Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:16:13 PM)
I WANT TO KNOW. IF YOU HAD A CALPOSCOPY CAN THAT DETECT ANY CANCER CELLS ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:16:13 PM)
It can see the abnormal areas on the cervix and a sample will be taken from that area for testing.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:16:40 PM)
What is the most common cancer in Jamaica in Men and then Women?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:16:40 PM)
In men prostate cancer and in women breast cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:18:13 PM)
Can men have breast cancer?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:18:13 PM)
Yes they can but it is not very common.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:19:24 PM)
What age is the age u suggest to start checking for prostate?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:19:24 PM)
We recommend screening to start at age 40 however if there is a history of prostate cancer in your family, your doctor should recommend when to start screening.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:20:39 PM)
What's the best pre-care advise for both sexes?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:20:39 PM)
Can you explain what you mean by pre-care.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:21:48 PM)
What are the first symptoms of colon cancer?
Cancer Society (Apr 12, 2005 4:21:48 PM)
Changes in bowel habit and blood in the stool are some symptoms of colon cancer.
Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:23:35 PM)
WHY R JAMAICAN MEN SO AGAINST DOIN A {D.R.E}?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:23:35 PM)
Some of it is fear and a cultural perception that a rectal examination is a violation of their manhood. (Homophobia).

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:23:55 PM)
How long should a woman wait after having a child to have sex ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:23:55 PM)
Six weeks or on your doctors recommendation.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:24:25 PM)
My son has a lump in his left breast should i worry, he's only eleven?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:24:25 PM)
Please have it checked by your doctor although most likely it is not a serious problem.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:26:00 PM)
Is chemo effective for ovarian cancer ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:26:01 PM)
A lot of things will be taken in consideration such as the stage the cancer was found and severity of it.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:26:46 PM)
HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FOR TREATMENT FOR CANCER IN JAMAICA OF ANY KIND? AND IS THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING TO PART-TAKE IN ANY ASPECT OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT? WHAT IS THE DEATH RATE ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER IN JAMAICA?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:26:46 PM)
Almost 18% of all deaths are cancer related.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:28:32 PM)
IF U DID A COLPOSCOPY IS IT A POSSIBILITY U MAY HAVE CANCER ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:28:32 PM)
Abnormalities on the cervix is an indication for doing a colposcopy, so it may find cancer on the cervix but in many cases it will find abnormal changes which can be successfully treated before they can become cancerous.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:30:17 PM)
WHAT ARE SOME STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO PREVENT COLON CANCER?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:30:17 PM)
Eating a diet low in animal fat, high in green leafy vegetables, fruit which contains fibre. Screening after age 50.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:31:05 PM)
I have experienced the signs of colon cancer you just mentioned, but i am a female..what would you advise?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:31:05 PM)
Visit your health care provider and explain the symptoms to him and he will recommend the appropriate test.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:33:13 PM)
Are there any measures one can take to prevent any form of cancer?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:33:13 PM)
You can reduce your cancer risk through a lifestyle of healthy eatilng, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight - DO NOT SMOKE and take advantage of screening opportunities.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:35:00 PM)
My aunt had breast cancer and had radical masectomy.what are the chances of my sister and i have for getting it?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:35:00 PM)
The fact that you have a close family member with breast cancer does increase your risk. It therefore requires vigilance on your part. We recommend that you do your monthly self breast examinations, an annual breast examination with a health professional. You should start having annual mamograms at age 40 or discussed earlier screening with your doctor.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:36:10 PM)
My grand father passed recently from prostate cancer would u advise all male family members to get checked
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:36:11 PM)
His sons for sure need to start screening by age 40.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:36:47 PM)
SOME TIME I HAVE BLOOD IN MY STOOL BUT I DONT THINK THAT IS COLON CANCER AIM I WORRY/
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:36:47 PM)
It is difficult to say from here but we do recommend that you have this checked by your doctor. It is always best to be cautious.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:37:53 PM)
I have lumps in both breast and they don't feel normal. i brought it to my doctors attention but they have yet to say if it ok or not. i am a bit worried..what would you suggest?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:37:54 PM)
Some women have a lumpy breast however please ensure that you follow up with your doctor to ensure that you are ok. You did not say how old you are.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:39:02 PM)
ME SON HAVE A LUMp on his neck , from he was 1 should de worry
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:39:02 PM)
Has it changed in size any? I am assuming you have already seen your doctor about it.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:40:44 PM)
Can one get cancer from sexual activities?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:40:45 PM)
The HPV virus as well as the AIDS can be sexually transmitted and may in some cases lead to cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:42:20 PM)
What does cervical cancer involve, and how can u get it and how can u prevent it?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:42:21 PM)
It is caused by a HPV virus which creates abnormal changes on the cervix. Without regular pap smears these changes will not be identified and can over a 5 to 10 year period lead to cervical cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:43:38 PM)
Ihad a lump i breast 98. Went to the Cancer Society was examined and the doctor referred me to the UHWI with a paper that had two x'es marked on the diagram that represented my left breast. My age and density of my breast (so big the doc didn't know what he was feeling) i did an ultra-sound instead of a mamogram. Which showed no abnormality. At 33, and with the fact that neither doctors or myself can do a proper examination. How else could i monitor myself for brest cancer.
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:43:38 PM)
Through regular mamograms and ultrasounds.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:45:01 PM)
IS BLEEDING CLEAR BLOOD WEN PASSING STOOL IS A SIGN OF COLON CANCER?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:45:01 PM)
It does not have to be, it could also mean that you have hemorrhoids. One cannot tell without a proper examination.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:45:42 PM)
Can diverticulitist cause cancer
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:45:42 PM)
No it is not a precancerous lesion.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:46:34 PM)
DOES HAVING A SALPINGNECTOMY REDUCE YOUR CHANCE OF HAVING A CHILD?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:46:34 PM)
Yes.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:47:00 PM)
My dad died with lung cancer is there a chance i could get it ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:47:00 PM)
Was your dad a smoker or not?

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:48:20 PM)
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:48:20 PM)
Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell cancer, but melanomas is the most aggressive and has the highest mortality.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:49:31 PM)
Can treatment for breast cancer affect my fertility if I plan on having children later down the line?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:49:31 PM)
This will depend on the types of treatment you have had. I suggest that you speak to your doctor based on the various type of cancer you have.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:51:59 PM)
How can I minimize the side effects of chemotherapy?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:52:00 PM)
The side effects you are getting depends on the drug you are getting and your own response. Trying to eat a balanced diet which will maintain a healthy immune system and getting enough rest. Not all persons experience severe side effects. Please log on to www.cancer.org for further details.
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Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:52:30 PM)
I was introduced to some products months ago MPC - maximum prostate care & Nutri-Clean - which is for the digestive and colon maintenance, have u heard of these products, they are all natural ingredients.
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:52:30 PM)
We are not familiar with these products.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:53:58 PM)
my boyfriend had a lump i his breast. he had gotten medication for it to go down. it did a little but it still tend to have a litle lump under the skin. could it be cancerous?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:53:59 PM)
It is most likely not but have him return to the doctor who gave him the medication.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:55:48 PM)
i have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer, she said when she did her self exam it felt like a "pin head" but she never paid too much attn to it. She was later diagnosed with "stage 4" breast cancer.. is that how a "lump" feels and what is "stage 4"?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:55:48 PM)
Different persons will feel different things when they examine their breasts. However what is important is that with monthly breast self examination you will feel changes. That is what is important. Once these changes are found, please bring them to the attention of your doctor.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:56:37 PM)
What does the pap smears does can you show other things are from cancer?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:56:37 PM)
It can also pick up some infections at the lab.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:57:57 PM)
What about our diet has caused men in Jamaica and the Caribbean to have such a high rate of cancer
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:57:57 PM)
The high fat content is thought to be a major factor but research is still being carried out to find other cofactors.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 4:59:06 PM)
PLEASE EXPLAIN THE CHANCES OF HAVING A CHILD AFTER A SALPINGNECTOMY
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 4:59:06 PM)
As long as the other tube is functional there is a chance but since I am not familiar with your situation it is difficult to give you a clear response to this.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:00:07 PM)
Hi. I want to know how do I know if I have cancer in the womb?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:00:07 PM)
You cannot tell without proper examination and test from your doctor.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:00:33 PM)
Is the myth true that black folks don't get skin cancer?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:00:33 PM)
They are far less likely than Caucasians.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:02:49 PM)
This is a bone cancer question.... Which bones can be affected by cancer?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:02:49 PM)
Yes cancer commonly spread to the bones and that is the most common way the bones are involve in cancer from secondary sites. Cancer can occur in the bones as the original site.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:03:54 PM)
What are the symptoms of a tumor in the brain?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:03:54 PM)
Usually headaches, blurry vision, features of stroke, double vision, weakness in one side of the body - those are the common symptoms.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:04:30 PM)
WHAT IS MEANT BY MALIGNANT SKIN TUMORS?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:04:30 PM)
A malignant tumour is a cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:06:00 PM)
IS IT TRUE THAT SOME CANCERS CAN BE LINKED TO ENVIROMENTAL WASTE
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:06:00 PM)
There are some environmental factors that can be described as cancer causing such as cigarette smoke, asbestos inhalation and ultra violet rays for fair skinned people over a prolonged period.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:07:00 PM)
There are various anti-nausea pills available some of which starts working instantly and many that can be given during chemo within the same IV
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:07:00 PM)
There are medications to counteract the nausea.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:07:55 PM)
do you believe in homiopathy for the treatment of cancer
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:07:55 PM)
It needs to be complementary with traditional treatment.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:09:41 PM)
after a woman has been diagnosed with, and aggressively treated for breast cancer, including, but not ltd to, a mastectomy, what are her chances of having a recurrence of it, or having any other forms of cancer? in addition, how bad is it when breast cancer has been spread to the lymph nodes?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:09:41 PM)
Certainly, other cancers can occur, spread to the lymp nodes means that more aggressive treatment needs to be given and the chance of a cure is lower but not impossible.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:10:46 PM)
A male friend of mine had a lump on his breast. Whenever he squeezed it a watery like liquid came out, sad to say he has yet to go to the doctor about it. Should it be something he should rush to get checked out or not?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:10:46 PM)
We would advise a check up as soon as possible.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:11:22 PM)
I HAVE A FREN THAT EAT AND VOMITINGUP HOW CAN I GET HELP FOR HER.?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:11:22 PM)
You need a psychologist to help counsel her.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:11:57 PM)
Can too much sex cause prostate cancer
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:11:57 PM)
There is no evidence to suggest that too much sex causes prostate cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:13:16 PM)
So what do you suggest we eat if this is the case like for some of us who love the fast food maybe we need to bond certain food from selling

Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:13:16 PM)
These type of diet are risk factors for cancer. So we should restrict the amount we take in and have more fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce animal fat and carbohydrates.
Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:15:04 PM)
What is being done to educate people in the Caribbean about cancer and to provide easy access to early testing ?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:15:04 PM)
In Jamaica the Cancer Society, Ministry of Health and other interests group are working to increase awareness throughout the island. Public awareness programmes are expensive and therefore this is a limiting factor, but certainly every effort is being made to do so.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:15:47 PM)
What makes a tumour inoperable?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:15:47 PM)
This very much depends on the location and how far it has spread from its origin.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:16:45 PM)
Why is cancer so common these days?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:16:45 PM)
It has a lot to do with our diet and lifestyle which includes high fat intake - not enough exercise and exposure to agents such as tobacco smoking.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:17:50 PM)
Suppose I have already been diagnosed as having cancer, can I still get the Cancer Plan, which I heard was another form of insurance in Jamaica?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:17:50 PM)
Please speak with your insurance agents about this.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:19:32 PM)
WHAT CAUSES LUMPS TO APPEAR UNDER THE ARM WITHIN THE ARM PITS?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:19:32 PM)
If it is associated with breast cancer then it means a spread to the lymph nodes. However it can be a harmless cyst or an infection on the arm, which leads to the lump.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:20:02 PM)
With all the money spent on research, all the new development in technology, why is it that this disease still plague our society?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:20:02 PM)
1. We are exposed to a lot more cancer.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:21:06 PM)
how do you deal with a diabetic cancer patient??? is it difficult to control his/her diabetes during the treatment stage?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:21:06 PM)
It can be managed just as you manage in a non diabetic patient but you have to take approriate precaution with the diabetic.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:22:36 PM)
i haven't had sex before, but i know that it is good to have your womb seen to. i am 23 and my doctor wrote me saying that i should go in for an examanaion what should i do
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:22:36 PM)
We are not sure what type of examination you are being sent for or why.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:24:11 PM)
Unlike insecticides in North America...ones which the roaches lick themselves dry and keep on moving...ones used in the Caribbean are very lethal...do they contain high levels of known cancer causing agents?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:24:11 PM)
The household insecticides - I am not aware that they have cancer causing agents.

Gleaner Online Guest (Apr 12, 2005 5:26:04 PM)
Why does cancer of the lymph nodes have such a low survival rate?
Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:26:04 PM)
Not all of them have a low survival rate. the most common one is TCell lymphoma associated with HTLV1 which occurs in Jamaica and has a poor outcome. HTLV1 is a virus which transmit very much like HIV.

Cancer Society(Apr 12, 2005 5:29:26 PM)
Thank you so much for participating. We are out of time but we hope we answered some of your questions. If you have unanswered questions please email us at info@jamaicacancersociety.org or call us at (876) 927-4265.