Women should receive regular screenings to promote the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Screening Recommendations

• All women: Know the benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening, including family history and risk factors. Learn how to conduct a monthly self-breast exam and contact your health care provider if you are under age 40 and notice any of these signs.
• Women ages 40 to 44: Discuss breast cancer screening, including mammograms (x-rays of the breast), with your health care provider.
• Women ages 45 to 54: Schedule a yearly mammogram with your health care provider, or with your local county health department if you qualify for Florida Department of Health’s Florida Early Detection Program.
• Women 55 and older: Can switch to mammograms every two years or continue annual screening. Screenings should continue, as long as you are in good health.

If you do not have access to a health care provider, you may be able to receive free or low-cost screenings through the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. In 2019, only 193 men in Florida were diagnosed with breast cancer, compared to 19,060 women (Source: Florida Cancer Data System). Contact a health care professional as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your breasts.

According to the American Cancer Society, changes to watch for include:

• a lump or swelling, which is often (but not always) painless;
• skin dimpling or puckering;
• nipple retraction (turning inward);
• redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin; or
• discharge from the nipple.

Non-Hispanic Black men and men over 80 years old are reported to have the highest incidence and death rates of male breast cancer. (Source: CDC). Be proactive when it comes to your health. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of breast cancer screening.

The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program promotes early monitoring and treatment of cancer by encouraging all women to receive regular screenings.

If you do not have access to a health care provider, you may be able to receive free or low-cost screenings through the Early Detection Program. The care of most women diagnosed under this program is supported by Florida Medicaid. The program is structured to reach women in each county, across the state.

Florida’s Early Detection Program offers services such as:

• Breast and cervical cancer screening (clinical breast exams, mammograms, and pap-smear tests).
• Diagnostic testing for women with abnormal screening results.
• Care coordination for all women with abnormal exams.
• Florida Medicaid eligibility referral for women screened and diagnosed with cancer through the Early Detection Program.

Screening Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for women to be screened by the program include ALL of the following:

• Florida resident.
• Aged 50-64.
• At or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Underinsured or uninsured.
• Women younger than 50 years old who are symptomatic, have a family history of breast cancer, meet the eligibility requirements for poverty level, or underinsured or uninsured.

Women who have been diagnosed with cancer through the Early Detection Program are provided care coordination and Medicaid enrollment assistance through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Women who are not eligible for the Early Detection Program are directed to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services in their local community. National organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen and the American Breast Cancer Foundation, provide breast cancer screening in some Florida locations for both men and women in need of financial assistance.

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in men, with over 3 million new cases in the United States and 12,000 new cases in Florida, reported annually.

Screening Recommendations

• Age 40: Talk with a health care provider about screening if you are African American or if you have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65.
• Age 50: Talk with a health care provider about the pros and cons of screening for prostate cancer to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and most lethal cancer in Florida.

Screening Recommendations

• Ages 55-80: The United States Preventive Service Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening for adults with a 20-pack-per year smoking history.

Studies show that current and former heavy tobacco smokers who have an annual low-dose computed tomography scan lower their risk of dying from lung cancer by 15-20% when they receive an annual low-dose computed tomography scan, compared to an annual chest X-ray examination.

Colon and rectal cancers are two of the most frequently diagnosed (Source: Federal Data).

Screening Recommendations:

• Age 45-75: Schedule regular screenings to manage risk and early detection.
• Ages 76-85: Talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, consider your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.

Cancers in children and adolescents are often more difficult to recognize because early symptoms may be nonspecific compared to adult cancers. While most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors, the causes of childhood cancers remain unknown.

Parents should schedule regular health checkups for their children, and be aware of any unusual or persisting symptoms, including:

•   Unusual mass or swelling.
•   Unexplained paleness and/or loss of energy.
•   Sudden tendency to bruise.
•   Persistent, localized pain or limping.
•   Prolonged fever or illness
•   Frequent headaches, often with vomiting.
•   Sudden eye or vision changes.
•   Excessive and/or rapid weight loss.

Live Like Bella offers financial assistance with medical copays and basic needs such as gas, groceries, utilities, and more for families affected by pediatric cancer. The organization also works closely with families to offer memorial support, if needed. Visit Live Like Bella

Passport for Care allows pediatric cancer survivors and their health care team to support survivors’ health needs into adulthood by adapting their treatment plans. Visit Passport For Care

The Childhood Cancer Project aims to advance current cancer research and explore new ways to cure, control, and prevent disease by funding research that improves outcomes for children with cancer. Visit the Childhood Cancer Project

The Kids Cancer Foundation assists patients and their families by offering pediatric oncology patient care navigation, child enrichment programs, and educational advocacy. These include family support services such as tutoring, family socials, kids’ night out events, and gift card assistance. Visit the Kids Cancer Foundation

The Childhood Cancer Foundation in Volusia County, provides financial assistance to families of pediatric cancer patients through vouchers that pay for gas, meals, clothing, cell phone services, and more. Visit the Childhood Cancer Foundation

The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation is a pediatric cancer charity and foundation that provides emergency financial assistance for pediatric cancer patients in need of basic necessities. The foundation serves children in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Visit Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation

The Children’s Cancer Center serves pediatric cancer patients and their families with emotional, financial, and educational support programs ranging from art therapy, counseling, FLIGHT camp, and many more. Visit the Children's Cancer Center

Visit the American Cancer Society’s resources here.

Leukemia is a cancer of the early blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic system. It typically affects white blood cells that help your body fight infections. There are several types of leukemia identified by growth speed: acute (faster) or chronic (slower). Certain types of leukemia may be more common among different age groups.

Symptoms

Symptoms or signs of leukemia may vary. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor:

• fever or chills;
• persistent fatigue and/or weakness;
• frequent or severe infections;
• losing weight, unintentionally;
• swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen;
• easy bleeding or bruising;
• recurrent nosebleeds;
• tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae);
• excessive sweating, especially at night; or
• bone pain or tenderness.

Learn more about Leukemia

Lymphoma refers to cancers that start in the lymphatic system (the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry infection-fighting white blood cells). The two main kinds of lymphoma are:

1. Hodgkin lymphoma: spreads orderly from one group of lymph nodes to another.
2. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: spreads sporadically through the lymphatic system in a non-orderly way.

Certain populations are at higher risk of developing lymphoma, specifically:

• Men are more likely than women to develop lymphoma.
• White individuals are more likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Young teens, young adults (ages 15 to 39), and older adults (75 years and older) are most at-risk for developing Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically include swollen lymph nodes, especially in the area of the body where the lymphoma starts to grow. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• swollen lymph nodes;
• fever;
• night sweats;
• tiredness; or
• unexplained weight loss.

Learn more about Lymphoma

Tumors develop due to uncontrolled cell growth in the brain. While the cause of brain cancer may often be unknown, exposure to radiation or a family history of brain tumors may increase your risk.

If possible, ensure your health care provider is apprised of your family’s medical history. Symptoms include:

• Headaches that don’t subside with over-the-counter medications.
• Impaired coordination or balance.
• Difficulty walking.
• Difficulty in routine activities like talking and reading.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Memory loss.
• Weakness in limbs, face, or side of the body.

Learn more about Brain Cancer

Regular health screenings are essential to maintaining your gynecological health. Talk with your doctor about what screenings are right for you based on family history and other possible risk factors.

Women should always address any changes with their health care provider if they notice any of these symptoms:

• abnormal bleeding or discharge.
• pelvic pain or pressure.
• longer or heavier menstrual periods.
• bloating.
• abdominal pressure.

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year in Florida, over 1,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and approximately 300 will die from the disease.

Prevention and Screening

The Papanicolaou test (Pap test) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test may help prevent cervical cancer or detect it during early stages. If you have low income or without health insurance, you may be able to get free or low-cost screening through the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

• All women: Know the benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to cervical cancer screening and be aware of the risk factors linked to cervical cancer.
• Women ages 21 to 29: Schedule regular Pap tests and follow your provider’s screening recommendations based on those results.
• Women ages 30 to 65: Based on your testing history, you may only need a Pap test and/or HPV test every three to five years.
• Women over 65: Based on your testing history, you may no longer need additional screenings.

Cervical cancer is highly curable when found and treated early. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Check with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for the HPV vaccine.

Learn more about Gynecological Cancers

Ovarian cancer, which forms in the ovaries or fallopian tubes, is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. In 2019, there were 1,597 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in Florida, with half being among women 63 years old and older.

Several factors can affect a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer, including:

• Family history of ovarian cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
• Advanced age.
• Being overweight.

Talk to your health care provider about what screening tests may be appropriate.

Learn more about Ovarian Cancer

Head, neck, and throat cancers account for approximately 4% of all cancers in the United States. Those cancers usually begin in the cells that line the surfaces of the head and neck, including inside the mouth, throat, voice box, and nasal cavity. Alcohol and tobacco use are the two most common risk factors for head and neck cancers.

Symptoms

Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is the best way to lower your risk of getting head or neck cancer. Contact your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Lump or thickening in the throat.
• Trouble or pain when swallowing food.
• Persistent pain in the throat.
• Pain or ringing in the ears.
• Blocked sinuses or sinus infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
• Problems with dentures fitting.

Learn more about Head, Neck, and Throat Cancers

Oral cancers originate in the front two-thirds of the tongue, gums, lining of the cheeks, lips, bottom of the mouth under the tongue, top of the mouth, and a small area of gum behind the wisdom teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your dental provider:

• White or red sore on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth that does not heal.
• Swelling in the jaw.
• Lump in the gums or lining of the mouth.
• Pain or problems with dentures.

Prevention

An oral cancer screening is an essential part of each dental checkup. Talk with your dental provider to discuss these screenings.

Learn more about Mouth Cancer

Approximately 25,000 men and 19,000 women are diagnosed with liver cancer every year in the United States. Hepatitis C is a risk factor for developing liver cancer. More than 150,000 Floridians are currently living with Hepatitis C.

• Swollen abdomen.
• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or on the right side.
• Hard lump on the right side of the abdomen.
• Pain near the right shoulder or on back.
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• Unexplained weight loss or tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.

Learn more about Liver Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Florida’s skin cancer rate is higher than the national rate of 23 people, per 100,000. Applying sun protection should be an everyday habit that will help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer when enjoying the Florida sunshine.

There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma, the least common, but the most fatal because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Anyone can get skin cancer; however, higher risk factors include:

• Lighter natural skin color.
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
• Blue or green eyes.
• Blond or red hair.
• Certain types and high quantity of moles.
• Family or personal history of skin cancer.
• Older age.

Symptoms

A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer – this could be a new growth, a sore that won’t heal, or a change in the appearance of a mole. Not all skin cancers look the same. Talk with your health care provider if you notice the following changes in your skin or notice any of the signs of melanoma:

ABCDEs of melanoma moles and spots:

Asymmetrical: Does it have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?
Color: Is the color uneven?
Diameter: Is it larger than the size of a pea?
Evolving: Has it changed during the past few weeks or months?

Learn more about Skin Cancer

While the causes of thyroid cancer are unknown, some risks include:

• Getting too much radiation around the neck area, especially when you are young.
• Inheriting certain genetic conditions from parents.

Symptoms

A lump or swelling on the side of the neck is the most common symptom. Immediately talk with your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms. Don’t wait until they get worse.

• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Having a hoarse voice.

Learn more about Thyroid Cancer