Breast Resources:

You and Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer (Noninvasive)
Breast Cancer (Invasive)
Breast Cancer (Metastatic)

Non-breast Resources (download our American College of Surgeons Patient Education brochures here):

American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Appendectomy
Cholecystectomy
Ventral Hernia Repair
Wound Management
Ventral Hernia Repair
Cholecystectomy
Medication and Surgery
Colectomy
Quit Smoking
Pain Control
Wound Management

Useful Websites

    Princeton Community Hospital: https://pchonline.org/

    American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/

    American Diabetes Association: https://www.diabetes.org/

    American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/

    Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/

    Mental Health.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/

    National Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.nof.org/

    US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/

    Women’s Health.gov: https://www.womenshealth.gov/

      Colorectal Cancer

      This disease refers to cancer that develops in the colon and rectum. According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer in both American men and women. More than 90% of cases occur in people age 50 and over.

      Symptoms: early-stage colorectal cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms. advanced disease may cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, cramping pain lower abdomen, and a change in bowel habits.

      Tests that find polyps and cancer (Preferred by the American Cancer Society):

      • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
      • Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
      • CT colonography (Virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
      • Colonoscopy every 10 years*

      Tests that mainly find cancer:

      • Fecal blood test every year
      • Fecal immunochemical test every year
      • Stool DNA test every three years
      • Yearly guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

      *If test results are positive colonoscopy should also be done.

        Good health: Take it to Heart

        Heart disease is the leading cause of death for US women. Protect yourself by having a cardiac disease risk assessment with your doctor. Then do all you can to lower your risk. Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke, keep cholesterol and weight in healthy ranges; exercise regularly; eat right; and keep stress under control.

        Visit http://www.heart.org/ for more life saving information.

          Blood Pressure

          High blood pressure, called hypertension, can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and heart & kidney failure.

          • Normal Range: Systolic (top#) < 120, Diastolic (bottom #) < 80
          • Pre-hypertension: Systolic (top#) 120-129, Diastolic (bottom #) 80-89
          • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: Systolic (top #) 140-159, Diastolic (bottom #) 90-99
          • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: Systolic (top #) 160+, Diastolic (bottom #) 100+
          • Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed): Systolic (top #) Above 180, Diastolic (bottom #) Above 110

          It’s recommended that adults age 20 and over should get a blood pressure screening at least once every two years; more frequently as directed by your doctor if over 120/80.

            Cholesterol

            Cholesterol is a type of fat made by your liver and carried in your blood. You also get cholesterol from certain foods. Cholesterol readings measure your total body cholesterol, LDL and HDL. They also measure your triglycerides, another fat found in the body.

            LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When too much LDL is in the blood, and gets deposited as plaque on the artery walls, it can lead to heart attack and stroke. A triglyceride level plus high LDL speeds up the clogging of arteries. HDL is known as good cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to the liver for elimination. the higher your HDL level, the more cholesterol can leave your body, lowering your risk for heart disease.

              Blood Glucose

              There are three tests a doctor may use to detect and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be type II diabetes.

              It is recommended for individuals age 18-84 to get a blood glucose screening test if they are overweight and have other risk factors.* It’s recommended for people 45 & over to get a blood glucose screening test.

              *if test results are normal, retest every 3 years or more often depending on risk factors– speak with your doctor. If test results indicate prediabetes, retest annually.

                Weight, BMI & Waist Measurement

                Your weight affects more than just how you look. It can be a contributing factor in many diseases. If you need to lose weight, you’re not alone. Over 60% of American adults are overweight or obese, 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight.

                Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight relative to your height. BMI is an indicator of total body fat, but has limitations. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and other who have a muscular build. To measure your waist, place a tape measure around your body at the top of your hip bone. This is usually the level of your belly button.

                If your weight, BMI, and waist size aren’t in healthy ranges, talk with your doctor about what actions to take.

                • Underweight: Below 18.5
                • Normal: 18.5 – 24.9
                • Overweight: 25 – 29.9
                • Obese: 30 & over