Show CANCER Answer line American Cancer Society a A regular feature prepared by the American Cancer Soci Society ty to help save your life from cancer A framing shop owner writes writt's My cousin in California has lias told me about a cancer consultation consultation con on service there ther and I would like to know more about it In the San Francisco area a number of experts have formed a special review panel to discuss difficult difficult difficult dif dif- cancer problems with any physician who requests it The experts are drawn from many institutions and serve on the panel for three periods month-periods without pay This is another example of today's team approach to treating cancer when a patient may require the skills of several specialists from surgeons to radiologists to chemotherapists and rehabilitation rehabilitation tation experts In the communities communities com communities com com- not far from the nations nation's 19 Comprehensive Cancer Centers there are professional professional pro pro- fes ional Outreach programs programs programs pro pro- grams some using special telephone arrangements which offer local loca physicians expert consultation The primary physician the one who is often the first to suspect cancer is crucial because canter cancer is best treated in inan inan inan an early stage and the primary physician is in the best position to make the earlier diagnosis A clothing manufacturer asks Just what is ultrasound ultrasound ultrasound ultra ultra- sound and how is it used in relation to cancer Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves instead of x-rays x to locate tumors deep within the body hody It is a useful tool in inthe inthe inthe the diagnosis ot of cancer and it may also be helpful in treat treat- ment When a cancer patient is being treated with radiation ultrasound may be used to pinpoint a hidden tumor with great precision in order to determine the exact radiation dosage The Tile mother of two explains I am ant embarrassed to say that 1 I know only one of the seven warning signals a lump or change in the breast What are arc the others Your local American Cancer Society Unit will be glad to give you a afree afree afree free leaflet about the seven even warning signals Please note that the first letter of each one when put together spell the word CAUTION Here lIere for all the readers are the important seven Change hange in bowel or bladder habits A A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening Thick Thick- Thickening ening or lump in the breast breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty difficulty dif in swallowing Obvious change in wart or mole mo Nagging Nagging Nag Nag- ag- ag ging cough or hoarseness If you have a warning signal please see a physician right away Most likely it wont won't mean cancer but if cancer is present you may have helped save your life Please dont don't wait for the signal to go away because that can cost precious time Remember that of the two million Americans alive and well today after a diagnosis of cancer most can be considered con cured There are many effective treatments for cancer but first it must be properly Help yourself and your physician by heeding CAUTION An army colonel writes writes' My brother a lifelong cigarette smoker died last year of lung cancer and now his year 12 old son is smoking I 1 can handle my nephew but I think that the time has corne come when the public has to speak out about the thc cigarette industry and demand change Anyone wishes to speak out will have a chance in the spring of 1977 when the American Cancer Society will hold regional forums in eight cities in which a panel of experts will hear testimony from the thc public Civic leaders parents scientists educators physicians physicians physicians cancer patients and members of their families willbe will will- be welcome to to speak outA out A wide variety of topics will willbe willbe be aired including cigarette sales to minors Federal support for tv smoking anti-smoking commercials and an employees employee's right to a smoke- smoke free workplace Ask your local American Cancer Society Unit where the regional torum lorum nearest your hometown will wilt take f ke place Advance registration is necessary necessary necessary sary if you wish to address the panel When all eight forums have been completed the panel will summarize and voice a public mandate for action on the smoking and health issue |