Approximately 39.3% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer during their lives.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute, cancer happens when the orderly process of old cells dying and being replaced by new cells breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells can grow and multiply, forming tumors that either stay where they are (benign) or invade other areas (malignant).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined ways to find cancers early, when they are most treatable, and to help prevent cancer from happening in the first place.
Find cancer early through screening. Ask your doctor about routine screening for:
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Lung Cancer
In addition to routine screening, consider these risk factors and things you can do:
- Family history
- Learn your family’s history and share it with your doctor.
- Alcohol
- Lower your risk of cancer by drinking less alcohol or not drinking it at all.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus Infection)
- Children should get an HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12.
- The HPV and PAP tests can help find cervical cancer early.
- Being overweight or having obesity can increase your risk of 13 types of cancer.
- Talk with your doctor about eating healthy and physical activity.
- Tobacco
- Tobacco’s 70+ chemicals can damage DNA and cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. Almost 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco.
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed are linked to skin cancer.
- Have fun outdoors while protecting yourself with shade, clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Hepatitis C can increase the risk for liver cancer.
- The CDC recommends that most adults be tested for Hepatitis C.
Talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors for cancer and recommended screening tests. Work on a plan to be as healthy as possible.
For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/healthy-choices