Survivorship Table: April 2021

Happy April! This month we recognize testicular cancer, esophageal cancer and oral, head and neck cancers. Learn more about how to be an advocate, make healthy choices and support survivorship.

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer as well as how to take steps to reduce the risk of developing this cancer [i]. Learn how you or your loved ones can take steps towards prevention.

1. Know your risk factors
   • Risk factors including family history, age, race/ethnicity and HIV infection can increase the chance of developing testicular cancer [ii]
   • Learn more about risk factors of testicular cancer from the American Cancer Society here [ii]
2. Get screened and know the signs
   • Perform a monthly testicular self-exam or encourage others to in order to increase the chance of early detection [iii]
   • Know the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer [iv]

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

The purpose of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month is to increase education surrounding prevention and risk factors of developing esophageal cancer [v]. Here’s how you can promote prevention and support survivorship.

1. Avoid taking part in high-risk behaviors
   • Tobacco and alcohol use can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer [vi]. The American Cancer Society states that one of the best ways to lower your risk of developing esophageal cancer is by avoiding tobacco and alcohol use [vii].
2. Increase protective factors including maintaining a healthy weight [vi]
   • Eat a balanced diet rich in unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains
     • Try some of these recipes and flavors to promote a balanced diet [viii]
   • Take part in regular exercise
     • Try a new exercise like yoga or Tai Chi [ix]
     • Stay strong with Pilates or a strength and cardio duo [ix]
     • Jump start your fitness routine using these tips [ix]

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

This month we recognize oral, head and neck cancers in an effort to raise awareness of this cancer as well as to educate the public on the signs, symptoms, risk factors and importance of screening [x]. Learn more about how to take part in prevention and screening efforts.

1. Know the risk factors
   • Tobacco and alcohol use can increase the risk of developing oral, head and neck cancer [xi]. If you choose to consume alcohol, it is recommended to do so in moderation. If you use tobacco you may want to consider quitting [xi]
   • Limit potential exposure to HPV infection by getting the HPV vaccine and practicing safe sex [xi]
   • Protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen, protective clothing and by limiting long periods of exposure [xi]
   • Limit preserved or heavily salted foods and focus on fresh whole foods [xii]
2. Get screened
   • Learn more about screening recommendations using this Head and Neck Cancer Screening Guide from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [xiii]

Read more about testicular cancer, esophageal cancer and oral, head and neck cancer advocacy initiatives here.

References:

[i] Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: Self Examination Saves Lives. Retrieved from: https://www.nfcr.org/blog/testicular-cancer-awareness-month-self-examination-saves-lives/#:~:text=April%20is%20Testicular%20Cancer%20Awareness,risk%20through%20proactive%20self%2Dexamination.

[ii] Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

[iii] Monthly Testicular Self-Exam. Retrieved from: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/self-exam

[iv] Testicular Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer-care/symptoms-causes/syc-20352986

[v] Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk. Retrieved from: https://www.nfcr.org/blog/esophageal-cancer-awareness-month-take-steps-to-reduce-your-risk/

[vi] Esophageal Cancer Prevention Patient Version. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/esophageal/patient/esophageal-prevention-pdq

[vii] Can Esophageal Cancer be Prevented? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

[viii] Savor Health- Recipes. Retrieved from: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/resources/recipes/

[ix] Savor Health Blog- Fitness. Retrieved from: https://savor-health.flywheelsites.com/category/fitness/

[x] Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness (OHANCA) Program. Retrieved from: https://www.headandneck.org/ohancaw/#:~:text=2021%20Dates,November%207%20%2D13%2C%202021.

[xi] Prevention, Causes, and Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/risk-prevention-screening

[xii] Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-month/

[xiii] Head and Neck Cancer Screening: Guidelines and Tests. Retrieved from: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/screening-guidelines-head-neck