MedicineNet

Cancer Prevention Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Cancer Prevention. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Cancer Prevention or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anemia Article
    • What is anemia?
    • What causes anemia?
    • Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
    • What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
    • What are other causes of anemia?
    • Can anemia be hereditary?
    • What are the symptoms of anemia?
    • How is anemia diagnosed?
    • What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
    • How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
    • What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
    • What is hemoglobin?
    • What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
    • What is the hematocrit?
    • How is hematocrit determined?
    • How is anemia treated?
    • What are the complications of anemia?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
  • Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma...learn more »
    In This Article
    Skin Cancer Article
    • Introduction
    • Basal cell carcinoma
    • What is basal cell carcinoma?
    • What are risk factors for developing basal cell carcinoma?
    • What does basal cell carcinoma look like?
    • How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
    • How is basal cell carcinoma treated?
    • How is basal cell carcinoma prevented?
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • What is actinic keratosis?
    • What is squamous cell carcinoma?
    • What are risk factors for developing squamous cell carcinoma?
    • Can squamous cell carcinoma of the skin spread (metastasize)?
    • How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?
    • How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?
    • How is squamous cell carcinoma prevented?
    • What about follow-up care for skin cancer?
    • How about vitamin D and cancer?
    • What resources are available to patients with skin cancer?
    • Skin Cancer At A Glance
  • Melanoma Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes and affects more than 53,600 people in the United...learn more »
    In This Article
    Melanoma Article
    • Introduction
    • What does melanoma look like? What are the symptoms and signs?
    • What if the skin changes are rapid or dramatic?
    • What are the causes and risk factors for melanoma?
    • How do I know my level of risk for melanoma?
    • What are the types of melanoma?
    • How is melanoma diagnosed?
    • How do doctors determine the prognosis (outlook) of a melanoma?
    • What is the treatment for melanoma?
    • What methods are available to help prevent melanoma?
    • Conclusions
    • Melanoma At A Glance
    • Additional Resources
  • Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cervical Cancer Article
    • Cervical cancer facts
    • What is the cervix?
    • What is cancer?
    • What are the risk factors and causes of cervical cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
    • How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
    • How is staging of cervical cancer determined?
    • What is the treatment for cervical cancer?
    • What are methods of treatment for cervical cancer?
    • How do I go about getting a second opinion?
    • What follow-up care is involved after cervical cancer treatment?
    • What support, research, and clinical trials information is available for cervical cancer patients?
    • What resources are available to patients with cervical cancer?
  • Oral Cancer The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches...learn more »
    In This Article
    Oral Cancer Article
    • What is the oral cavity?
    • What is cancer?
    • Who's at risk for oral cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
    • How is oral cancer diagnosed?
    • How is oral cancer treated?
    • Methods of treatment
    • What are the side effects of treatment for oral cancer?
    • What is rehabilitation for oral cancer?
    • What happens after treatment for oral cancer?
    • What does the future hold for patients with oral cancer?
    • What resources are available to patients with oral cancer?
    • Oral Cancer At A Glance
  • Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is an uncontrolled (malignant) growth of cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the second leading...learn more »
    In This Article
    Prostate Cancer Article
    • What is the prostate gland?
    • What is prostate cancer?
    • Why is prostate cancer important?
    • What are prostate cancer causes?
    • What are prostate cancer symptoms and signs?
    • What are the screening tests for prostate cancer?
    • What are false-positive elevations in the PSA test?
    • What refinements have been made in the PSA test?
    • How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
    • How is the staging of prostate cancer done?
    • What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
    • What about prostate cancer surgery?
    • What about radiation therapy for prostate cancer?
    • What about hormonal treatment for prostate cancer?
    • What is cryotherapy for prostate cancer?
    • What is HIFU for prostate cancer?
    • What is chemotherapy for prostate cancer?
    • What are the differences between hormonal treatment and chemotherapy?
    • What about herbal or other alternative medicine treatments for prostate cancer?
    • What is active surveillance for prostate cancer?
    • Can prostate cancer be prevented?
    • What will be the future treatments for prostate cancer?
    • Prostate Cancer At A Glance
  • Cervical Dysplasia Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cells of the inner lining of the cervix have precancerous changes. There are two...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cervical Dysplasia Article
    • What is cervical dysplasia?
    • What causes cervical dysplasia?
    • Are there symptoms of cervical dysplasia?
    • How is cervical dysplasia diagnosed?
    • How is cervical dysplasia classified?
    • What are the treatments for cervical dysplasia?
    • Carbon dioxide laser photoablation
    • Cryocautery
    • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
    • Cold knife cone biopsy (conization)
    • Hysterectomy
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for cervical dysplasia?
    • Can cervical dysplasia be prevented?
    • Cervical Dysplasia At A Glance
    • Related cervical dysplasia article:
      Cervical Dysplasia - on eMedicineHealth
  • Vaginal Bleeding Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Vaginal Bleeding Article
    • What is normal vaginal bleeding?
    • What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?
    • Is the woman having abnormal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?
    • What is the pattern of the abnormal vaginal bleeding?
    • Is the woman ovulating?
  • Blood in Urine Blood in the urine is termed hematuria. Hematuria, whether it be gross or microscopic, is abnormal and should be further...learn more »
    In This Article
    Blood in Urine Article
    • What is blood in urine (hematuria)?
    • What are the causes of blood in urine?
    • How is blood in urine diagnosed?
    • How is blood in urine treated?
    • Blood in Urine (Hematuria) At A Glance
  • Colon Polyps A colon polyp is a benign tumor of the large intestine. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Polyps Article
    • What is a colon polyp?
    • What types of polyps become cancerous?
    • Are there other factors that determine a polyp's chance of becoming cancerous?
    • What other types of polyps are there in addition to adenomas?
    • What are the guidelines for screening individuals for polyps in order to prevent colon cancer?
    • What kind of additional surveillance should be done once a polyp has been found?
    • What happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer?
    • Is one's risk of having colon cancer increased by having had an adenoma?
    • What is one's risk of having a polyp or cancer if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had an adenomatous polyp?
    • Are there ways to prevent colon polyps from developing?
    • What does the future hold for screening and surveillance of colon polyps?
    • Are there situations in which polyps carry a very high risk of becoming cancerous?
    • What about genetic counseling and testing?
    • Colon Polyps At A Glance
  • Barrett's Esophagus Barrett's esophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), primarily in white males. GERD...learn more »
    In This Article
    Barrett's Esophagus Article
    • What is Barrett's esophagus?
    • Why is there so much interest in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What causes Barrett's esophagus?
    • Who develops Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is the specific abnormality in the inner lining (epithelium) of Barrett's esophagus?
    • What about the cancer that occurs in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus?
    • What is the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in Barrett's?
    • What are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus?
    • How is GERD with or without Barrett's esophagus treated?
    • Why is it important to screen patients with GERD to diagnose Barrett's esophagus?
    • Why is it critical to be accurate in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus?
    • What does endoscopic biopsy surveillance in Barrett's esophagus involve?
    • How is high grade dysplasia managed?
    • How is low grade dysplasia managed?
    • What are the experimental approaches for treatment of high grade dysplasia?
    • What experimental options are there for Barrett's esophagus WITHOUT dysplasia?
    • What does the future hold for Barrett's esophagus?
    • Barrett's Esophagus At A Glance
  • Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV...learn more »
    In This Article
    Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Article
    • Sunburn facts
    • What is sunburn?
    • Can sunburn cause permanent damage?
    • What is UV light and where are UV rays most intense?
    • What are the symptoms of sunburn?
    • What are the symptoms of severe sunburn (sun poisoning)?
    • Sunburn pictures
    • What first-aid measures should be taken with sunburn?
    • What is the treatment for sunburn?
    • Are there any home remedies to treat sunburn?
    • Is a follow-up visit with a physician necessary?
    • Why does the skin tan after exposure to UV rays?
    • Who is most susceptible to sunburn?
    • Can diseases cause a heightened sensitivity to UV rays?
    • Can medications increase sensitivity to sunburn?
    • What kinds of skin cancer can UV rays cause?
    • How can sunburn and skin cancer be prevented?
    • How do sunscreens work?
    • What is SPF?
    • What is the best way to apply sunscreen?
    • Do sunscreens expire?
    • Can antioxidants protect against sunburn?
  • Breast Lumps (In Women) Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Lumps (In Women) Article
    • What are causes of breast lumps?
    • Infections that cause breast lumps
    • Injuries that cause breast lumps
    • Non-cancerous growths that cause breast lumps
    • Symptoms of breast cancer
    • What determines breast cancer risk?
    • How are breast lumps evaluated?
    • How can a woman be certain that a lump is not cancer?
    • How are breast lumps treated?
    • Breast Lumps At A Glance
  • Male Breast Cancer Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's...learn more »
    In This Article
    Male Breast Cancer Article
    • What is male breast cancer?
    • How common is male breast cancer?
    • What are causes and risk factors of male breast cancer?
    • What are the different types of male breast cancer?
    • What are male breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
    • What is staging of male breast cancer?
    • What is the treatment for male breast cancer?
    • What is the outcome (prognosis) of male breast cancer?
    • Male Breast Cancer At A Glance
  • Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) Article
    • What is photosensitivity?
    • What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?
    • Photoallergic and phototoxic reaction pictures
    • What is ultraviolet light?
    • What are the symptoms of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)?
    • What are some common sun-sensitizing drugs?
    • Phototoxic drugs
    • Photoallergic drugs
    • Are there any medical conditions that can cause photosensitivity?
    • How is sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a photosensitizing drug reaction?
    • Is anyone taking these drugs at risk for developing sunburn?
    • Can any foods cause sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) reactions?
    • Pictures of sun-sensitivity (photosensitivity) reactions
    • Are there any medical applications of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)?
    • Sun-Sensitizing (Photosensitivity) Drugs At A Glance
    • Appendix - Sun Sensitive (Photosensitivity) Drugs from A to Z
  • Freckles Freckles are flat circular spots on the skin that may be red, yellow, tan, light brown, brown, or black in color. Lentigo is the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Freckles Article
    • What are freckles?
    • What types of freckles are there?
    • What are "liver spots" or "age spots"?
    • How do freckles develop?
    • How important is heredity with freckles?
    • What is the medical meaning of freckles?
    • How can freckles be prevented?
    • How can freckles be treated?
    • The value of freckles?
    • Freckles At A Glance
  • Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Article
    • Smoking and quitting smoking facts
    • What problems are caused by smoking?
    • What is addictive disease and why is smoking considered addictive?
    • What are the signs of cigarette addiction?
    • Why should someone quit smoking?
    • What are the steps in quitting?
    • Getting ready to quit smoking
    • On the day you quit smoking
    • Staying quit
    • What methods can help a person quit smoking?
    • Behavioral modification and self-help literature to quit smoking
    • Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
    • What prescription products are available for smoking cessation?
    • How are nicotine-containing products used safely?
    • What is in the future for smoking?
  • Cancer Risk Factors Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cancer Risk Factors Article
    • What are cancer risk factors?
    • Growing older
    • Tobacco
    • Sunlight
    • Ionizing radiation
    • Certain chemicals and other substances
    • Some viruses and bacteria
    • Certain hormones
    • Family history of cancer
    • Alcohol
    • Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight
  • Asbestos Asbestos exposure lung disease is divided into three main types, asbestosis (lung scarring caused by asbestos fibers), disease of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Asbestos Article
    • Asbestos related disorders facts
    • What is the definition of asbestos?
    • What are the types of asbestos-related lung disease?
    • What are the types of asbestos fibers?
    • What does fiber size have to do with asbestos-related lung disease?
    • What is asbestosis?
    • What are symptoms and signs of asbestosis?
    • What tests and studies are used to evaluate asbestosis?
    • How is asbestosis treated?
    • What is pleural disease?
    • Does asbestos exposure cause lung cancer?
    • What is malignant mesothelioma?
    • What other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure?
    • How can exposure to asbestos be reduced?
    • What kind of asbestos is used today?
  • Breast Cancer Prevention Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Prevention Article
    • Introduction to breast cancer prevention
    • What are the biological causes of breast cancer?
    • What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?
    • What is the importance of early breast cancer detection?
    • What are the advantages and limitations of mammography?
    • How frequently should women undergo mammography and breast examinations?
    • What is the risk of radiation with repeated mammography screening over the years?
    • Are there any controversies in the area of breast cancer screening?
    • How helpful are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic tests in identifying women at risk?
    • What is the link between estrogen and breast cancer?
    • What are breast cancer prevention treatments?
    • Are there other breast cancer prevention measures?
    • Conclusion
  • Smokeless Tobacco Smokeless tobacco can have negative health effects such as cancers, poor oral health (gum disease and tooth decay), infertility,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Smokeless Tobacco Article
    • What is smokeless tobacco?
    • What are the health risks of smokeless tobacco?
    • Cancer risk
    • Other health risks
    • Is smokeless tobacco safer than cigarette smoking?
    • What is being done to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco?
    • What treatments are available to help people quit using smokeless tobacco?
    • Smokeless Tobacco At A Glance
  • Healthy Living & Disease Prevention The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Healthy Living & Disease Prevention Article
    • Healthy living facts
    • Eating (diet)
    • Physical activity and exercise
    • Avoid tobacco use
    • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
    • Avoid high-risk sexual behaviors
    • Avoid other high-risk behaviors
    • Additional tips for healthy living
  • Colon Cancer Prevention Colo-rectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Cancer Prevention Article
    • Introduction to colon cancer prevention
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer have proven effectiveness and long term safety?
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective but may have long term adverse side effects?
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective and safe?
    • What prevention measures have been found to be ineffective?
    • What about genetic testing for colon cancer?
    • Who should consider genetic counseling and testing?
    • Why is genetic counseling and testing important in hereditary colon cancer syndromes?
    • What can be done now to prevent colorectal cancer?
  • Disease Prevention in Women Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Women Article
    • Disease prevention in women overview
    • Osteoporosis
    • Breast cancer
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Cancer of the cervix
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia)
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Cancer of colon and rectum / polyps of colon and rectum
    • Bladder cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
  • Endometrial Cancer Prevention Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, affects the endometrium of the uterus. It's the most common invasive cancer of the female...learn more »
    In This Article
    Endometrial Cancer Prevention Article
    • What is prevention?
    • What is endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)?
    • Can endometrial cancer (uterine cancer) be prevented?
    • What are risk factors for endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)?
  • Disease Prevention in Men Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Men Article
    • Disease prevention in men introduction
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Cancer of colon and rectum /polyps of colon and rectum
    • Prostate cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
    • Bladder cancer