Approximately one in two men and one in three women will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Despite those sobering statistics, many cancers can be treated and cured, thanks to improvements in diagnosis and therapies.
“The key to a cure is early detection and treatment,” says Daisy Boehm, APNP, an Oncology/Hematology Specialist with ThedaCare Cancer Care.
Hope for Tomorrow
Each June, we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Month. It’s a time tohonor the more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States.
The annual observance also offers an opportunity to promote proactive steps people can take to reduce their risk of cancer. These tips apply not only to cancer survivors but also to people undergoing treatment or focused on prevention.
“You can help prevent cancer through lifestyle modifications and staying on top of routine health screening recommendations,” Boehm says.
Know the Signs
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize common cancer signs. The acronym CAUTION helps individuals identify concerning symptoms. If you experience any of these, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your primary care provider.
- C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A: A sore that does not heal
- U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
- T: Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
- I: Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- O: Obvious change in a wart or mole
- N: Nagging cough or hoarseness
“This acronym is not all inclusive, but it’s a good starting point to identifying cancer earlier,” Boehm says. “Still, prevention is the best strategy for avoiding a cancer diagnosis.”
Principles of Prevention
Boehm recommends nine steps for preventing cancer — or catching it early, when it’s most treatable.
1. Eat healthy foods
Obese and overweight individuals are at increased risk several types of cancer, including esophageal, colorectal, breast, endometrial, and kidney. Prevention starts with maintaining a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with reducing risk of breast cancer, along with many other diseases. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, healthy oils, and nuts, this anti-inflammatory diet provides antioxidants and fiber that help protect cells from damage. It also helps with your gut microbiome, which influences inflammation and immune response — both critical in cancer risk.
Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D — in food or supplement form — also is essential for reducing the risk of prostate, colon, and other malignancies.
2. Stay Active
Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Aim for at least two days per week of strength training as well. Movement is medicine, helping to regulate hormones like insulin and estrogen, reduce stress and inflammation, and support a healthy weight.
3. Protect Your Skin
Skin cancer remains one of the most common — and preventable — cancers. Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing are simple, effective habits. Limiting sun exposure and avoiding tanning beds also are important to avoiding risk of skin cancers.
4. Quit Smoking & Avoid Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Tobacco products contain at least 69 known chemicals associated with cancer. Avoiding inhaled and chewing tobacco products can reduce risk of cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and kidney. Secondhand smoke also is associated with increased risk of lung cancer.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, liver, kidney and colorectal. If you drink, do so in moderation — no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. However, the ACS recommends avoiding alcohol altogether.
6. Minimize Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation, asbestos fibers, benzene, aromatic amines and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Household cleaners, pesticides and air pollutants may contain carcinogens. Choose non-toxic, fragrance-free products. Workers in high-risk environments should use proper personal protective equipment. It’s also a good idea to have your home’s radon levels tested.
7. Practice Safe Behaviors
Avoid risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and sharing needles, both of which increase the risk of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which can lead to cancer. Use protection and seek regular testing.
8. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines protect against infections that can lead to cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can prevent cervical and other cancers, while hepatitis B vaccination reduces the risk of liver cancer.
9. Prioritize Cancer Screenings
Maintaining regular medical care is important for following through with necessary screening exams and vaccines. Routine screenings for breast, colorectal, cervical, lung and prostate cancer can detect disease early — when it’s most treatable. Physicians and advanced practice clinicians use the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force when counseling patients. Your primary care provider will discuss what screenings are right for your age, family history and risk level.
Survivorship: A Lifelong Journey
These healthy lifestyle habits extend well beyond any cancer diagnosis. As part of the ThedaCare Cancer Survivorship program, patients receive guidance on steps they can take to prevent additional cancers and continue to live their best lives.
“Patients complete a comprehensive visit to ensure we address any care gaps, complete routine screening exams, and reinforce and encourage healthy lifestyle habits,” Boehm says. “Prevention is ongoing — for all of us.”
Connect to comprehensive, compassionate cancer care.
