Generality: There are several kinds of cancer which can affect any of us; however, even though this can be frightening for each of us, many of these cancers are benign and do not need extensive treatment.  Some of the most common ones (bowel, breast, lung, etc.) can be usually identified by simple screening tests and a routine physical exam and will be discussed here.

Bowel Cancer:  Benign and malignant tumors of the stomach (upper bowel) usually present with weight loss, bloody vomit, and poor appetite.  They can be diagnosed only by an EGD which allows one to see the tumor and to obtain tissue.  Benign and malignant tumors of the colon (lower bowel) usually present with bloody stools, constipation, and weight loss.  They can be diagnosed only by a colonoscopy to visualize the tumor and obtain a tissue sample.  Finally, some forms of colon cancer or colonic polyps are hereditary.

Breast cancer:  It is second most common cause of death after lung cancer in females.  However, if identified early by simple mean such as self-breast exams (SBE), mammograms, and ultrsound, the cancer can be removed with minimal cosmetic deformities and excellent survival outcomes.  Some forms of breast cancer are hereditary (<5%).

Skin cancer:  There are many forms of skin cancers.  The vast majority are benign; however, there is a small percentage of malignant cancers.  Of these, melanoma is the most malignant and aggressive, squamous cell carcinoma is locally aggressive, basal cell carcinoma is the least locally invasive.  Their screening is done by both examination of the skin lesion as well as excisional biopsy of the lesions themselves which are examined by the pathologist.. 

Other common types of cancers are mentioned only for completeness, but our General Surgery practice does NEITHER provide screening NOR treatment.

Lung Cancer: It is the most common cancer in males and females.  Very frequently found in smokers, it presents with cough, bloody phlegm, pneumonia, and difficult breathing.  At times lung cancer causes no symptoms at all  to the patients, therefore it is often referred to as a "silent killer". Chest X-Ray and Computerized Tomography of the chest  are the only available screening tests.  The prognosis depends on the cell type and on how extensive is the tumor. You should consult a Thoracic Surgeon for this type of cancer.

Prostate cancer:  It is a frequent, slowly growing tumor of this gland (walnut shaped) located anterior to the rectum through which the urethra (or urine channel) passes.  Symptoms include difficult passage of urine, bladder infection, and local pain (when extensive).  It is usually diagnosed by routine prostate exam, ultrasound or needle biopsy. You should consult an Urologist for this type of cancer.