Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

By far, smoking is the leading risk factor, attributing to 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths. Smoked tobacco is strongly linked to at least 13 different types of cancer.

After smoking, excess body weight was the second largest contributing factor to developing cancer. A healthy weight can prevent diabetes, a risk factor for cancer.

Avoiding alcohol can reduce your risk of developing cancer. Men should have no more than two drinks a day and women should have no more than one drink a day. One drink is equal to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof hard liquor.

A healthy diet should have plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, such as fish, poultry and beans. Limit red meat and avoid processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, deli meat), sugary drinks (soda, energy drinks) and ultra processed foods. Eat at least 3 servings of whole grains.

A sedentary lifestyle increases risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, such as walking or doing yoga or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, such as running or strength training.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause different types of cancer. An HPV vaccination can prevent the cancers it causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of cancers caused by HPV could be prevented with the HPV vaccine. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls beginning age nine.

Year round, protect your skin from UV radiation. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your face, lips, neck, ears, hands and any other areas not covered by clothing. Wear hats to protect your scalp and sunglasses to block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes. Avoid using tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps.

Sleep supports your mental and physical well-being.

Chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune system, inflammation and can lead to unhealthy behaviors like alcohol consumption, overeating and smoking, all known risk factors for cancer.

As we age, our risk of certain cancer increases.

If cancer runs in your family, this may place you at a higher risk of developing cancer yourself. Let your primary care provider know if you have:

• Cancer in first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children)
• Family member(s) diagnosed with cancer before age 50
• Several family members diagnosed with the same cancer
• Paired organs, such as family had cancer in both breasts or both ovaries
• Cancer diagnosed across generation in grandparent, parent, and child
• One family member diagnosed with multiple cancers

Race and ethnicity impact cancer incidence and survival rates.

About 5-10% of cancers are inherited.

Let your primary care provider know if you or your family have a known genetic or family cancer syndrome. Examples are:

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (BRCA-1, BRCA-2)
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53)
• Lynch Syndrome (MLHL1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM)
• PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (APC)
• ATM-related cancer susceptibility
• PALB2-related cancer susceptibility
• CHEK2-related cancer susceptibility
• HOXB13-related cancer susceptibility
• CDH1- related cancer susceptibility

Certain health conditions can place you at higher risk of cancer.

• Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
• HIV/AIDS
• Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Colon Polyps
• Pancreatitis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Immune Deficiency Syndromes

If you have a health condition that increases your risk of cancer, your health care provider may adjust your screening start age, frequency or screening method accordingly.