, those who survived, and those who lost their battle. It’s a time to encourage education about the disease, its impacts, and methods of prevention—all in an effort to pay tribute to the courage it takes to confront the illness. Stay Informed DuringLeukemia Awareness Month Here are five things to know about the disease so that you can do your part this Leukemia Awareness Month to fight its spread: Leukemia is cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including bone barrow, that leads to abnormalities in the white blood cells. Its name is derived from the Greek meaning for “white blood,” leading researchers to believe the disease has been recognized for more than 1,500 years. Anyone is susceptible to leukemia, but it particularly occurs in older and younger patients. It is, unfortunately, the most common cancer in those under 15. Red flags for leukemia include abnormal white blood cell counts, easy bruising, night sweats, fatigue, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis usually centers on bloodwork. The prognosis for leukemia patients has improved drastically in recent years, with the overall five-year survival rate tripling to more than 60% in the last 40 years. There have been particular strides made in treating pediatric leukemia; more than 80% of children diagnosed with leukemia now live at least five years, a figure that was only at 10% just four decades ago. Leukemia Awareness Month is signified by the color orange. Throughout September, those whose lives have been touched by the disease, as well as healthcare professionals and...

5 Things You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer

Among the most startling statistics about prostate cancer is that one in nine men will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives. That’s a significant risk, one that is at the heart of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The occasion is marked every September as a way to encourage education about prostate cancer, its risks, and prevention methods. Cancer activists and advocates join to observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in an effort to honor those who’ve been lost to the disease, those who have survived, and the many men who are battling it each day. Stay Informed During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month While this cancer can affect any man, older men are much more at risk; about 60% of new diagnoses are among men who are over 65. African American men are also at a higher risk. The prognosis for most men is generally good; more than 3 million American men are currently survivors of prostate cancer. However, it can progress to be life-threatening in some cases. After lung cancer, it is the most common cancer to kill men in the United States. Family history of prostate cancer and genetic mutations, such as the inherited BRCA1 and 2 genes, are thought to increase the risk for prostate cancer. Smoking, obesity, and poor diet have also been shown to have an effect on the development of the cancer. Prevention strategies typically include diets low in dairy consumption, efforts to maintain a healthy weight, and high physical activity. Symptoms include trouble urinating, blood in the urine, lower-body pain, leg and foot numbness, loss of bladder control, and erectile...