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Oncology

Can You Prevent Cancer?

Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Cancer Risk

Meta Description to begin and how often to get a mammogram.
When someone asks, “Can you prevent cancer?” here are some of
the choices and tests that can help avoid cancer or find it soon Cervical cancer – Pap tests identify abnormal cells in the cervix that
enough to make a difference. While there are many factors that we could develop into cancer, and is recommended for women age 21 to 65.
can’t control, we do have some control over lifestyle and our environ-
ment. Plus, know the warning signs of cancer. Colorectal cancer – For most people, colorectal screening begins at age
50. Certain conditions may cause your doctor to recommend earlier
Can You Prevent Cancer? screening.
More than 1.6 million people received a cancer diagnosis in 2017.
And while there are many factors that we can’t control, such as genes, Lung cancer – Candidates for lung cancer screening include people
we do have some control over lifestyle and our environment. When who have a history of heavy smoking or have quit within the last 15
someone asks, “Can you prevent cancer?” here are some of the choic- years, and are age 55 to 80 years old.
es and tests that can help avoid cancer or find it soon enough to make
a difference. BY ARTHUR IGLESIAS, Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
MD Different cancers have a variety of symptoms. However, when the goal
Lifestyle Choices to Reduce the Risk of Cancer is to prevent cancer, it’s helpful to know some of the general signs to
1. Protect your skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, caused by exposure watch for.
to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or tanning beds. When you’re outside, wear • Unexplained weight loss – Losing 10 pounds or more without trying may be a
a hat, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. Stay in shade when possible sign of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung.
and/or avoid the peak hours of sunlight between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. standard time. • Fatigue – Extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest may be a symptom as
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk for several types of cancers cancer grows or if the cancer is causing internal bleeding.
including uterine, breast, prostate and colorectal. Your weight is directly related to • Fever – Cancer often has associated fever when it spreads past where it started.
food and activity choices. If you’re not sure how to get started, talk with your doctor. • Pain – The location of pain may indicate a type of cancer such as bone or testic-
3. Avoid tobacco. Lung cancer is the most deadly form of cancer, largely attributed ular cancer. Headaches that won’t go away may indicate a brain tumor, or back pain
to cigarette smoke. Smoking also causes or contributes to cancer in the mouth, throat, may accompany colon, rectum or ovarian cancer.
esophagus, trachea, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder • Skin changes – Noticing changes in moles or skin pigment may indicate skin can-
and cervix. And, those exposed to secondhand smoke have a 20 to 30 percent higher cer. Additionally, skin that is darker, redder or yellow-tint, itching or excessive hair
risk of developing lung cancer than those not exposed. growth may be symptoms of cancer.
4. Limit drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol may contribute to mouth, voice box, Make sure to have regular annual checkups with your primary care doctor, and talk
throat, liver and breast cancer. Less alcohol is associated with lower risk. with him or her about any health concerns.

Prevent Cancer by Finding Cancer Early When you seek cancer treatment at North Shore Medical Center you will find advanced
With cancer, the sooner the treatment, the better opportunity for a good outcome. technology and a multidisciplinary approach that maximizes that effectiveness of your
Screenings are available and recommended for: treatment. For more information, call North Shore Medical Centers Cancer Center
Breast cancer – Women should ask for their doctor’s recommendation about the age at (305) 835-6173.

South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com October 2019 23