Cancer - Early Detection

You can save your own life by checking for the symptoms of cancer on a regular basis. Ask your doctor to show you how.

Perform Monthly Self Examinations On:	Schedule Regular Checkups With Your Doctor To Detect Cancer Of The:
Breasts Testicles Skin Mouth	Breasts Uterus Colon and Rectum Prostate

Cancer's Seven Warning Signals Change in the bowel or bladder habits. A sore that does not heal. Unusual bleeding or discharge. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.  Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. Obvious change in wart or mole. Nagging cough or hoarseness.

EAT MORE	HEALTHFUL EATING TIPS
High Fiber Foods	Replace white bread with whole-grain breads and cereals made of rye, whole wheat, buckwheat, oats, cornmeal and unpolished rice; raw fruits and vegetables (leave the skin on); peas, seeds, nuts, kidney and navy beans.
Foods High in Vitamin C	Choose yellow fruits such as oranges, tangerines, papaya, grapefruit, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, fruit juices; spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, green and red peppers.
Foods High in Vitamin A	Dark green and yellow fresh vegetables such as carrots, spinach, yams, tomatoes, collard greens, squash, beet greens, broccoli; fresh fruits such as peaches, apricots, prunes, papaya, cantaloupe. Whole milk, egg yolks, liver - use in moderate amounts because they are high in fat.
Special Vegetables	Eat more cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cauliflower.
Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol	Buy lean red meats, such as loin or round cuts. Trim fat and skins from all meats before cooking. Eat more fish and chicken. Use low-fat or skim milk products.
Food Preparation	Bake, boil, broil, stir-fry or steam foods. Avoid sautéing and deep-fat frying. Season foods with lemon juice, herbs and spices. Use oil or tomato-based sauces.

LIMIT	HEALTHFUL EATING TIPS
Refined Flour Products	Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, popcorn, fig cookies. Home-bake sweets using low-fat ingredients.
High-Fat Foods	Try to eat cheeses made with skim milk, ice milk, yogurt, low-fat dairy products, olive oil, chicken, fish. Limit peanut butter, nuts and seeds.
Salt-Cured or Pickled Foods	Eat fewer salt-cured or pickled foods and smoked foods that have been exposed to wood or charcoal smoke, such as smoked hams or fish. Nitrites give color to bacon, hot dogs and cold cuts, so eat these foods in moderate amounts.

Source: Cancer - Early Detection - National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, November 12, 2002.