Though there is no foolproof way, but reducing the risks of cancer is possible through lifestyle changes and regular screenings by a physician.
All cancer is important and difficult to handle, but according to Barbara Miller, community program manager, American Cancer Society of Central Indiana (ACS), lung, colon, breast and prostate cancer are leading the pack among Indiana residents.
Lung cancer kills the most Hoosiers (men and women) of all cancers and the No. 1 reason behind the problem is smoking. There is no right way to quit, but smokers should make the decision to quit, choose a plan that works for them and create a maintenance program.
In addition to quitting smoking adopting a more physical lifestyle can reduce many forms of cancer.
“Adults should have 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week and surprisingly children should have 60 minutes at least five days a week,” said Miller.
Limiting alcoholic beverages is another way to prevent the risks of cancer. The ACS recommends men limiting their intake to two drinks per day and women one drink per day. Regular consumption of even a few drinks per week is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women, so women at high risk of the disease may want to consider not drinking any alcohol.
According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure other risk factors for breast cancer include a genetic component, such as family history, and environmental exposure such as radiation.
African-American women should further protect themselves from the risks of breast cancer. Statistics show more white women being diagnosed with breast cancer but more deaths among African-American women with the same form of cancer.
The risks of cancer can lastly be avoided by eating a variety of healthy foods with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
Early prevention is key in working to avoid cancer, but regular screenings can also save lives.
“Some cancers, we don’t know how to prevent. Being aggressive and getting your screenings is very important. If it is detected early the treatment result is so much better,” added Miller.
Bottom line, cancer rates among all forms can decrease and through healthy lifestyles and proper testing, cancer rates can decrease.
For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org; Susan G. Komen for the Cure at 1-877-GO-KOMEN or visit www.komen.org.
