Breast cancer | Pexels by Klaus Nielsen
Breast cancer | Pexels by Klaus Nielsen
National Cancer Prevention Month
PELLA, Iowa— Each February we recognize National Cancer Prevention month and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to help people reduce their risk factors and live healthier, longer lives. Cancer is said to be one of the world’s leading cause of death with almost 10 million people dying from cancer annually.
According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 100 types of cancer. Some types are more prevalent than others, with the top five most common being: lung (2.21 million cases), breast (2.26 million cases), rectum and colon (1.93 million cases), skin (non-melanoma) (1.20 million cases), stomach (1.09 million cases), and prostate (1.41 million cases).
It is important to know your personal risk factors that may increase the risk for developing cancer. General risk factors can include: aging, family history of cancer, tobacco use, obesity, excessive alcohol use, exposure to specific chemicals or radiation and some types of viral infections.
The good news is that screening tests may find cancer before it causes symptoms and may make the cancer easier to treat successfully and help reduce deaths. The National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute outlines recommended screening tests and who and when to be tested. You can start the conversation with your healthcare provider at your next check up by asking some example questions to get the conversation started:
- What happens during the test?
- Are there risks to having the test?
- How long does it take to get test results?
The American Association for Cancer Research offers these statistics:
- In the United States, four out of 10 cancer cases are associated with preventable risk factors.
- Not using tobacco is one of the most effective ways a person can prevent cancer from developing.
- Nearly 20 percent of U.S. cancer diagnose are related to excess body weight, alcohol intake, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
- Nearly all cases of cervical cancer, as well as many cases of head and neck and anal cancers, can be prevented by HPV vaccination.
- Social determinants of health cause a disproportionately higher burden of cancer risk factors among U.S. racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved.
To talk with your healthcare provider which cancer screenings are appropriate for you, call 641-621-2200 or go to https://www.pellahealth.org/request-an-appointment/.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up