Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Ask the Cancer Expert

Actually, it is true! Currently, the most reliable method of finding colorectal cancer early is testing the stool for occult (hidden) blood. The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is recommended every 2 years for people age 50 and over. The FOBT is non-invasive and can be done at home.

A stool test might be something you’d rather avoid. But it could save your life – it’s that simple. Colorectal cancer responds best to treatment when it is found and treated as early as possible. Treatment is most effective before the disease spreads outside of the colon.

The FOBT uses a chemical reaction on a paper card to find traces of blood in the stool from polyps or tumours. The FOBT comes in a paper kit with simple instructions. The test involves taking three separate stool samples over three different days, at home, and then mailing the kit to a lab for analysis.

Women who have sex with women are at risk of getting HPV, and therefore of getting cervical cancer. Anyone who has a cervix, and has had genital skin-to-skin contact with anyone else regardless of gender or sex, at any point in their life, is at risk for cervical cancer. The good news is that a simple three minute test – a Pap test – can save your life.

If you are between 21 – 69 years old, you have a cervix, and you are or have ever been sexually active, get a Pap test every three years.If you’re over 69, talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s appropriate to continue having Pap tests. The decision to stop is often based on having two or three normal Pap tests over the last ten years.

When you have a mammogram, the breast is placed between two plastic plates. A registered medical radiation technologist will place your breast on the plastic plate of the mammography unit that will be adjusted to your chip card. A second plate will press down on your breast for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. Compressing the breast tissue helps make the images clearer while using as little radiation as possible. This will not harm your breast tissue.

Two x-rays are taken of each breast, one from the top and one from the side. The technologist will make sure that the pictures are good enough quality for the radiologist to read and will take more pictures if necessary. The X-rays are then examined by a radiologist to determine if there are any abnormal changes. For most people, it takes less than ten minutes to get a mammogram.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s team of Cancer Information Specialists come from a variety of healthcare backgrounds such as nursing, social work, medicine, diagnostics and research. As Cancer Information Specialists, they have extensive knowledge of cancer care delivery systems and issues, oncology principles and excellent communication skills. They answer questions from the public about specific cancer types, tests, treatments, prevention and supportive care as well as providing access to practical and emotional support and resources.

Many of you also are looking to save a few bucks as you head out of town. Lodging, fuel, airfare, museum and amusement park passes — it all adds up. One of the biggest expenses, of course, is food. Toss a few kids into the equation and you’re going to arrive home with a pretty hefty credit card bill. To make matters worse, all that vacation splurging might just leave you a few pounds heavier, too.

So where can you save? Surprisingly, one of the easiest ways to save while traveling is with your food choices. No, I’m not referring to the $1 menu at a certain fast food franchise. Instead, with a little advance planning and preparation, you can save money and calories by packing healthy eats that are affordable, taste great and give you a nutritional edge to fuel you through your endless vacation activities.

It starts with planning. Before you’re on the road, before you’ve got a carload of hungry, hot children and a grouchy spouse, plan what you are going to eat. Map out your food choices (and food expenses) by deciding on a few meals and snacks that you can take on the road.

As you shop for your “road food,” look at the ingredient list before you buy. Consider what you are paying for; ingredients are listed in order of greatest quantity to least. Are you buying sugar, refined flour and salt, or are you buying real food, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains?

Get more bang for your buck by purchasing food made from whole ingredients that give you the nutrients you need. Vacation already is going to be loaded with expenses and extras, so don’t waste your hard-earned cash on stuff (like sugar, fat and white flour) that you don’t need.

To illustrate, pack a few hard-boiled eggs, cheese and whole grain English muffins to make your own breakfast sandwich. By skipping the drive-through and that “McSandwich,” you’ll save $1.52 and loads of sodium and saturated fat.

For lunch, take along the ingredients for your own version of Lunchables. Try Triscuit Minis, Sargento Reduced-Fat Cheese and Jennie-O VIP Turkey deli meat. You’ll save another $1.85, plus calories, fat and sodium. You’ll also gain more tummy-filling fiber and whole grains, more satiating protein, and more bone-building calcium and Vitamin D.

For the afternoon stretch and inevitable sweet craving, opt for that Kashi Chewy Peanut Peanut Butter Bar (39 cents per bar) that you remembered to pack instead of tearing into a Snickers bar (89 cents). You’ll get more fiber and protein and far less sugar, fat and calories than the Snickers bar.

Yes, you really can save money by eating healthier. Remember to plan and pack in advance. To save on last-minute preparation, you can begin making food and storing it in zip-top bags in the freezer months in advance. Gather up the kids and make homemade trail mix, muesli, potato chips and even sandwiches (yes, you can freeze sandwiches).

For things like trail mix and muesli, measure out the recommended serving size in a plastic cup, mark the line with a permanent marker and toss the cup into the bag. Now you have a “measuring spoon” to keep portions in check while on the road.

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