Cancer prevention and early detection are key to the American Cancer Society's (ACS') mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. University Health recommends routine cancer screenings for everyone; especially those who are at higher risk or have a family history.
Many cancers are treatable, especially when detected in its early stages. It's important to discuss potential health concerns and screening options with your doctor. Early detection of cancer through screening increases survival rates from cancers of the colorectal, breast, cervical and lung. The first step is to seek care with a primary care physician in order to determine which, if any, screenings would benefit you.
To learn more about which tests are recommended according to your gender and age, see infographic below.
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Reviewed 3/22/2023
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. These ABCDEs can help you tell if you should see a doctor about a mole or a spot. Even one of these signs is a reason to see a doctor immediately.
Asymmetry: Half the mole or spot is unlike the other half.
Border: The mole or spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
Color: The color changes from one area of the mole or spot to another. It may have shades of tan, brown or black, or it could be white, red or blue.
Diameter: The mole or spot is larger than a pencil eraser. Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch) when diagnosed. They can be smaller though.
Evolving: The mole or spot looks different from others on your body or is changing in size, shape or color.
What's your risk? There are a number of factors that can influence how likely you are to develop skin cancer.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Melanoma.” https://www.aad.org/media/stats-melanoma.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin cancer: Body mole map.” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at-risk/mole-map.
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What's in your e-cigarette?
E-cigarettes, also called vapes, aren't without risks. They can contain substances that may be unsafe.
E-cigs are filled with more than flavor
Benzene, a chemical found naturally in gasoline and known to raise the risk of leukemia.
Diacetyl, a chemical flavoring linked to a serious disease known as popcorn lung.
Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead.
Nicotine, an addictive drug that can harm the brains of kids and young adults.
Other cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde.
Propylene glycol, a food additive also used to make antifreeze and paint solvent.
Ultrafine particles, which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, harming your health.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Smokefree.gov;
Need help quitting? Ask your doctor about resources or medications that can help you.
Reviewed 10/28/2022
Sources
- American Cancer Society. "Benzene and Cancer Risk." https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/benzene.html.
- American Lung Association. "What's in an E-cigarette?" https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/whats-in-an-e-cigarette.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults." https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html.
- NCQA. "Medical Assistance with Smoking and Tobacco." https://www.ncqa.org/hedis/measures/medical-assistance-with-smoking-and-tobacco-use-cessation/.
- SmokeFree.gov. "What We Know About Electronic Cigarettes." https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/ecigs-menthol-dip/ecigs.
