Nicolette: 0:01

Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for quick, actionable insights on health, wellness and diagnostics. Whether you're looking to optimize your well-being or stay informed about the latest in medical testing, we've got you covered. Join us as we break down key health topics in just minutes. Let's dive in.

Mark: 0:25

Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive with us. Today we're looking at something super important early signs of cancer and all that.

Rachel: 0:42

You know it's a topic that can be kind of scary, but hopefully we can make it not as scary and actually empowering today. Yeah, absolutely.

Mark: 0:45

Knowledge is power, as they say right of scary and actually empowering today, yeah, absolutely. Knowledge is power, as they say right, totally, and you know we found this article that you shared from Quick Labs Mobile called Early.

Rachel: 0:51

Signs of Cancer. You Shouldn't Ignore so great article.

Mark: 0:53

Yeah, and you know we're not going to be talking about the company or anything, but the information in the article is really good.

Rachel: 0:59

For sure.

Mark: 0:59

So let's just jump right into it. The article starts off by talking about unexplained weight loss and you know we all have those fluctuations up and down.

Rachel: 1:07

Yeah.

Mark: 1:07

But the article really emphasizes like losing more than 5% of your body weight within six to 12 months without even trying. That's like a big red flag.

Rachel: 1:15

Yeah, that's a huge warning sign, because usually our bodies are so good at maintaining like a steady weight that when something's off and there's no obvious reason for it like you haven't changed your diet or exercise that can be a sign that something's up. And it makes sense, because a lot of cancers interfere with your body's ability to process food and nutrients like efficiently, so it's kind of like your internal systems aren't running as smoothly as they should and that can show up as unexplained weight loss. And we see this in cancers that directly affect digestion, so like pancreatic cancer or stomach cancer. What's even more interesting is that even cancers in other areas, like lung cancer, can also cause weight loss.

Mark: 1:54

That's really interesting. I never would have thought that like yeah lung cancer could cause weight loss.

Rachel: 1:58

Yeah.

Mark: 1:59

But it makes sense. If it's like a system wide Totally, it's like a domino effect. Yeah, ok, so unexplained weight loss is one to look out for, but what about fatigue? I feel like we all experience tiredness, but is there a specific type of fatigue that we should be aware of?

Rachel: 2:14

Yeah, there's definitely a difference between like normal, I'm tired, I need a nap kind of fatigue and then the kind of fatigue that can be linked to some cancers.

Mark: 2:23

OK, so how can we tell the difference?

Rachel: 2:29

So normal tiredness. You know it goes away after you rest. You sleep for a bit, you take a break, you feel better. But the fatigue that's associated with certain cancers like leukemia, colon cancer or stomach cancer, it just doesn't go away, no matter how much you rest. It's like this persistent exhaustion and it really drains you.

Mark: 2:45

So what's happening in the body that causes that kind of fatigue?

Rachel: 2:49

Well, there are a couple of things going on. One, cancer cells are kind of like energy hogs. They're constantly dividing and growing and they basically steal energy and resources from your healthy cells.

Mark: 2:59

Oh, wow.

Rachel: 2:59

It's like they're hijacking your body's energy supply.

Mark: 3:02

So they're little energy vampires.

Rachel: 3:04

Exactly. And on top of that, your immune system is working overtime trying to fight these rogue cells, which further depletes your energy reserves.

Mark: 3:13

That makes a lot of sense. So we've talked about unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue. Are there any like outward visible signs that we should be on the lookout for?

Rachel: 3:22

Yeah, definitely, skin changes are another important category to keep an eye on. Now, it's really important to remember that most skin changes are totally harmless, right, but it's always a good idea to pay attention to your moles and any new growths, especially when it comes to skin cancer.

Mark: 3:36

Okay, so it's all about noticing any changes. Yeah, like, are there any other specific skinrelated signs that could potentially point to internal cancers?

Rachel: 3:45

Absolutely. The article specifically mentions jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and that can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

Mark: 3:54

Oh, wow.

Rachel: 3:55

Yeah, it happens because the tumor can block the bile duct and that leads to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which causes that yellow discoloration.

Mark: 4:04

I had no idea there was a connection there. That's fascinating.

Rachel: 4:06

Yeah, it's pretty amazing how interconnected our bodies are Totally.

Mark: 4:10

Okay, what about things like redness or itchiness on the skin? Are those ever signs of something more serious?

Rachel: 4:15

Yeah, they can be, particularly if they're persistent and don't have an obvious cause like an allergic reaction or something. Redness or itchy skin can sometimes be a sign of blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.

Mark: 4:27

So it's all about paying attention and noticing any changes that seem out of the ordinary.

Rachel: 4:32

Exactly. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us and it's up to us to listen and take action when we need to.

Mark: 4:38

That's a great point, and I think it's important to remember that recognizing these signs doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, but it does mean that you should talk to your doctor and get things checked out.

Rachel: 4:48

Exactly, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Mark: 4:51

Absolutely.

Rachel: 4:51

Yeah.

Mark: 4:52

So, speaking of being proactive, the article really stresses the importance of early detection when it comes to cancer. It claims that it can dramatically impact both treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Rachel: 5:03

Absolutely Early detection is crucial. Think of it like this If you catch a fire when it's just a tiny ember, it's way easier to put out than if you wait until the whole house is ablaze. The same principle applies to cancer.

Mark: 5:16

That's a great analogy. So early detection means we have more options and better outcomes.

Rachel: 5:20

Exactly when cancer is detected. Early treatment options are often less aggressive, which means less invasive procedures, fewer side effects and a better quality of life during and after treatment.

Mark: 5:31

That makes a lot of sense. So early detection isn't just about surviving cancer, it's about thriving afterwards.

Rachel: 5:37

Precisely, it's about giving yourself the best chance for a full recovery and a return to a normal life.

Mark: 5:43

The article even cites a statistic from the American Cancer Society that really highlights the importance of early detection. It says that the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer meaning it hasn't spread is about 99 percent. Wow, but if it reaches a distant stage, that number plummets to just 27 percent.

Rachel: 6:01

That's a huge difference. Yeah, and it really underscores why early detection is so crucial.

Mark: 6:05

It's truly life-saving.

Rachel: 6:06

Exactly. It's about empowering ourselves to take control of our health and not waiting until it's too late.

Mark: 6:12

Okay, so we're all on board with early detection, but I'm also curious about those risk factors that might make someone more susceptible to cancer in the first place. Does the article shed any light on that?

Rachel: 6:23

It does, and this is where things get a bit more nuanced. Some risk factors are within our control, while others are not. For example, we can't choose our family history, and genetics plays a big role. The article points out that certain gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and having a family history of certain cancers can also elevate your risk.

Mark: 6:48

So genetics is definitely a factor, yeah, but what about lifestyle choices? Do those play a role as well?

Rachel: 6:53

Absolutely. Lifestyle choices have a huge impact on our cancer risk. The article highlights smoking as the leading cause of several cancer types, especially lung cancer. Those harmful chemicals in tobacco damage our cells and can lead to uncontrolled growth.

Mark: 7:06

That's not surprising, considering all the information we have about the dangers of smoking.

Rachel: 7:10

Right. And yet, despite knowing the risks, many people still struggle with quitting. But the benefits of quitting extend far beyond just cancer prevention. It impacts your overall health and well-being in countless ways.

Mark: 7:21

So quitting smoking is a major win for your health. What about other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise?

Rachel: 7:28

Those are crucial as well. Diets high in processed foods, red meat and unhealthy fats have been linked to various cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer. On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains has been shown to have a protective effect.

Mark: 7:44

So it's about making those conscious choices to nourish our bodies with the good stuff.

Rachel: 7:48

Exactly and don't underestimate the power of physical activity. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of several cancer types, including breast and colon cancer.

Mark: 7:57

It's all about maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system and just generally keeping our bodies functioning optimally.

Rachel: 8:04

Precisely. And alongside those healthy habits, it's also important to remember that age is a factor we can't control. Most cancers occur in individuals over 65 as the cumulative effects of various exposures Right. Our bodies aren't invincible, unfortunately.

Mark: 8:26

Are there any other factors that contribute to cancer?

Rachel: 8:28

risk plays a role as well. Exposure to certain chemicals like asbestos, radon gas and benzene, either at work or home, can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer and other types.

Mark: 8:40

Wow, it seems like we're surrounded by potential risks, but I guess the key takeaway here is to focus on the things we can control right, like making those positive lifestyle choices, being aware of our family history and being mindful of environmental exposures.

Rachel: 8:53

Absolutely. It's about taking ownership of our health and being proactive.

Mark: 8:58

So, now that we've explored those early warning signs and the factors that can influence our risk, let's shift gears and delve into prevention strategies. What does the article recommend we do to lower our chances of developing cancer?

Rachel: 9:11

The article outlines three main areas of focus, and the first one, as you might expect, is all about embracing a healthy lifestyle. So it all starts with a balanced diet, you know. Load up on those fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and try to limit processed foods, red meat and unhealthy fats.

Mark: 9:26

Sounds delicious and nutritious.

Rachel: 9:27

Right, it's all about giving your body the best fuel possible.

Mark: 9:31

What about exercise? What kind of role does that play in all of this?

Rachel: 9:33

Oh, it's huge. Regular physical activity can significantly lower the risk of certain cancers, especially breast and colon cancer.

Mark: 9:42

So it's not just about looking good. It's about feeling good and reducing our risk.

Rachel: 9:47

Exactly it's about overall health and well-being.

Mark: 9:49

And, of course, we can't forget about smoking cessation, probably one of the most impactful things you can do.

Rachel: 9:54

Absolutely. If you're a smoker, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health.

Mark: 9:59

Easier said than done for some people, though.

Rachel: 10:00

Oh, for sure, it's a tough habit to break, but there are tons of resources available to help people quit Like, the CDC has a whole website dedicated to smoking cessation.

Mark: 10:11

That's good to know. So we've got the healthy diet, regular exercise and ditching the cigarettes. That's a pretty solid foundation for a healthy life in general. What else is on the prevention checklist?

Rachel: 10:22

Early detection is key, and that means regular screenings and self-exams.

Mark: 10:27

Makes sense. What kind of screenings are we talking about specifically?

Rachel: 10:31

Things like mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer and pap smears for cervical cancer. These screenings can catch cancer in its earliest stages, sometimes even before symptoms appear.

Mark: 10:44

Wow. So we're talking about potentially catching things before they even become a problem.

Rachel: 10:48

Exactly, and that's why they're so important. The earlier you catch it, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Mark: 10:54

So these screenings are like our secret weapon in the fight against cancer.

Rachel: 10:59

You could say that, and the best part is they're readily available and covered by most insurance plans.

Mark: 11:04

So there's really no excuse not to get them.

Rachel: 11:06

Exactly. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you based on your age, gender and family history.

Mark: 11:12

OK, so we've covered healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings. Is there anything else we can do to be proactive about cancer prevention?

Rachel: 11:19

Yeah, early intervention is key. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if a screening test comes back abnormal, don't wait to talk to your doctor.

Mark: 11:26

So it's about trusting our instincts and not ignoring those potential warning signs.

Rachel: 11:30

Exactly. Sometimes those little niggles in the back of our minds are trying to tell us something.

Mark: 11:36

Makes sense. So it's all about being proactive and taking control of our health.

Rachel: 11:40

Absolutely, and remember knowledge is power. The more you know about the early signs of cancer and the steps you can take to prevent it, the better equipped you'll be to advocate for your own health.

Mark: 11:50

You know, while we're on the topic of early detection, I wanted to circle back to something we touched on earlier. The article mentions that early detection not only impacts survival rates, but also has a profound impact on quality of life during and after treatment. Can you talk a little bit more about that?

Rachel: 12:06

Absolutely. It's not just about living longer, it's about living well. When cancer is detected early, the treatment options are often less aggressive.

Mark: 12:14

So less invasive procedures. The treatment options are often less aggressive, so less invasive procedures, fewer side effects, things like that.

Rachel: 12:18

Exactly. For example, if a tumor is small and localized, surgery might be less extensive radiation therapy might be shorter and chemotherapy might be less intense.

Mark: 12:28

That would definitely make the whole treatment process more manageable.

Rachel: 12:30

Absolutely, and that means less disruption to your daily life, less time away from work or family and a quicker return to the activities you enjoy.

Mark: 12:39

It's about maintaining a sense of normalcy and enjoying life to the fullest, even while undergoing treatment.

Rachel: 12:45

Exactly. And there's another crucial aspect to consider the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. Early detection can significantly reduce anxiety and fear because you're catching the disease before it has a chance to spread and become more complex to treat.

Mark: 12:59

I can imagine the relief that comes with knowing you've caught it early.

Rachel: 13:03

It can be a huge weight off your shoulders, both emotionally and physically, and this brings us back to the importance of being proactive about our health. Knowing our bodies, being aware of any unusual changes and not hesitating to talk to our doctors can truly make all the difference.

Mark: 13:17

You know, it strikes me that there's often a lot of fear and stigma surrounding cancer. It can be a difficult topic to discuss, even with our loved ones.

Rachel: 13:24

You're absolutely right. There's often a sense of silence and shame surrounding cancer, which can prevent people from seeking help or sharing their concerns.

Mark: 13:32

Yeah, it's almost like people are afraid to even say the word cancer out. Loud.

Rachel: 13:35

Exactly, and that's why open communication is so vital. We need to break down those barriers and create a space where people feel comfortable talking about cancer, asking questions and getting the support they need.

Mark: 13:46

It's about normalizing these conversations and recognizing that cancer is a disease, not a character flaw.

Rachel: 13:53

Precisely. Whether it's talking to your family and friends, joining a support group or reaching out to a health care professional, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone. There are people who understand and resources available to help you navigate this journey.

Mark: 14:06

And I think it's also important to emphasize that a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence. There have been so many advancements in treatment and research, and survival rates for many types of cancer are steadily improving.

Rachel: 14:21

Absolutely. We've come a long way in our understanding of cancer and how to treat it. There's always hope and there's always reason to fight. New treatments are being developed all the time and many people go on to live long and fulfilling lives after a cancer diagnosis.

Mark: 14:33

That's so encouraging to hear diagnosis. That's so encouraging to hear. So, to recap, we've talked about the importance of early detection, not just for survival rates but also for quality of life during and after treatment. We've also touched on the emotional aspect of cancer and the importance of open communication and support.

Rachel: 14:48

And we've discussed the power of prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, regular screenings and early intervention.

Mark: 14:55

It's been a really insightful conversation, but before we wrap up this deep dive, I'd love to hear some real-life examples of how early detection has made a difference in people's lives. Stories have a way of bringing these concepts to life and showing us that there is hope even in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Rachel: 15:11

I completely agree. Stories can be incredibly powerful, and I happen to have a couple of inspiring examples that come to mind. I remember reading about this woman named Sarah and during a self-exam she found a small lump in her breast. Oh wow, and luckily she didn't just ignore it. She went straight to her doctor and it turned out to be early stage breast cancer.

Mark: 15:29

It must have been so scary for her.

Rachel: 15:31

Oh, definitely. But because they caught it so early, Sarah was able to have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. She didn't even need chemo and made a full recovery.

Mark: 15:40

That's amazing news.

Rachel: 15:42

Yeah.

Mark: 15:42

It really shows how important those self-exams can be.

Rachel: 15:45

Absolutely. They can truly be life-saving.

Mark: 15:47

Do you have any other stories that really highlight the power of early detection?

Rachel: 15:52

Yeah, there's another one that sticks out about this man named John Bam. He started experiencing a lot of fatigue and he was losing weight without trying, and at first he just thought it was because he was getting older, you know. But his wife, thankfully, she pushed him to see a doctor.

Mark: 16:07

It's so important to have those people in our lives who look out for us.

Rachel: 16:10

Totally so. John went to the doctor and they found out he had colon cancer. Oh no, but because it was caught early through a colonoscopy, he was able to have surgery and avoided chemo altogether.

Mark: 16:21

Another win for early intervention.

Rachel: 16:23

It really shows how important it is to listen to our bodies and not just brush things off as part of getting older.

Mark: 16:29

Right, we should trust our instincts, and if something feels off, it's always better to check it out.

Rachel: 16:34

Exactly, and you know, sometimes just knowing that it's not cancer can be just as valuable as finding it early.

Mark: 16:41

That's true Sometimes that peace of mind is everything.

Rachel: 16:43

Definitely, the anxiety of not knowing can be just as hard as dealing with the disease itself.

Mark: 16:48

These stories are so inspiring and they really show that, while a cancer diagnosis is serious, it's not the end of the world.

Rachel: 16:55

Yeah, there's always hope, especially with how far treatments and research have come.

Mark: 17:00

Absolutely so. Before we wrap up, is there anything our listeners can do today to be more proactive about their health and potentially catch cancer early?

Rachel: 17:08

Yeah, the most important thing is to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out your individual risk factors, recommend the right screenings for you and answer any questions you might have.

Mark: 17:17

So open and honest communication with your doctor is key.

Rachel: 17:20

Exactly, and don't be afraid to speak up about any symptoms or changes you've noticed.

Mark: 17:24

Even if they seem small.

Rachel: 17:26

Exactly, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Mark: 17:28

What about those healthy lifestyle choices we discussed earlier?

Rachel: 17:31

Oh, they're crucial. A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking all these things can really lower your risk.

Mark: 17:37

And those self-exams are important too, right.

Rachel: 17:40

For sure. Things like checking your breasts for lumps, looking at your skin for any unusual moles or changes, being aware of your bowel habits these are all simple things you can do at home.

Mark: 17:50

It's all about taking an active role in our health.

Rachel: 17:52

Exactly. Remember knowledge is power. The more you know about cancer and what you can do to prevent it, the better off you'll be.

Mark: 17:59

This has been such an informative, deep dive. I really appreciate you sharing your expertise and these inspiring stories with us.

Rachel: 18:05

My pleasure. Thanks for having me.

Mark: 18:07

And to our listeners, thanks for tuning in. We hope you found this deep dive helpful and remember early detection is key. Until next time, stay curious, stay healthy and keep learning.

Nicolette: 18:22

Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse. If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For more health insights and diagnostics, visit us online at wwwquicklabmobilecom. Stay informed, stay healthy and we'll catch you in the next episode.