How to Learn About the Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosis Process

Introduction

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits underneath a section of the liver. The gallbladder concentrates and stores bile, which is used in the digestive process. This organ can acquire 1 of 2 varieties of cancerous tumors: adenocarcinomas or papillary tumors. Both forms of gallbladder cancer are diagnosed by 1 of several available tests, and there are key symptoms to learn about and watch for in order to detect the early stages of this disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Identify the Signs of Gallbladder Cancer

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer
• Oncologist

Steps

1

Step One

Learn about the risk factors for gallbladder cancer. Those with a history of gallstones or those who are typhoid carriers run a much higher risk of contracting the disease.

2

Step Two

See the signs for possible gallbladder cancer. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, regular nausea or vomiting, jaundice and gallbladder enlargement.

3

Step Three

Notice additional symptoms, such as loss of appetite, severe itching, abdominal swelling and black, tarry stools.

Test for Gallbladder Cancer

Steps

1

Step One

Schedule an exam with an oncologist if you suspect you may be ill.

2

Step Two

Reveal any medical history of cancer and report any symptoms you may experience.

3

Step Three

Get tested for gallbladder cancer. This often begins with a blood test and full physical.

4

Step Four

Submit to imaging tests such as ultrasounds and CT scans. These allow doctors to look inside the body and identify infected tissues and cells.

5

Step Five

Consider removing the gallbladder altogether if a problem is found. This is a common procedure, and it is entirely possible to live a healthy life without this organ.

How to Learn About the Kidney Cancer Diagnosis Process

Introduction

Kidney cancer occurs when small amounts of cells in these organs begin to change and grow abnormally. The kidneys are located in the torso--one to the immediate left of the backbone, and one to the right. They filter the blood and assist the body in disposing of excess water, salt and waste products, which leave the body in the form of urine. A kidney cancer diagnosis is complicated because the organs sit deep in the body, but there are several tests that can assist the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Know When to Get Tested for Kidney Cancer

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer

Steps

1

Step One

Tell your doctor immediately if you're experiencing pain in the kidney area, normally felt about the lower back.

2

Step Two

Observe symptoms like bloody urine, unexplained weight loss or extreme fatigue.

3

Step Three

Examine your torso regularly and report any new masses or lumps in the belly. Swelling in the feet or legs should also be noted.

4

Step Four

Take extra precautions with a persistent fever that is not the result of a flu or other illness.

Learn About the Kidney Cancer Diagnosis Process

Steps

1

Step One

Request a kidney cancer test if you have any relevant symptoms. Individuals with cancer in their families' medical histories are most susceptible.

2

Step Two

Get tested. The most common procedures are called imaging tests and may involve a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or other similar process.

3

Step Three

Submit to other lab tests, such as a urinalysis, blood test or FNA biopsy.

4

Step Four

Know that if a mass is found, it isn't necessarily cancerous. A biopsy will be performed to indicate whether it is benign or malignant.

5

Step Five

Learn about the latest developments in the kidney cancer diagnosis process by visiting the American Cancer Society Web site (see Resources below).

How to Learn About the Pituitary Cancer Diagnosis Process

Introduction

The pituitary gland is found in the skull, just above the nasal passages. It's connected to the brain in the hypothalamus area, and the gland is considered the body's most important hormone regulator. The pituitary gland monitors the activity of all of the other glands in the body. Malignant pituitary tumors--tumors exhibiting cancerous cells--are rare, but benign varieties can be uncovered. The diagnosis process for this form of cancer is similar to other types, but because brain scans are not routinely administered, it's rare to diagnose this disorder in the early stages.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Recognize the Symptoms of Pituitary Cancer

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer
• Oncologist

Steps

1

Step One

Learn who is most at risk for pituitary cancer. The most prevalent factor is a history of cancerous glands in your family. If this exists, notify your doctor and request regular testing.

2

Step Two

Watch for the most common signs of the cancer. These include paralysis of eye movements, double or blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, facial numbness and pain and dizziness or a loss of consciousness.

3

Step Three

Pay attention to additional signs that hormone secretion may be inhibited. Symptoms include stopped menstrual periods, impotence in men, decreased interest in sex and unexplained weight loss or gain.

Learn About the Tests for Pituitary Cancer

Steps

1

Step One

See your physician if you exhibit any symptoms or believe you have risk factors.

2

Step Two

Allow your doctor to perform biochemical testing. This will reveal if there is an excessive hormone production problem, which is a sign of pituitary cancer.

3

Step Three

Submit to blood testing, CT scans, MRI's and other body-imaging tests that can aid in the diagnosis.

4

Step Four

Learn about your options in the event of a positive diagnosis. There are many treatments, including surgery, depending on the type of pituitary cancer contracted.

5

Step Five

Learn more about the process of diagnosing pituitary cancer at the American Cancer Society Web site (see Resources below).

6

Step Six

Ask your doctor about any immediate lifestyle changes you can make prior to testing. For example, he may want you to refrain from eating for a set number of hours.

How to Learn About the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Introduction

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that target cancer cells in the body. The drugs specifically attack cells that divide rapidly. However, certain normal cells in the body also divide rapidly, and chemotherapy attacks these cells as well, leading to side effects. For example, hair cells normally divide rapidly, and thus hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Steps

1

Step One

Know that most chemotherapy side effects are manageable. The majority of cancer patients receive some sort of chemotherapy, and most forms of chemotherapy are well documented and well understood. Ask your doctor for written information on the side effects that most commonly occur with the type of chemotherapy you will receive.

2

Step Two

Visit the Web site of the American Cancer Society (see Resources, below). This Web site contains a thorough discussion of almost all the major side effects of chemotherapy and explains why they occur.

3

Step Three

Be prepared for fatigue, which is the single most common side effect of chemotherapy. While undergoing chemotherapy, plan your life around your low and high energy periods. You can find helpful tips for coping with fatigue at the Breastcancer Web site (see Resources, below).

4

Step Four

Understand that most chemotherapy side effects occur because certain normal cells in the body grow rapidly in the same way that malignent cells do, and are thus also affected by chemotherapy drugs. These are cells in the bone marrow, cells in the mouth and digestive tract and hair cells. To some extent, side effects are a sign that the chemotherapy is working.

5

Step Five

Be aware that it is very important to have follow-up visits with either your family doctor or an oncologist after you finish chemotherapy. Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that your cancer has not recurred.

How to Learn About the Uterine Cancer Diagnosis Process

Introduction

Uterine cancer is a sarcoma of the muscle supporting the womb. This form of cancer starts in tissues such as muscle, fat and bone, and the vast majority of cases begin in the cells lining the uterus. Diagnosis for uterine cancer can be challenging, as there are no standard tests given regularly that can detect the disease. It is therefore critical that you notice any potential changes in your body and report them to your doctor immediately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Recognize the Signs of Uterine Cancer

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection
• Oncologist

Steps

1

Step One

Know when you're at risk. Uterine cancer strikes African American patients more often than their Caucasian counterparts. Likewise, women who have already received radiation therapy for other forms of cancer are more likely to contract uterine cancer.

2

Step Two

Watch for irregular bleeding or discharge, in addition to pelvic pain or noticeable lumps. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

Learn How to Diagnosis Uterine Cancer

Steps

1

Step One

Visit your doctor and allow her to take a tissue sample from your uterus. This relatively painless process allows the doctor to biopsy the sample and determine if there are cancerous cells present.

2

Step Two

Submit to additional tests, such as a transvaginal ultrasound. There are several forms of uterine cancer, and various testing methods must be employed.

3

Step Three

Consult a specialist if a tumor is discovered. A second opinion and analysis by an expert in oncology should always be obtained before beginning treatment.

4

Step Four

Prepare for major short-term lifestyle changes during treatment for the cancer. This could include preparing for surgery or chemotherapy by improving your diet and quitting smoking.

5

Step Five

Stay up to date about uterine cancer diagnoses at the American Cancer Society Web site (see Resources below).

How to Organize a Relay for Life Team

Introduction

Relay For Life gives you the chance to join the community and fight against cancer. More than 3.5 million people are involved in walks at 4,800 locations across the country. You have to have someone from your team walking or running constantly during the overnight event. It's helpful to have several members on your team so everyone gets a little bit of a rest. It also adds to the camaraderie.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Go to the Relay for Life website to find out when the Relay for Life is in your area. Create an account to become a member of the website.

2

Step Two

Become a team captain. You'll be responsible for recruiting people to walk or run the night of the Relay.

3

Step Three

Take advantage of all the resources available to you. The website contains helpful tips, information, photos and links to help you organize a Relay for Life team.

4

Step Four

Talk up the event with friends. This is the best way to get people to join your team. If you have children tell them to spread the word to their friends, too.

5

Step Five

Send friends a card to invite them to participate with you. The American Cancer Society has five cards available that you can send as an invitation.

6

Step Six

Ask friends and family members to commit to the event early. This will keep you from having to scramble the week of the Relay for Life.

7

Step Seven

Submit your team members' names online. You can also call (800) ACS-2345 for more information on registering.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your church to put your request for team members in the church bulletin.
• Chat online at the Relay for Life forums. This gives you a chance to talk to other team leaders about how they're recruiting team members. Share tips and information.

How to Prevent Endometrial Cancer

Introduction

Endometrial cancer, a disease that targets women, occurs when cells in the muscle or tissue of the uterus change or rapidly generate. There are various forms and severities of the cancer, and each offer multiple treatment options. Attempting to prevent endometrial cancer is a tricky process, as doctors still don't know how to prevent most cancers. There are steps, however, that you can take to drastically reduce your chance of contracting this disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Find out What Causes Endometrial Cancer

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection

Steps

1

Step One

Find out if your everyday behaviors are putting you at risk. Risk factors include smoking, other forms of cancer and poor diet.

2

Step Two

Have your hormone levels checked if you're suspicious of a problem. An over-abundance or under-abundance of specific hormones in a woman's body can indicate the possibility of endometrial cancer.

3

Step Three

Watch your menstrual cycles. If abnormalities start occurring, see your doctor.

4

Step Four

Tell your physician if you've ever used Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer. This drug is also thought to be a potential cause of endometrial cancer.

5

Step Five

Pay close attention to your hormone levels if you are diabetic, as endometrial cancer is much more likely for those dealing with this disorder.

6

Step Six

Ask about your family's medical history. Those with cancer in their families are more likely to contract it themselves.

Take Steps to Prevent Endometrial Cancer

Steps

1

Step One

Cease the usage of birth control pills or estrogen therapy if you think you are at risk for endometrial cancer. Since these both change hormone levels in the body, they may be a cause for concern.

2

Step Two

Control your obesity, smoking habits and poor diet choices.

3

Step Three

Consider a preventative hysterectomy if you no longer wish to have children.

4

Step Four

Exercise frequently. Daily exercise can cut your risk in half.