SESSION 21

1. What methods to detect Fecal Occult Blood Testing are available, and are there any advantages
of one method over another? (10 points)

ANSWER: A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) looks at a sample of your stool (poop) to check for
blood. Occult blood means that you can't see it with the naked eye. And fecal means that it is in your
stool. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the Philippines. A fecal occult
blood test can screen for colorectal cancer to help find the disease early when treatment may be most
effective. Regular colorectal cancer screenings, such as fecal occult blood tests, are an important tool in
the fight against cancer. Studies show that screening tests can help find cancer early and may reduce
deaths from the disease. Doing a stool test reassures you if the result is normal. A stool test can prevent
cancer by detecting blood from polyps. These polyps can be removed before they become cancerous. A
stool test helps find cancer early before you have symptoms.

SESSION 22

1. Are H.I.’s symptoms typical of those associated with lung cancer?

ANSWER: Yes, H.I’s symptoms is typical of those associated with lung cancer. Cigarette smoking
is the most important risk factor in the development of lung cancer. It is estimated that as many as 90
percent of lung cancer diagnoses could be prevented if cigarette smoking were eliminated. Common
lung cancer symptoms include chronic cough, repeated respiratory infections, coughing up blood, bone
pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness and chest pain.

2. What are the current recommendations for prevention and\ screening for early detection of
lung cancer in patients like H.I.?

ANSWER: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. People who smoke have
the greatest risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked.
The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you've smoked. If you
quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of
developing lung cancer. The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed
tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). During an LDCT scan, you lie on a table and an X-
ray machine uses a low dose (amount) of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The scan only
takes a few minutes and is not painful. There's no sure way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce
your risk if you don't smoke, If you've never smoked, don't start. Talk to your children about not
smoking so that they can understand how to avoid this major risk factor for lung cancer second stop
smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you've smoked for years. Another is
Avoid second hand smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least,
ask him or her to smoke outside. Next, eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Choose a healthy diet with
a variety of fruits and vegetables. Food sources of vitamins and nutrients are best. Lastly, exercise most
days of the week. If you don't exercise regularly, start out slowly. Try to exercise most days of the week.
SESSION 23

1. What are J.P.’s risk factors for prostate cancer?

ANSWER: The most common risk factor are age, race and family history (including genetics).
The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer. As men age, their risk for prostate
cancer increases considerably. About 60% of prostate cancer is diagnosed in men over age 65. That is
why talking with your doctor about PSA screening for prostate cancer as you enter middle age is so
important. Genes for disease can run in families. Of all the major cancers, prostate cancer is the most
heritable: 58% of prostate cancer is driven by genetic factors. Men who have a close relative with
prostate cancer may be twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with 2 or more relatives may
be nearly 4 times as likely to be diagnosed. The risk is higher if the affected family members were
diagnosed before age 60. Family members share many genes, there may be multiple genetic factors that
contribute to the overall risk of prostate cancer in a family. However, there are also some individual
genes (such as BRCA2) that we now know increase the risk of prostate cancer if certain changes
(mutations) are present in the gene. Men with these gene mutations may need to be screened
differently. Although there is clearly a disproportionate number of Black men who are diagnosed with
prostate cancer, the increased death rate from prostate cancer has been shown to be due in part to
inequality in access to healthcare, insurance, PSA screening, appropriate treatment and follow-up, and
other socioeconomic factors.

2. Is J.P.’s disease still considered stage II? (10 points)

ANSWER: Yes, Stage II: The tumor is found only in the prostate. PSA levels are medium or low.
Stage II prostate cancer is small but may have an increasing risk of growing and spreading. Gleason 7:
The cells look somewhat similar to healthy cells, which is called moderately differentiated. Stage 2
means the cancer is in more than half of one side of the prostate. But it is still completely contained
within the prostate gland. Almost everyone (almost 100%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more
after they are diagnosed. So, how serious is stage II, if stage 2 prostate cancer spreads outside the
prostate, it can reach nearby tissues, the lymph system, or the bloodstream. From there, it can
metastasize to distant sites. Later stage prostate cancer is difficult to treat and can be life-threatening.