What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for all women and even some men.  According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in 8 women in the U.S will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, typically occurring at 50 years old or older. For women 40-74 years of age who participate in breast screening every 1-2 years, death from breast cancer is reduced by 40 percent.

Evaluation of breast health includes a clinical breast exam each year as well as routine screening mammograms beginning at age 40. For women that have breast health concerns such as lumps, bumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes, a clinical breast exam/screening is the first step in diagnosis.

Laramie Reproductive Health provides annual clinical breast examinations and can provide access to mammograms for low-income, uninsured, and under-served women in our community.


What Causes Breast Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that a number of causes can increase the risk of breast cancer. This can include hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors. Inherited mutated genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2  can also increase the likelihood of breast cancer developing

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

  • A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
  • Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
  • Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
  • A newly inverted nipple
  • Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
  • Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

What is Cervical Cancer?

The National Institute of Health defines cervical cancer as cancer cells forming within the tissues of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary cause being long lasting infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Receiving an HPV vaccination before participating in sexual activity can reduce the risk of an HPV infection and thus reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

There are two main types of cervical cancer, each determining the prognosis and treatment after the screening process. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of cervical cancer that starts in the squamous cells lining the outer part of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cervical cancer that develops in the column shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.


Prevention

Ask our providers about the HPV vaccine, receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may also reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.  Practicing safe sex taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases can also reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Routine Pap tests, starting at age 21, can detect any pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix that need to be monitored and/or treated to prevent cervical cancer.

While early stage cervical cancer typically produces no signs or symptoms, more advanced cases may include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
  • Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

What is Testicular Cancer?

The American Cancer Society identifies multiple types of testicular cancers, depending on the cell type. Most cancers in the testicles start within the germ cells (the cells responsible for sperm). The main types of tumors that occur are seminomas and non-seminomas, many testicular cancers can contain both of these types and are typically treated as non-seminomas.


What Causes Testicular Cancer?

While it is not clear what causes testicular cancer in most cases, healthcare providers know that cancer occurs with healthy cells become mutated. Typically, testicular cancers begin development in the germ cells, but what causes the cells to become abnormal is unknown.

There are factors that may increase your risk of developing testicular cancer. These include abnormal development of the testicles, family history, and age (usually between 15 and 35).

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

  • Any lumps or swelling in either testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • Pain and/or discomfort in either testicle or the scrotum
  • Swelling and/or tenderness of the breasts
  • Pain or a dull ache in the abdomen, groin, or back
  • A sudden collection of fluid within the scrotum

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 19). 2015 NISVS Data brief|violence prevention|injury Center|CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/datasources/nisvs/2015NISVSdatabrief.html U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. (2017, February 28). The Genomics of Cervical Cancer. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/genomics-cervical cancer#:~:text=Cervical%20cancer%20is%20a%20disease,the%20risk%20for%20cervical%20cancer.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Breast cancer. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved July 22, 2022, fromhttps://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/breastcancer/index.cfm#:~:text=About%2012%25%2C%20or%201%20in,U.S.%20women%2C%20behind%20skin%20cancer.&text=Breast%20cancer%20occurs%20mostly%20in,can%20also%20develop%20the%20disease