Know the warning signs of cancer and how to detect the disease as early as possible.

The phrase “Knowledge is power” is applicable both to reducing your risk for cancer and to detecting the disease in its earliest stages, when it can be treated most effectively.

Take this brief quiz to see how well you understand cancer risk factors, warning signs and prevention strategies, and to learn what steps the medical oncologists and hematologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates, LLC, or RCCA, recommend to protect your health.

1: Research has shown that higher levels of physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer in:

A: Premenopausal women, but not postmenopausal women

B: Postmenopausal women, but not premenopausal women

C: Both premenopausal and postmenopausal women

D: Neither premenopausal or postmenopausal women

May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO

Answer: C. “Researchers analyzed 38 studies on factors that increase or decrease breast cancer risk. The women in those studies who were the most physically active had a risk for breast cancer that was 12% to 20% lower than the risk of the least physically active women.(1) That analysis and another that examined 139 studies (2) have shown that greater physical activity reduces breast cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women,” said May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Sparta office.

‘Moving matters, and it’s never too late to get going.’  May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO, RCCA Sparta Office

2: Having a colonoscopy reduces the average person’s risk of dying from colorectal cancer by roughly:

A: 33%

B: 50%

C: 67%

D: 75%

Seth Berk, MD

Answer: C. Seth Berk, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Moorestown office, said, “A study in The New England Journal of Medicine that followed more than 88,000 people over 22 years found that those who had a colonoscopy were 67% less likely to die from colorectal cancer than people who had not undergone this screening test.” (3)

‘If you’ve deferred a colonoscopy or other cancer screening during the past year due to COVID concerns, make your appointment now.’  Seth Berk, MD, RCCA Moorestown office

 3. Melanoma occurs only in those areas of the skin that are or have been exposed to sunlight.

A: True

B: False

Julianna Childs, DO

Answer: B. “Melanoma can appear anywhere on your body,” said Julianna Childs, DO, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices with RCCA in Cape May Court House and Marmora. The cancer specialist explains that melanoma lesions can appear in the scalp, under fingernails, in the anus or rectum, in mucous membranes, and even in the eye. She adds that all people are at risk for melanoma, regardless of their skin tone or color.

‘See the dermatologist for evaluation of any mole that is changing in size, shape, elevation, or color.’ Julianne Childs, DO, RCCA Cape May Court House and Marmora offices

4: Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan for people:

A: Who are age 50 to 80 years old and who have a 20-pack-per-year or greater smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

B: Age 35 years and older who have ever smoked.

C: Who have ever smoked and who have at least one first-degree relative with lung cancer.

D: Who have ever smoked or currently smoke, and who have a persistent, productive cough.

Ian Horkheimer, MD

Answer: A. “The USPSTF, which is a highly respected panel of experts, recommends (4)  screening by low-dose CT scan for those ages 50 to 80 who have smoked 20 packs or more each year and who currently smoke or who stopped smoking within the last 15 years,” said Ian Horkheimer, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in RCCA’s Little Silver office. “A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this year assessed more than 220 papers on this topic and found consistent evidence that such screening reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer.” (5)

‘Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer, but having a low-dose CT scan also is crucial for current smokers and those who have quit in the last 15 years.’  Ian Horkheimer, MD, RCCA Little Silver office

For more information about Regional Cancer Care Associates, visit RCCA.com or call 844-474-6866.

References

1. Pizot C, Boniol M, Mullie P, et al. Physical activity, hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Cancer. 2016; 52:138-154.
2. Hardefeldt PJ, Penninkilampi R, Edirimanne S, Eslick GD. Physical activity and weight loss reduce the risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of 139 prospective and retrospective studies. Clin Breast Cancer. 2018; 18(4):e601-e612.
3. Nishihara R, Wu K, Lockhead P, et al. Long-term colorectal-cancer incidence and mortality after lower endoscopy. N Engl J Med. 2013; 369:1095-105.
4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for lung cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325:962-970.
5. Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM, et al. Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2021;325:971-987