Last updated 6 months ago
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that cancer will strike more than 1.6 million Americans in 2012. Some types of cancer are much more common than others. Here’s a look at the types that the ACS expects to be diagnosed most frequently in 2012:
Prostate cancer. This is the most common type of cancer in men, except for skin cancer. The disease is more likely to develop in older men, African Americans, and men whose relatives have had prostate cancer.
When the disease is in its early stages, there are often no symptoms. More advanced disease may lead to an inability to urinate, the need to urinate frequently, pain or burning with urination and blood in the urine.
Breast cancer. This is the most common cancer that affects women, aside from skin cancer. Though it can also strike men, it does so much less often. Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and treatment is most effective. It is important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines.
Older women are more likely to develop breast cancer, and so are women who are overweight or obese after menopause. Drinking alcohol and being physically inactive can put women at higher risk of breast cancer.
Lung cancer. Cancer of the lung and a related structure called the bronchus is the second most common cancer in both men and women. It accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both genders.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain and a change in the voice. The issue that most often raises people’s risk of lung cancer is cigarette smoking.
Colorectal cancer – Colorectal cancer, which affects the lower part of the digestive system, is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women. People become more likely to develop this cancer as they get older. Other factors that raise the risk of the disease include obesity, lack of physical activity, eating red meat or processed meat frequently, smoking, and alcohol use.
Current screening recommendations call for men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer to begin screening at age 50.
Others in the 10 most common types of cancer are:
Males
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Bladder
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Mouth and pharynx (the back of the throat)
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Leukemia, which is cancer of the bone marrow and blood
Females
Males and females
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Melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer
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Kidney and a related structure called the renal pelvis
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which affects a type of white blood cell
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Pancreas
West Hills Hospital & Medical Center offers the latest advances in state-of-the-art cancer care. Our highly trained physicians and other providers diagnose and treat cancer in a caring, convenient setting. To learn more about our cancer treatment services, call (818) 676-4321.
Last updated 6 months ago
A mammogram can provide vital early detection assistance for effective breast cancer care. The National Cancer Institute discusses how mammograms help fight against breast cancer.
Noticing the warning signs for prostate cancer is essential toward early detection and successful treatment. The Prostate Cancer Foundation lists these common symptoms.
The annual National Health Education Week offers the American public the chance to become more informed about important healthcare and wellness issues.
Halloween is one of the top three holidays for emergency care visits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides an overview of essential Halloween safety tips.
West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in West Hills, California provides quality healthcare treatment options for a wide array of medical issues. Call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (818) 676-4321 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 6 months ago
Type-II diabetes is a health issue that millions of Americans face. Unfortunately, even people who do not have diabetes may still be at high risk for this disease. Type-II diabetes is the more common type of diabetes, and it can be prevented with greater awareness of the disease that may inspire individual lifestyle changes along with a push for a healthier community. In honor of American Diabetes Month this November, West Hills Hospital & Medical Center is offering free blood glucose screenings to help our patients recognize their risk for type-II diabetes. If you are affected by any of the factors below, you should definitely take part in this screening.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese is the leading cause of type-II diabetes, particularly in those who are apple shaped and carry most of their weight in the midsection. Losing weight gradually through healthier diet and regular physical activity can help you significantly reduce your risk for diabetes.
Smoking
While smoking does not directly cause diabetes, it does do harm to the major organs, including the heart and lungs. As problems arise from the damage caused by smoking cigarettes, your risk for diabetes will increase. Making an effort to quit is beneficial for your health at any age, so get proactive about smoking cessation if you do smoke.
Female gender
Women have unique risk factors for type-II diabetes, as they are more likely to get this disease if they have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Some women may also be at a higher risk if they have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which impacts hormone production and insulin resistance.
For more information about diabetes and your health, visit West Hills Hospital & Medical Center on November 20th for your glucose screening. Explore our other free health services, including classes and other health screenings, by visiting our website or calling us at (818) 676-4321.
Last updated 6 months ago
As lights are hung and candles are lit to brighten homes during the holidays, fire and burn safety become important subjects to keep in mind. Burn injuries are incredibly common through the holidays, but they can often be prevented with smart practices for cooking and decorating. Below are some quick tips to help you and your family stay safe from burns this season.
Keep children out of busy kitchens
While it can be fun to bring kids into the kitchen to prepare holiday meals and treats, you should recognize the tasks that are safe for your tiny helpers. Any time there is a crowd in the kitchen, it is best to have kids be somewhere else so they don’t accidentally encounter a harmful heat source. When kids are working in the kitchen, give them assignments for prep work that do not involve standing near the stove or using sharp objects.
Tidy up before decorating
Clutter is a significant fire risk, especially when decorative lights and candles are in the home. Keep your home clean this holiday season so that your decorations look great without posing a big risk. Cleaning up in the kitchen is also important, as you do not want to have towels or other ignitable material near the stove when you are busy cooking.
Check your fire extinguishers
If a small fire does ignite, the best way to prevent it from getting out of control is with a ready-to-use fire extinguisher. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher that is charged and easily found. Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it so that fires do not ruin your holiday.
When holiday accidents do occur, the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center can provide comprehensive care using the most advanced technology for recovery and rehabilitation. Learn more about our burn center on our website or call us at (818) 676-4321. To be better prepared for any medical emergency, download our iTriage Symptom Checker app for your smart phone.
Last updated 6 months ago
Hospital emergency rooms are often busy places. People come to the emergency room (or ER) with problems that are sudden or potentially severe enough to cause disability, death, or other serious consequences. These include heart attacks, strokes, asthma flare-ups, injuries, and mental or emotional issues.
Understanding how doctors, nurses, and other providers offer care in the ER will help you get the best treatment possible at your next visit.
When you arrive
When you come to the ER, a staff member – typically a nurse – will examine you to get a sense of the severity of your illness or injury. This process is called triage. It allows providers to quickly start treating the more serious cases. The triage provider will likely:
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Ask you about your symptoms
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Discuss your history of medical problems, whether you have allergies, and what medications you’re currently taking
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Measure your vital signs such as your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
This step only takes place if you come to the ER on your own or a friend or family member brings you. You’ll be treated more quickly if you’re unconscious or arrive by ambulance.
Getting into the system
If your illness or injury doesn’t require immediate treatment, you may register at this point. This requires giving an ER staff member your name, address, and other basic information, along with your health insurance information. (If you don’t have insurance, hospitals are required to still provide emergency care.)
Waiting to see a doctor
ERs provide treatment first to the people who are sickest or most badly hurt. So people who arrived after you may get to see a medical provider before you if they’re in more serious condition. In the meantime, visitors to the ER remain in a waiting room.
If your symptoms are growing worse while you’re in the waiting room, be sure to let the triage nurse know.
Getting treatment
An ER doctor – or other specialist in the hospital who may be consulted for your case - will examine you to diagnose and treat your health problem. Depending on your illness or injury, this may involve:
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Blood tests
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Imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan
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Tests to see how well your heart is working
The emergency room doctor may provide a treatment for your problem – such as a cast for a broken bone or a medication for an illness – and discharge you so you can return home. But if you have a serious issue that needs more monitoring and treatment, you may be admitted to the hospital.
The staff of specialty physicians and emergency health care professionals at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center serves the community around the clock. You can learn more about our advanced and comprehensive emergency care services by calling (818) 676-4321 today. You can also get our emergency room wait times sent directly to your mobile phone by texting ‘ER’ to 23000 and responding with your West Hills zip code.
