Exercise your option to reduce your risk of cancer
Understanding the jargon of cancer
| Oncologist | a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer |
| Tumor/Neoplasm | an abnormal mass of tissue caused by an over-production of cells |
| Benign | non-cancerous; a tumor that does not spread and is rarely life-threatening |
| Malignant | cancerous; a tumor that can invade nearby organs and spread to other parts of the body; may be life-threatening |
| Primary cancer | the original tumor named for the part of the body in
which cancer starts |
| In situ | the cancer is confined to its original site |
| Invasive | the cancer has grown into nearby tissues |
| Metastasis | the cancer has spread to other parts of the body; the new tumor is a metastatic tumor of the primary cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the lungs is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer |
| Staging | defines the extent or severity of cancer using Roman numerals I to IV; Stage I is the least extensive, Stage IV the most extensive |
Understanding the jargon of cancer
Invaluable inspection
Screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer or find it in its early stage when treatment is more successful.
Cancer |
Starting age* |
Test* |
| Breast | 40 |
Mammogram |
| Prostate | 50 |
PSA |
| Colorectal | 50 |
Colonoscopy |
| Cervical | 21 |
Pap test |
*Ask your doctor when to start screening and the most appropriate test.
Celebrate National Minority
Cancer Awareness Week! |
Health fair
April 10, 1:30 pm
The Power to Make a Difference – AARP
Twelfth Baptist Church, 150 Warren Street, Roxbury
Health education/workshop
April 14, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Annual Alternative & Complementary Health and Wellness Fair
UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester
April 18 - April 30
The Choice is Yours - Boston Public Library Cancer Awareness Display
• Roslindale Branch Library
• Grove Hall Branch Library
• South End Branch Library
• Parker Hill Library
April 23, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Our Time and Space
Charles Street AME Church, 551 Warren Street, Roxbury
May 17, 10:30 am
Seniors on the Move – Nutrition – Community Servings
Roxbury YMCA, 285 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Events are sponsored by Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. Call 617-632-3244 for more information. |
A colorful way to good health
Reduce your odds
View the full issue
Signs & Symptoms
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There are no
guarantees you won’t get
cancer …
but you can reduce your odds.
Don’t use tobacco — of any kind. Tobacco is associated with 16 different types of cancer. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in this country.
Get immunized. Vaccinations are available for Hepatitis B, which is linked to liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, at least five days a week.
Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins may help fight off cancer.
Talk to your doctor about vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with many types of cancer.
Keep a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity can increase the risk of breast, colon, uterine and kidney cancers.
Get screened. Request screenings for breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers and examinations for skin, oral and testicular cancers.
Monitor your time in the sun. Although the sun is a good source of vitamin D, it is recommended to cover up during prolonged sun exposure.
Avoid risky behaviors. Viruses that are transmitted sexually or by sharing contaminated needles can result in infections that increase the risk of cancer.
For more information on cancer risk and prevention, click here.
To estimate your risk of cancer, click here.