Preventing And Controlling Cancer
We don't know exactly why people get cancer. Nor do we have a cure.
What researchers do know is that doing certain things, like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet—and not doing others, like smoking or sunbathing—can reduce our cancer risk. And getting regular screenings, or tests, can help find cancer early, making treatment easier and more likely to succeed.
Healthy Lifestyle
Researchers continue to study how our lifestyles and environment affect our cancer risk. One area of interest and concern is the link between being overweight and developing cancer. Research shows that about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to diet and lack of physical activity in adults, according to the American Cancer Society.
Age and family history also can put you at greater risk for some kinds of cancer. While we can't do anything about those, we can control or change our lifestyles. Here are some things the Oncology Nursing Society and other health groups say you can do to lower your risk for cancer:
- Eat a healthy diet that is easy on red meat and saturated fats, and rich in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, especially those that are dark green, deep yellow, and orange. Limit foods that are smoked, salt-cured, or preserved with nitrites. Remove skin from poultry and fat from meat. Choose natural foods, such as raw nuts, raisins, or bran cereal, over highly processed foods, such as sugared cereals, chips, cookies, and other snack foods.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don't smoke and avoid places where people are smoking.
- Drink alcohol moderately (one drink daily for women, two for men).
- Wear sunscreen and avoid direct sun when it's strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Avoid other kinds of radiation (tanning salons) and substances that can cause cancer, like radon and asbestos.
Early Detection
We also can be responsible for getting tests to find cancer early. There are several screening tests for different cancers, including:
- breast
- prostate
- cervical
- colon
- ovarian
- skin
You should talk with your doctor about which tests to have and how often. Find out what the test involves and what you need to do to prepare. Based on your family and personal health history, your doctor might recommend a different schedule for some tests than the one outlined for other people your age.
If you're age 50 or older, here are some of the cancer tests you should know about:
Breast Cancer
You should have a mammogram, an x-ray to help find breast cancer when a growth is too small to feel, every year. You also should perform monthly breast self-checks and have a yearly breast exam by a health professional.
Cervical Cancer
A Pap test can find pre-cancer cells in the cervix or vagina. You should have this test at least once every three years. If you're past age 65, you might be able to stop having the test, depending on your medical history.
Prostate Cancer
If you're a man, talk to your doctor about having an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE). Ask about the pros and cons of getting tested at your age.
Colon Cancer
Men and women should have one or more of the following tests for colon cancer:
- sigmoidoscopy
- yearly stool blood test
- barium enema
- colonoscopy
Skin Cancer
You should have a routine skin checkup every year. Doctors can see most signs of skin cancer with the naked eye. As they check your skin, they will look for anything abnormal or unusual, like lumps or discolored or odd-shaped moles.
Ovarian Cancer
If you're a woman, talk to your doctor about screening for ovarian cancer. Screening tools include a blood test, ultrasound, and pelvic exam. Because ovarian cancer is so hard to find early, ask your doctor how to recognize symptoms of the disease.
Eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and controlling your weight and stress can help prevent illness and improve your health overall. Right now, living a healthy lifestyle, along with tests to catch cancer early, is your best defense against the disease.
AARP Resources
Foods
To Fight Disease
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help
protect you from cancer.
Stay Healthy -- Practice Prevention
Regular preventive care can help you stay healthy and live
longer.
How To Talk To Your Doctor
Speaking up, asking the right questions, and understanding what
your doctor tells you will help you get better care.
Additional Resources
American Institute For
Cancer Research
Information on how your diet and weight can affect your cancer
risk. Also find healthy recipes and a nutrition hotline that
hooks you up with a registered dietitian for free.
American Cancer
Society
More information on prevention and early detection for specific
cancers, as well as cancer news, research, and statistics.
National Cancer
Institute
Screening guidelines for specific cancers, as well as
information on risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
