Estimates by the federal government that nearly 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) in 2023, and more than 600,000 died from the disease are to say the least thought provoking. Research shows that over 40 percent of these cases and nearly half of the deaths can be attributed to preventable causes – such as smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun.
In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden to patients, their families, and often the public. Cancer prevention should reduce the overall burden of cancer and decrease the number of deaths caused by these diseases.
Lifestyle changes to lower your risk of cancer.
Reena Vora, MD, the Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County, says, "This means that steps such as quitting smoking (or never starting in the first place), maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against the pathogens that cause certain cancers can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer in many cases.” Skin protection from UVA/UVB rays is important on overcast or cloudy mornings too!
How to prevent cancer? Get screened regularly
Many cancers can be detected early through routine screening. Almost every type of cancer has a recommended screening test. As you age, your risk for certain cancers increases. After a certain age, it is recommended that you receive yearly screenings.
- Lung cancer screening is recommended for adults who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history, and are between 50 and 80 years of age.
- Women between 40 and 75 years of age are encouraged to get a mammogram every one or two years to detect early signs of breast cancer.
- Adults between 45 and 75 years of age are encouraged to get colorectal screening for colon cancer.
- Women between 21 and 65 years of age are encouraged to get Pap smear every two to three years to detect early signs of cervical cancer.
One-third of people will have cancer in their lifetime. Thanks to research, however, there are 18 million cancer survivors. National Cancer Prevention Month is a reminder to take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of cancer.
Preventing cancer is a critical part of your overall care, aim to find cancer early by screening for cancer. Early detection is best as many common cancers are more treatable. So even when you don’t have symptoms, ask your doctor to provide in-person, phone, and/or email reminders to help you get the screenings you need.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.