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Cancer info - Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection Information

Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection Information


The Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection Information page provides access to Texas Cancer Information databases and documents and external websites that are related to cancer prevention, screening and early detection. Some of the databases and documents included are Mammography Services, Colorectal Cancer Screening Services, Cancer Risk Factors and Genetic Testing and Cancer. You also will find suggestions on how to search the databases for the information you need.


To help direct you to the information you need, we have pre-selected the Texas Cancer Information databases and documents that may interest you if you are seeking information about cancer prevention, screening or early detection:

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Cancer Risk Factors

The Texas Cancer Plan states that Texans need to know the major risk factors for specific cancers so they can be proactive in their health care. It is important that people be aware of their own risk factors and that they adhere to the recommended schedule for screenings and examinations for the cancers for which they are at risk. For example, a woman with a family history of breast cancer should inform her physician about her family history to determine an appropriate and tailored screening schedule. The Cancer Risk Factors page contains questions and answers that provide information regarding cancer risk factors and where to find more information on cancer risk behaviors.

Genetic Testing and Cancer

Some cancers seem to run in families, with several family members getting the disease, often across generations. Meanwhile, other families remain untouched by cancer. Sorting out the facts can get confusing. The Genetic Testing and Cancer page contains questions and answers that provide information regarding genetic testing and cancer and where to find more information.

Mammography Services

Texas Cancer Information collects and provides information on American College of Radiology (ACR) and/or the State of Texas accredited on-site and mobile mammography services throughout Texas. The Mammography Services Database contains information based on responses to the annual Mammography Services Update survey. Information on individual services includes general information, Texas counties served, screening and diagnostic services provided, and support services.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Services

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in Texas and the United States. Early detection and treatment for colorectal cancer is directly related to the survival of this disease. While 5-year survival is 90% for localized disease, survival falls to 65% when the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues. Several major authorities recommend screening of persons 50 years of age and older. However, utilization of this effective intervention is well below 50%. One of the barriers to obtaining screening is the need to identify providers of screening services. The Colorectal Cancer Screening Services Database is intended to provide a listing of facilities that provide these services in conjunction with physicians. Individuals are encouraged to discuss colorectal cancer screening with their personal physician.

Physicians

Texas Cancer Information collects and provides information on Texas physicians who have a primary interest in the diagnosis, treatment or continuing care of cancer patients.

Hospitals

The Hospital Database contains information on all acute and general hospitals in Texas. The database does not include specialized hospitals such as psychiatric, obstetric, chemical dependency, or rehabilitation hospitals. The information listed for each hospital is based on its responses to the annual Hospital Resource Database Update survey. The information includes general information, American College of Surgeons (ACoS) cancer program information, cancer prevention, diagnostic services, mammography services, colorectal cancer screening services, treatment services and equipment, continuing care, research and continuing education, and affiliated physicians.

Community Cancer Treatment Centers

The information listed for each Community Cancer Treatment Center is based on its responses to the annual Community Cancer Treatment Center Database Update survey. The information includes general information, American College of Surgeons (ACoS) cancer program information, diagnostic services, colorectal cancer screening services, treatment services and equipment, and support services.

Access to Cancer Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Patients

The new Access to Cancer Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Patients feature of the Web site is intended to reach low-income or uninsured Texans seeking free or low-cost cancer screening or treatment. Texas Cancer Information staff investigated procedures, contacts and clinic locations for screening and treatment for several Texas counties. Information on how to obtain cancer care services in each of these counties is now available for download in PDF format in simple language and question and answer format. Social workers or volunteer organizations can also print out this information to give to their clients.

Local/Community Information and Support Resources

Texas Cancer Information collects and provides referral information on support, counseling, education, and additional assistance such as transportation, housing, and medical equipment. The information listed for each resource in the Local/Community Information and Support Resources database is based on its responses to the annual Community Resource Database Update survey. Original listings were derived from the Community Resource Directory previously maintained by the National Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service (CIS) serving Texas. Included in the database are general information, services provided, and Texas counties served.

Statewide/Texas-based and National Information and Support Resources

In the Statewide/Texas-based Resources section of the Statewide/Texas-based Information and Support Resources page you will find links to Texas-based cancer information and support resources, such as state-wide Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas projects, appropriate state agencies, Texas-based support agencies and the Texas divisions of national support agencies. In the National Resources section, there are links to the Web sites of several national agencies that provide cancer-related information and support.

Links by Topic

Links by Topic, formerly the Cancer Gateway of Texas, is an Internet portal to cancer-related information, resources, and publications. Links are reviewed for quality using a predetermined criteria and are organized by cancer topic and cancer type. These links include Web sites based in Texas as well as those found across the country. Texas based sites are identified by a small Texas icon.

Selected Links

Visit these other Web sites for additional information regarding cancer prevention, screening and early detection:

  • American Cancer Society - Environmental Carcinogens
    Environmental factors can include smoking, diet, sun exposure, and infectious diseases, as well as chemicals and radiation in our homes and workplaces. Learn more about these risks and how you can reduce them.

  • American Cancer Society - Food and Fitness
    Eating right, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight are important ways to reduce your risk of cancer-as well as heart disease and diabetes. Learn the American Cancer Society's guidelines for diet and activity and find tips for a healthy lifestyle and community.

  • American Cancer Society - Prevention & Early Detection
    "Prevention and early detection are two of the most important and effective strategies for reaching the American Cancer Society's (ACS) goals of saving lives lost from cancer, diminishing suffering due to cancer, and eliminating cancer as a major health problem."

  • American Cancer Society - What Are the Risk Factors for Cancer?
    A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors can be changed, and others cannot. Risk factors for cancer can include a person's age, sex, and family medical history. Others are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment. Still others are related to lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and sun exposure.

  • ASPIRE program
    Whether you are a smoker looking to quit, a non-smoker seeking information about smoking and its effects, or anywhere in between, this self-paced learning experience offers interactive activities, videos, support strategies, and fun animations to help you reach your goal. You'll learn how to make the best choices for you - and how to stay on the path of good health.

  • Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention: Your Cancer Risk
    Your Cancer Risk estimates your risk of developing different types of cancer and provides personalized tips for prevention. It doesn't tell you if you'll get cancer or not. Anyone can use Your Cancer Risk, but it's most accurate for people age 40 and over who have never had any type of cancer.

  • NCI - The Complex Interaction of Diet, Physical Activity, and Genetics in Cancer Prevention and Control
    At a time when nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese, compelling evidence suggests that excess body weight is a risk factor for many cancers.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - SunWise School Program
    The SunWise School Program is an environmental and health education program that aims to teach children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Through the use of classroom-based, school-based, and community-based components, SunWise seeks to develop sustained sun-safe behaviors in school children.

  • Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
    Screen for Life is a multiyear, multimedia, national colorectal cancer education campaign that informs men and women aged 50 years and older (the age group at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer) about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests.

  • TDH Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
    "The BCCCP was authorized in 1990 by Public Law 101-354. The Texas Department of Health (TDH), Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, oversees the Program from its office at TDH Headquarters in Austin. Each provider works with the BCCCP State office on an annual basis, receiving funding for breast and cervical screening and diagnostic services at no cost to women who have low incomes and no health insurance."

  • The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
    This website of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas provides information regarding cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support for patients, health professionals, and the public. Available in Spanish.





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