How To Avoid Cancer

The chance of getting cancer can be minimized by engaging in a healthy lifestyle. This would include getting adequate rest, eating a healthy diet consisting of more fruits and vegetables and less fat, avoiding extreme sun exposure, not smoking and receiving appropriate cancer screenings. Sometimes it is impossible to prevent the development of cancer, and in those circumstances, early detection can lead to a cure after treatment.

Skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding extreme sun exposure and using sunscreens. In their early stages they can be reomved completely. Some can be treated with a laser or liquid nitrogen, which can return areas undergoing change toward cancer to a normal state.

Colon cancer begins as colon polyps (benign growths), which change into cancers. Thes polyps cause no sypmptoms. Screening for polyps is done by performing a flexible sigmoidscopy every 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 45 or 50. Yearly testing for blood in the stool can also detect polyps. Polyps can be removed with an endoscope and therefore prevent the development of a colon cancer.

Breast cancer can be detected and treated early if mammography is done appropriately. A mammogram is better at detecting cancer than examination by the woman herself or her physician. Mammogarpy can save lives after age 45 wehn performed annually. High-risk individuals should start annual mammography earlier. Prior to age 45 an annual mammogram would not be necessary in a person of average risk. Women should also perform monthly self-breast exams and have an annual exam by a physician.

Cervical cancer can be detected early using Pap smears. Pap smears are recommended annually beginning at age 18 until 3 normal smears have been obtained. The screening interval can then be decreased to 3 years. Annual pelvic examination is recomended for detection of cancer involving the ovaries or uterus. Cervical cancer can be treated beginning at age 50.

*These suggestions reflect the current ACP (American College of Physicians) Guidelines for Cancer Screening. The recommendations from other groups may vary somewhat.

By Ben Owens, Jr. M.D.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Clopton Clinic disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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