Project Hope 2020

RESEARCH TESTS health

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PREVENTION

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A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

2020

Thank you for participating in project HOPE, a community wellness event designed by the Bismarck Cancer Center to educate you about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection. Included are stickers for each type of cancer that can be worn on the respective cancer awareness days.

Not only does project HOPE provide you with educational tools, it empowers you to give hope to local cancer patients and their families affected by the disease. Cancer is a national epidemic that affects your place of employment and the U.S. economy. In 2020, 1,806,590 new cancer cases and 606,520 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. Take the first step to a healthier you by reading the information provided.

Participation is flexible at your workplace and donations are used to provide hope, help, and healing for individuals battling cancer. The Foundation was established in 2007 to provide financial support, as well as assistance with transportation, lodging, emotional and spiritual care, nutritional care, survivorship care, art therapy, massage, physical therapy, and more.

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diagnosis RISK FACTORS

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SCREENING FIGHT RESEARCH CURE hope

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

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awareness TREATMENT

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monday

head/neck cancer

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tuesday

colorectal cancer

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wednesday

lung cancer

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thursday

breast cancer

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friday

survivorship

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• A lump in the nose, neck or throat, with or without pain • A persistent sore throat • Trouble swallowing • Frequent coughing • Change in voice or hoarseness • Ear pain or ringing in the ears • Headaches • A red or white patch in the mouth • Nasal obstruction or persistent congestion • Frequent nose bleeds or unusual discharge

head and neck CANCER Head and neck cancers include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose and salivary glands. The incidence of head and neck cancer has increased dramatically in the U.S. within the last 40 years, and accounts for approximately 4% of all cancers in the U.S. These cancers are more than twice as common among men as they are among women. Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco), heavy alcohol use, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk. At least 75% of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use.

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head/neck cancer

prevention There is no proven way to completely prevent head and neck cancer, but you may be able to lower your risk by stopping the use of all tobacco products, avoiding alcohol , use lip balm with sunscreen regularly, and maintain proper oral hygiene.

Symptoms The ears, nose and throat are the most common areas affected. Symptoms may depend on where the cancer develops and how it spreads. Some common symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

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with Dr. Watkins, Radiation Oncologist, Bismarck Cancer Center Q: I have heard head and neck cancers are on the rise. Who should be screened for these type of cancers and what does it consist of?

A: Everyone. It used to be that adults over age 50 were diagnosed with this cancer more than anyone else, but more people are being diagnosed at a younger age.

More specifically, people who have smoked or used tobacco products and those who drink alcohol in excess are more prone to this disease. Some of these cancers are caused not by tobacco and alcohol, but by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most adults have been exposed to HPV, however only a small amount of people develop cancer from HPV. There is no current recommendation to screen for HPV. Screenings consist of a dentist or doctor visually examining your head, neck and mouth to look for any masses, lesions or swelling. They’ll compare both sides of your neck for enlargement, while feeling your lymph nodes. They’ll also check your voice, as a raspy voice may be a sign of a tumor. For questions, please contact your healthcare provider for more information.

with Dr. Cole Kreofsky, Radiation Oncologist, Bismarck Cancer Center Q: I recently had a colonoscopy and was told I have polyps. Does this mean that I’m going to get colorectal cancer?

colorectal CANCER Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a mass called a tumor. North Dakota has nearly 400 newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer each year. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in North Dakota.

Symptoms Colorectal cancer can happen to both men and women, young as well as older people. If you are at high risk, don’t wait until symptoms appear. Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages so it is best to have regular screenings for detection.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Bleeding from the rectum, or blood in the stool • Change in bowel habits • Stools that are more narrow than usual • General problems in the abdomen, such as bloating, fullness or cramps • Weight loss for no apparent reason Prevention Colorectal cancer can be prevented through screening. There are a couple popular screening options for colon cancer. Colonoscopies look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. They help detect polyps which can be removed by a surgeon before they turn into cancer. Stool-based tests are less invasive and easier to have done. They do not replace colonoscopies, and they need to be done more often. An example is a FIT Kit. The BCC offers a program to help qualifying individuals obtain these at-home kits.

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A: The vast majority of polyps are NOT cancerous or even pre-cancerous. The precancerous polyp which can turn into a cancer is called an adenoma and usually the larger the polyp is, the greater the chance that there may be cancer or pre-cancerous cells. Since it’s hard to determine the exact nature of a polyp, polyps found during colonoscopies are removed and sent to the lab for a microscopic analysis. Most polyps do not produce any symptoms, which is why screening is so important.

Very large adenomas and cancers are removed with surgery. If the cancer is found in the early stages, surgery can cure the disease.

Advanced colorectal cancers may be treated in a variety of ways, depending on their location.

Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

In the early stages of colorectal cancer, symptoms may be minimal, or not present at all.

Some changes that may be considered colon cancer signs include: change in frequency of bowel movements, constipation, loose stools, blood in stools, or abdominal pain. People with an average risk of colon cancer should consider screening at age 45, but people with an increased risk, such as family history of colon cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease should consider screening before 45.

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colorectal cancer

nutrition Eating healthy may sometimes feel like a challenging task. It can feel especially challenging when there seems to be a new diet trend every day. Knowing how to read a food Nutrition Facts Label can help you decide if a particular food item is good choice. The Nutrition Facts label has recently been updated and by 2021 all food labels will look like this:

RISK FACTORS health PREVENTION STRENGTH therapy RESEARCH early detection

Five Cancer Prevention Tips In Your Kitchen

Fruits & Veggies - 2.5 Cups a Day

Avoid Processed Foods

When looking at a food item we want to start first with the serving size. Serving size are standards listed in familiar measurements like cups, or pieces. The serving size determines how many nutrients you receive from the amount you eat. For example, if you eat 3 cups (two servings) of this food item you will eat 480 calories. Pay attention to the serving size. You may be surprised to see how much or how little you can eat for the listed nutrient amount.

Next, consider calories. As a general guide: 100 calories per serving of an individual food is considered a moderate amount, and 400 calories or more per serving is considered high in calories. To achieve or maintain a healthy weight, balance the number of calories you eat with the number of calories your body uses. 2,000 calories a day is used as a guide for general nutrition advice. Calorie needs may be higher or lower and vary depending on your age, sex, height, weight, and activity level.

Sugar is now required on the label. Added sugars includes sugars that are either added during the processing of foods, or are packaged as such

Limit Alcohol Intake

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(e.g., a bag of table sugar), and also includes sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. Aim for less than 10% of your total daily calories from added sugars.

Use the label to choose products that are lower in nutrients you want to get less of and higher in nutrients you want to get more of.

• Nutrients to get less of: saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, and trans fat. Most Americans exceed the recommended limits for these nutrients, and diets higher in these nutrients are associated with an increased risk of developing some health conditions, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Compare and choose foods to get less than 100% DV of these nutrients each day. (Note: Trans fat has no % DV. Use the amount of grams for comparison and keep the intake of trans fat as low as possible.)

• Nutrients to get more of: dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Many Americans do not get the recommended amount of these nutrients. Compare and choose foods to get 100% DV of these nutrients on most days.

• Check out the ingredient list: Although the ingredient list is not part of the Nutrition Facts label, it is also a helpful tool. Ingredients are listed in descending

order by weight, so the ingredient that weighs the most is listed first, and the ingredient that weighs the least is listed last. Choose foods with whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables listed first.

Use these Nutrition Facts label reading tips to help you choose a more plant based diet. Diets with more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limited amounts of animal proteins can reduce the risk of developing some health conditions, such as cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and anemia.

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with Amanda Ihmels, Oncology Dietician, Bismarck Cancer Center Q: Will eating vegetables and fruits lower cancer risk?

A: No single food can protect you against cancer itself, but the overall evidence suggests eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower the risk for several types of cancer. These cancers include cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.

Reduce Added Sugars

The types of vegetables and fruits that may reduce the risk of certain cancers may differ, but the list of “caner-fighting foods” are often plant foods loaded with phytochemicals, also called phytonutrients.

Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

Studies suggest that eating more vegetables and fruits may also help lower the risk of developing obesity, and thus is likely to have an indirect effect on cancer risk. Obesity is linked to 12 types of cancer.

Find Your Healthy Weight

Is there a difference in the nutritional value of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits? In short, there really isn’t much difference between fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and fruits when it comes to nutrients, as they all lose similar amounts of vitamins after being picked. So, for consumers like us who don’t have access to fresh all year round or those who are a bit cash-strapped, don’t feel stressed about always trying to buy fresh produce, especially since the shelf-life is so short and the produce can be easily wasted. The best advice is to eat at least 2 1/2 cups of a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits each day!

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ASK A PRO

lung cancer

with Dr. Robert Reynolds, Radiation Oncologist, Bismarck Cancer Center

lung CANCER

Q: I have a family history of breast cancer. Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of getting the disease?

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells which can form into tumors in one or both lungs.

More than 470 North Dakotan’s are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Lung cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in North Dakota. The good news is, if you stop smoking before lung cancer develops, your damaged lung tissue gradually starts to repair itself. No matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting smoking may lower your risk of lung cancer and help you live longer.

Personal Risk Factors • Age • Smoking • Exposure to second-hand smoke • Exposure to environmental substances • Family history of lung cancer SYMPTOMS • Persistent coughing (or coughing up mucus or blood) • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Changes in the voice or being hoarse • Recurrent lung problems (bronchitis or pneumonia) • Tiredness that lasts • Pain when swallowing • High-pitched sound breathing • Wheezing

breast CANCER

PREVENTION • Stay away from tobacco smoke • Avoid radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust • Avoid cancer-causing chemicals • Eat a healthy diet • Stay away from e-cigarettes FOR MORE INFORMATION • North Dakota Quitline: nd.quitnet.com • Center for Disease Control and Prevention • Lung Cancer Alliance • National Cancer Institute • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

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with Corina Larson, Oncology Nurse, Tobacco Cessation Specialist, Bismarck Cancer Center Q: Is vaping safer than cigarettes?

A: Vaping is not a safe alternative to using tobacco. Vapes or e-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid using a battery and a heating element. Contrary to what many think, this aerosol is not just water vapor and usually contains nicotine and harmful substances, including heavy metals like lead and cancer causing agents. E-liquids used in devices may be labeled as ‘generally recognized as safe’ but research shows that safety applies to ingestion, not necessarily for other exposures, such as inhalation. Besides dangerous chemicals the amount of nicotine in vapes and e-liquids is a lot more than cigarettes creating a higher addiction rate. Some pods are equal to one pack of cigarettes with some as high as nine packs of cigarettes.

Cigarettes are FDA regulated so the nicotine is the same in each cigarette.

Cigarettes are not safe either and still rank highest cause for lung, head and neck, oral, esophageal, and rectal cancers. This is due to the 7,000 chemicals and 60 known cancer causing agents. If you or someone you love is addicted, nicotine replacement therapy, medications plus counseling will double their chances of quitting.

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer as well. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in North Dakota, with nearly 600 people diagnosed each year.

Symptoms • A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area • Discharge from the nipple • Swelling of all or parts of the breast • Breast or nipple pain, irritation, redness, scaliness, dimpling, or thickening • Nipple turning inward Early Detection Saves Lives All women are at risk for breast cancer. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, studies show that early detection saves lies. Women can protect themselves with: • Mammograms: Women, age 40 or as directed by a doctor should have annual mammograms • Clinic Breast Exams: Women, beginning at age 20 should have regular exams by a health care provider • Breast Self-Examinations: Women should learn the normal feel of their breasts and check them regularly for changes. Any changes should be promptly reported to their health care provider.

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A: If you’re concerned about breast cancer, there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Some risk factors, such as family history, can’t be changed. The following are lifestyle changes you can take to lower your risks: • Limit alcohol- limit yourself to less than one drink per day, as even small amounts increase risk • Don’t smoke- evidence shows a link between smoking and breast cancer • Control your weight- being obese or overweight increases the risk of breast cancer • Be physically active- physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps prevent breast cancer • Breast feed- the longer you breast feed, the greater the protective effect • Limit dose/duration of hormone therapyhormone therapy for more than five years could increase the risk of breast cancer • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution- reduce your exposure when possible Be vigilant about breast cancer detection, as early detection can save lives. If you notice any changes in your breasts, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings based on your history.

thursday

breast cancer

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survivorship

Survivorship

How to Practice Self-Care

Taking Care of Yourself While the first few months after a cancer diagnosis typically are the most challenging, there is a different struggle that can come further down the line in cancer survivorship. Instead of fear and worry, you’re sometimes left with anxiety. You need to figure out how to keep moving forward and how life can get back to normal.

Self-care is essential for all of us; it’s something that allows you to take a mental health break while also making sure your body is in good shape. After a period of stress or anxiety, your body needs time to heal. Self-care is especially true for cancer survivors who battle stress, physical pain, anxiety, depression, and worry. Cancer comes in many different forms and affects the body, mind, and spirit in different ways.

Fortunately, there are many different ways to practice self-care.

• Think “you” first: Remember to focus on yourself. You are in control of your choices.

• Try something new: Whether it’s a trip you’ve always wanted to take or a new recipe to try.

• Do something you love: Enjoy your favorite activity. Share your priorities with your family and friends so that they can help you to schedule activities that are meaningful for you.

• Broaden your circle: Support groups are the perfect place to talk with other people affected by cancer. They provide support and offer an opportunity to discuss concerns with others who have had similar experiences.

• Get moving: Exercise is essential to cancer treatment recovery. Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment, and by adding physical activity to your daily life.

You may experience increased strength, reduced fatigue, improved mood and sleep, and less anxiety.

• Addressing fatigue: Fatigue is very common for a survivor to experience and may persist for years after treatment ends. Excercise can improve fatigue.

• Manage stress: Using effective coping strategies to deal with stress can significantly improve your quality of life by helping relieve depression and anxiety.

While you may worry that it will take a complete change of your lifestyle to achieve these goals, do what you can to incorporate them into your daily life.

It’s important to take a little bit of time to focus on you. When you manage stress, you help your body feel better physically and are better able to cope with what comes your way.

However you do it, taking time to take care of yourself is an essential part of well-being and recovery. Selfcare isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessary part of your happiness and health.

Think You, First

Try Something New

Do Something You Love

Enlarge Your Circle

Get Moving

Address Fatigue

Manage Stress

ASK A PRO

with Courtney Pierce, Oncology Massage Therapist, Bismarck Cancer Center Q: I am just finishing up my cancer treatment and I’m wondering, is massage a healthy choice?

A: Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based on specialized massage treatments for those going through a cancer journey. Benefits include improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, nausea, lymphatic support, and scar tissue mobilization. Oncology massage therapists are trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture, and support them in their process.

The treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social and emotional consequences of cancer. In addition, the person’s individual goals are considered and aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects. Clinical research shows that massage can improve some cancer treatment side effects and reduce pain and decrease anxiety.

Research is beginning to point toward the essential improvement in quality of life afforded by properly adapted massage therapy for people living with cancer. Oncology massage therapist know the symptoms, signs and techniques for care in cancer patients. Massage therapists are also taught how cancer treatments affect the human body and how massage can make a positive impact for those on their cancer journey.

project HOPE

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER 500 North 8th Street Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 www.bismarckcancercenter.com