
<b>Etiology and Screening for Sarcomas
Excerpt from the NIH site</b>

<b>Etiology</b>
This article is well written. I recommend reading it.
&&url


<b>Screening for Sarcomas</b>

"Given the rare incidence of sarcomas in the general population, no general screening is indicated beyond routine health care surveillance. However, it is important for physicians to be aware of the predisposing genetic tendencies and environmental exposures that might increase the risk of sarcoma development. Complete family history should reveal clues as to genetic predispositions, including a family history of polyposis, neurofibromatosis, retinoblastoma, any cancer at young age in first-degree relatives, or prior sarcomas. Genetic counseling would be appropriate to discuss issues relating to these predispositions. In appropriate patients, a more detailed clinical evaluation might be required at a lower threshold of intervention than one might use for general health care. Rapidly growing masses, especially symptomatic ones, in patients with neurofibromatosis should be considered for surgical removal to rule out the potential of sarcomatous transformation within a neurofibroma. Similarly, any superficial or deep abnormalities of skin or soft tissues in patients with a history of prior RT should be evaluated very thoroughly, given the known increased risk of sarcoma development. "

The above information is from the &&url


<b>Modifiable Risk Factors for Cancers</b>

"Over 6 million people around the world die from cancer each year. Modifiable risk factors have been linked to a wide range of malignancies, including cancers of the oropharynx, oesophagus, larynx, lung, kidney, bladder, pancreas, skin, stomach, ovary, breast, cervix, uterus, prostate, and colon. Research indicates that over half of all cancers in developed countries could be prevented if we implemented population-wide measures to promote the following behaviours: reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, control weight, improve diet, limit alcohol, utilise safer sex practices, get routine cancer screening tests, and avoid excess sun exposure."
&&url PMID: 14735167
