This month we're talking about cancer prevention and things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. One of the most important components to any prevention regimen is knowing your risk level based on your own habits and family history and if you have an increased level of risk, getting screened regularly.
It's widely known that catching any kind of cancer in earlier stages usually provides a patient with a better prognosis, but for some types of cancer research shows that conducting certain screening tests regularly can actually reduce deaths from that cancer. These types are breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. This is why regular gynecological exams for women, mammograms for women over 40 and colonoscopies for anyone over the age of 50 are recommended by physicians. But know the symptoms of breast and colorectal cancers and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them, regardless of your age.
For other types of cancer, screenings are being used, but the effect on the number of deaths is still being studied. However, even without a definitive study result, screenings for these kinds of cancers are recommended. These types include lung and prostate cancer, and many skin cancers. More information on screening methods for these cancers and others can be found at the National Cancer Institute website.
At Hope Cancer Resources we strive to make cancer education a priority in our community. We have professionals on our staff who manage prevention and screening programs and work to get the information that can save lives into the hands of people who need it. Our Save-A-Life program provides financial assistance for screening and diagnostic tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers, providing access to early detection and offering a better chance for a cure. We also conduct free screenings several times a year. To find out more about the screenings we provide and the schedule for 2011, contact our Healthcare Navigator, Chuck Parker.
Your risk for contracting some types of cancer can depend heavily on your hereditary risk. If a close family member was diagnosed with one of these types, your risk could be increased. Fortunately, thanks to decades of research being conducted around the world, there are now tests available to measure this risk linked to heredity. Consultation is available with our Cancer Education Specialist, Sandy Prince, to discuss hereditary risk factors for pertinent cancers.
The bottom line is KNOW YOUR RISK. Just as the Boyscouts have said for generations - Be Prepared. If you know your own risk for particular kinds of cancer, change the habits that could increase that risk, and get regular screenings and health check ups, you will be doing a lot to reduce your odds for developing cancer. Right now, 2 out of 3 adults will deal with some kind of cancer in their lifetime - let's change that together.
No comments:
Post a Comment