What every person should know about how to prevent cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that 29,400 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year among Louisianians. Cancer is common, but it’s also preventable in many cases. We’re shedding some light on how to prevent cancer.

While there are some risk factors for cancer that you can’t control, such as your family medical history and your age, many risk factors are related to lifestyle habits, which you can do something about. Wondering where to begin? Keep reading for some tips from the University Medical Center New Orleans team about preventing cancer.

Know your risk factors

Risk factors for cancer vary somewhat depending on the type of cancer, but some factors increase your risk in general. These include:

• Advanced age
• Certain viral infections
• Chronic inflammation
• Diet high in processed foods
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to certain chemicals and other carcinogens
• Family history or personal history of cancer
• Immunosuppressive medications
• Obesity
• Radiation exposure, including UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking or tobacco use

Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) about your risk factors and what you can do to reduce them.

7 steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk

Now that you know what increases the risk of cancer, get the facts about what you can do to lower your risk. Start here:

1. Get regular checkups

Seeing your PCP regularly and having blood work done can help you monitor your health and identify ways to improve it. Your provider can also ensure you’re up to date on screening tests and vaccines.

2. Screen for your health

Don’t delay getting the screenings recommended for you! Depending on your age and sex, this can include cervical cancer screening, colon cancer tests such as a colonoscopy, mammograms to detect breast cancer and prostate cancer screenings such as prostate-specific antigen testing. Annual skin checks may also be recommended.

3. Move your body more

Are you getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week? That’s less than 30 minutes per day of an activity such as brisk walking. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of breast, colon, endometrial and lung cancers.

4. Arm up with a shot of protection

Did you know some vaccines reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer? The HPV vaccine, which is recommended for preteens but can be given to people up until their mid-40s, protects against strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer and other cancers. If you’re at risk of hepatitis B, which can increase the risk of liver cancer, getting the hepatitis B vaccine can help protect against cancer as well.

5. Fuel up on healthy foods

Fill your plate with vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and fruit at meals. Veggies and fruit are packed with antioxidants. There are also certain foods you should skip or limit. Drinking alcohol and eating red meat or processed meat in excessive amounts can increase your risk of cancer.

6. Be sun-safe

When the sun shines bright here in NOLA, it’s tempting to head outdoors! However, you can lower your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting yourself from the sun: Apply sunscreen and seek shade when possible.

7. Just say no to smoking

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death and disease, including cancer. If you smoke, talk with your provider about a cessation plan that will work for you, which may include cessation medications or behavioral therapy.

Due for a checkup? Schedule a primary care appointment with a University Medical Center New Orleans provider today!