Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

The federal government estimated that nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2023 with many dying from their disease. According to research, more than 40 percent of these cases and nearly half of the deaths could be attributed to preventable causes – smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun, among others. 

As important as living a healthier lifestyle, getting cancer screenings at regular intervals is another important way to protect against cancer. Not only can screenings find cancers early when they’re most treatable -- in the cases of colon and cervical cancer -- but they can actually help prevent the disease. The American Cancer Society has guidelines for average-risk adults with recommendations that include regular screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. For many other cancer types, researchers continue to conduct studies to learn the best ways to find cancer before symptoms appear. Talk with your physician about your personal risk for these cancers, what screenings are available, and when and how often you should have them. 

Steps to Reduce Your Risk: 

• Don’t smoke
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get enough vitamin D
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Make quality sleep a priority
• Get cancer screenings regularly
• Protect yourself from infections
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Avoid harsh chemicals that cause cancer
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation
• Protect yourself from the sun and avoid tanning beds