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3 Elul 5765 - September 7, 2005 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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Home and Family

Your Medical Questions Answered!
by Joseph B. Leibman, MD

Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital

I want to speak a little about cancer. While this is not my field, there are some important points. Let's speak about risks.

Skin cancer — the worst one is melanoma — can be fatal. Light-skinned individuals with many moles are at risk if they live in sunny countries. Sun exposure and tanning are risks.

Mouth cancer, Larynx (voice-box) cancer is another bad one. Smoking increases risks. Mouth cancers are also higher in denture wearers, so it is worthwhile to keep your teeth for as long as possible.

Excessive radiation increases risks of brain cancer. Avoid repeated CAT scans if possible.

Smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol, acid reflux — are all risks for esophageal cancer. It is a terrible cancer.

Breast (Mammary gland) cancer is the biggest killer, though early detection can bring cure. There is higher risk in people with history of the disease in the family, overweight, those starting to have children late. Those having early menarche or late menopause should be screened.

Stomach cancer is higher in Japanese and those eating seafood/fish, although this is very healthy food and the cancer is not that common. People with ulcers also develop more stomach cancer.

Lung cancer is caused by smoking.

Mesothilioma, cancer of the lung lining, is caused by asbestos exposure.

Pancreatic cancer is related to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Gall bladder cancer is related to untreated gall stones.

Liver cancer is related to exposure to chemicals such as PVC.

Colon cancer is the most common cancer. Excessive fat intake and constipation are risks. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.

Leukemia is related to radiation. Ovarian is related to family history.

Uterine cancer is related to being overweight.

Cervical cancer is related to cervical warts.

This is just a short list, and be aware that all cancers can occur without any risk factors at all. All cancers need repeated exposure to develop, so a one-time fatty meal or excessive drinking will not cause a serious problem. But if you are a smoker, or overweight, it is time to take control of your life.

If you have cancer in the family, be screened. Write me in care of the Yated.

A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this column. Zovirax cream treats cold sores the way antibiotics treat bacteria. It isn't just relief, it poisons the virus causing the problem.

 

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