Cancers and Swellings

Frequently Asked Questions

This document is based on the commonly asked questions by the patients
from the Family Physicians

Q.1 What causes a hernia?

Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles, which can make them more
Ans. prone to hernias. Obesity, smoking, and pregnancy also increase the chance of
getting a hernia. A hernia often develops when you lift heavy objects, during
intense physical activity, when you strain during a bowel movement, or even have
a persistent cough.

Q.2 Is surgery necessary for my hernia, I don’t have any pain?

It is recommended that most hernias be surgically repaired, especially inguinal
hernias. As patients age, hernias tend to get larger, and therefore more difficult to
Ans. fix. With time, hernias can also develop several complications. In some cases, if the
bowel becomes trapped in the opening caused by weakened muscles, blood flow
can be blocked; causing pain to increase and often requiring urgent surgery.

Q.3 How soon can I resume activity after my surgery?

Normal activity (minus exercise other than walking) for both open and laparscopic
Ans.
repair can be resumed as soon as you feel well – usually within a few days.

Q.4 When can I return to work after my surgery?

Ans. It depends on what type of work you do and which type of surgery you have.
Typically, open repair patients may go back to deskwork within a week depending
on how well you feel. Similarly, with laparoscopic repair, you may go back to
deskwork within a few days.

If heavy lifting is required (greater than 20 – 25 lbs.), you may have to restrict this

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 activity for 4 to 6 weeks.

Q.5 What are common risk factors for breast cancer?

Women with personal or family histories of either breast cancer or ovarian cancer
are at high risk, as are women with certain genetic abnormalities such as BRCA-1 or
BRCA-2 genes. Additionally, women who begin their menstrual cycles before age
Ans.
12 or began menopause before age 50 are at higher risk for breast cancer. Being
overweight and inactive can also put you at high risk. Long term use of hormone
replacement therapy and radiation therapy to the chest increase risk as well.

Q.6 What kind of changes or symptoms should I be concerned about?

There are a number of breast changes that can be a sign of breast cancer. Visit a
doctor immediately if you note any of the following:

 A lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast

Ans.  A lump in the underarm area
 Change in the size or shape of a breast
 Nipple pain, tenderness or discharge, including bleeding
 Itchiness, scales, soreness or rash on nipple
 Nipple turning inward or inverted
 Change in skin colour and texture: dimpling, puckering or redness
 Breast that feels warm or swollen

Q.7 What are common risk factors for colorectal cancer?

Being aged 50 or older is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Having a personal or
Ans. family history of colorectal cancer or polyps also puts a person at higher risk of
developing the disease. Anyone who has a long-term personal history of
inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohns Disease) also is at higher
risk.

Q.8 How can I prevent colorectal cancer?

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 See your doctor for yearly screenings after the age of 45. Be sure to maintain a diet
Ans. low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber. Get regular exercise and
avoid cigarette smoking. Keep alcohol consumption in moderation. Additionally,
Colon Cancer screening tests can identify and allow removal of pre-cancerous
polyps and prevent the development of cancer.

Q.9 What are the screening options for detecting colorectal cancer?
Screening tests are the best way to find and remove polyps before they become
cancerous, or to find an early cancer, when treatment can be most effective.
Ans. Several screening options exist. These include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT),
flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Your
doctor can inform you about which test will be the best option for you.

Q.10 Will I be infertile after removal of a testicle?

No! Only one working testicle is needed for normal fertility. A single testicle can
Ans.
make normal amounts of sperm and testosterone.

References:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/testicular-torsion
https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/frequently-asked-questions-about-colorectal-cancer
https://healthcare.ascension.org/blog/2019/07/six-common-questions-about-hernias
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/hernia-surgery/frequently-asked-questions-about-hernias
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/hernia/faq.htm
https://www.preventcancer.org/education/preventable-cancers/breast-cancer/faqs/