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The process of determining the significance of a family history of cancer begins with a cancer risk assessment. A family tree is constructed to see who in the family has been diagnosed with cancer and what types of cancers they have had. Age at diagnosis and multiple cancer diagnoses also are noted. If you answered yes to all three questions, cancer may run in your family. For some people, having a family history of certain types of cancers means that they have a higher chance of developing those same cancers. Cancer runs in these families due to an inherited mutation in a single, cancer-predisposing gene. The process of determining the significance of a family history of cancer begins with a cancer risk assessment. A family tree is constructed to see who in the family has been diagnosed with cancer and what types of cancers they have had. Age at diagnosis and multiple cancer diagnoses also are noted. If the cancer risk assessment shows a pattern of hereditary cancer, then genetic testing may be an option. This blood test can identify those individuals at higher risk versus those whose cancer risk is not increased. Cancer genetic counseling helps make families aware of risks associated with hereditary cancers. For those who are found to have a higher chance of developing a specific cancer, the ultimate goal is early detection and prevention of the cancer. Possible strategies include increased cancer screening, guidelines for nutrition and exercise and sometimes medical intervention. If you are interested in learning more about cancer genetic counseling, call the University of South Carolina Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at either (803) 779-4928 or 800-544-9866, extension 229, 227 or 230. The following guidelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society for the early detection of cancer in people with NO symptoms of the disease. Men and women ages 20 to 40 should have a cancer-related checkup every three years. Those age 40 and older should have a cancer-related checkup every year. Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Prostate Cancer American Cancer Society Recommendations
For Adults:
For Children:
More than 40 skin conditions—from premature wrinkling to skin cancer—are related to sun exposure. Furthermore, one million new cases of highly curable skin cancer are diagnosed annually. The South Carolina Cancer Center recognizes the need for increased awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of prevention information. The SunSmart program is an outreach program that reminds the community about the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during the summer. The SunSmart program is composed of the following: Sun Safety Education - SunSmart provides the Columbia, S.C., community with recommendations about sun safety. For example:
SunSmart for Kids - A skin cancer awareness and prevention program, SunSmart for Kids is targeted for elementary age school children, especially third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders. The program includes a 30-40 minute classroom presentation that educates children about practical sun-safety measures while raising awareness of skin cancer prevention. Following the presentations, children are visited by Sunny Smart, the program mascot. Sunny Smart is a friendly, sun-shaped character who always has sunscreen ready to share with the children he meets. Sunny Smart - Sunny Smart is the mascot of the SunSmart program. Sunny is a friendly, sun-shaped character who always has sunscreen handy and makes public appearances to remind the community about being sun smart. For more information on Palmetto Health's SunSmart Program, send e-mail or call us at (803) 434-3460.
The Office of Community Services is proud to serve as a local resource providing youth tobacco use prevention education to sixth-grade students. The Trumpeter Campaign has two components: an educational/awareness program and a contest. The educational and awareness programs for sixth-grade students begin during Red Ribbon Week in the middle schools. Trained speakers deliver the tobacco prevention message to students utilizing the CDC's MediaSharp curriculum. The presentation involves active student participation and a video addressing the powerful effect that media has on a young person's decision to use or not to use tobacco products. Prior to the in-school presentations, schools are provided with a pre-assignment to distribute to students. The pre-assignment asks students to "inventory" the influences of tobacco in their lives and bring an example of tobacco advertising to the in-school presentations. The in-school presentations address this pre-assignment and ask students to think critically about the influence of advertising on tobacco use. The students are also asked to answer a few questions about their opinions and beliefs concerning tobacco use prior to and after the presentation. More than 20,000 sixth-grade students have participated since the Campaign began in 1998, illustrating the success the Campaign has had in getting local students to start thinking about the relationship of tobacco, advertising and cancer. As a follow-up and reinforcing activity, students are encouraged to participate in the second component — the contest portion. The contest begins in January and ends in February. Students are encouraged to become positive peer role models by creating counter-advertisements for tobacco products - advertisements that tell the truth about tobacco! Originating in Richland County School District One middle schools, the Campaign has expanded to include additional area school districts:
Click here to find out more! or send us an e-mail or call (803) 296-3070 or (803) 296-CARE.
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