Identifying and Addressing Cancer Early Increases Chances of Successful Treatment
Let's Talk About Slashing Cancer Risks
Hey folks! Today, we're diving deep into the world of cancer and discussing ways to reduce its menacing presence in our lives. Making smart choices and being proactive about our health can drastically lower our chances of developing this deceivingly silent killer.
Did you know that around 75-80% of all cancers are preventable? That's a staggering number! According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), poor lifestyle choices and environmental factors are the main culprits. Let's take a closer look at these avoidable risk factors.
Weighty Matters: The Impact of Excess PoundsWeight management plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing various cancers, such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer, just to name a few. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help ensure your weight stays within healthy parameters.
Liquid Courage? Think Again!Alcohol consumption has a dark side, too. It's the third most important risk factor for cancer after smoking and excess body weight. Drinking too much or even moderately can increase your risk of cancers like liver, breast, colon, and esophageal cancer. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is a simple yet effective way to lower your cancer risk.
Cough, Cough: Smoking's Harmful EffectsWe all know smoking is terrible for our lungs, but it also greatly increases the risk of various cancers, including those of the lung, mouth, and throat. Kicking the habit can lead to a significant reduction in cancer risk.
Food for ThoughtOpting for a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can significantly reduce your cancer risk. On the other hand, consuming too many processed foods, red meats, sugary drinks, and refined grains can increase your chances of developing cancer.
Sun Shield, Always Be ReadySkin cancer is largely the result of unprotected exposure to the sun, so it's wise to take precautions whenever you're stepping out into the sun's rays. Cover up with protective clothing, slather on some sunscreen, and remember—don't forget the sunglasses!
Early Detection: The Key to Successful TreatmentRegular screenings can identify cancers before they show symptoms, giving you a wider range of treatment options and better outcomes. Following your healthcare provider's recommendations and the ACS's guidelines will ensure you get the appropriate screenings based on your age, sex, and risk factors. For more info, hop on over to our company's *Health and Wellness page and check out the cancer topic*.
Breast CancerRegular mammograms can detect breast cancer early, often leading to less aggressive treatment and higher survival rates. Women should start getting mammograms starting at age 40, the frequency of which depends on their individual risk factors.
Cervical CancerPap tests and HPV tests are vital for identifying changes in cervical cells early, allowing for the treatment of precancerous lesions before they progress.
Colorectal CancerColonoscopies are crucial for detecting and removing polyps early, preventing the development of colorectal cancer. These screenings are recommended starting at age 45 for both men and women.
Lung CancerRegular screening can detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. Using low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, current and former smokers can undergo screenings to catch the disease before symptoms appear.
Catching it Early: The SignsRecognizing early signs and symptoms of cancer can help ensure timely treatment. General signs to watch out for include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Pain
- Skin changes
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
Should you notice any persistent or unusual changes that last for more than a couple of weeks, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Health Agencies in the U.S.:The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are instrumental in supporting cancer research, prevention, and early detection initiatives. In recent years, there have been reductions to these agencies' workforce, sparking concerns within the public health community about potential negative impacts on ongoing research projects, delays in clinical trials, and limitations in the development of new, innovative treatments.
Supporting these health agencies is essential to ensuring continued advancements in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Disruptions in clinical trials, reductions of the workforce, and funding freezes within these agencies can have serious consequences for cancer patients and the general public, such as drug shortages and weakening public health initiatives focused on cancer prevention and early detection.
Sources:[1] American Cancer Society. (2021, January 12). Key Statistics for Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/lifetime-risk-of-developing-or-dying-from-cancer.html[2] American Cancer Society. (2020, December 14). Cancer Prevention: What You Can Do. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/diet-nutrition/cancer-prevention- healthy-eating.html[3] Olsen, J. H., et al. (2018). Alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and physical activity as risk factors of cancer in young adults. BMJ Open, 8(9), e021792. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/9/e021792[4] International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2017). Overweight, Obesity, and Physical Inactivity. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. https://www.iarc.fr/en/publications/books/handbooks/physical-activity/overweight-obesity-physical-inactivity[5] National Cancer Institute. (2020, October 2). Cancer Risk Factors. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/factors
- Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can significantly lower your risk of developing various medical-conditions like cancer, as per the American Cancer Society (ACS).
- In addition to adopting healthy lifestyle choices, early detection of cancer through regular screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests, can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival, as explained in the ACS's guidelines for cancer prevention and early detection.
