National Cancer Prevention Month

Every year, we honor National Cancer Prevention Month in February. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and make a positive impact on our own health and the lives of those affected by cancer. Join our team at The Oncology Institute in making a difference by reading the resources and taking steps to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. 

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a term for a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow and spread uncontrollably to multiple areas of the body. It is fatal if untreated. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and an average of 1,700 people in the U.S. die from cancer every day. The most common cancers currently include prostate or breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. 

Risk Factors

Cancer can happen to anyone, but there are some risk factors to be aware of:

• Age: Cancer is most likely to affect people over age 50, with 88% of people diagnosed with the disease being at least 50. However, the disease can occur at any age, even in childhood.
• Lifestyle: Factors such as smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and other lifestyle exposures have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. 
• Family history: Genetics can play a role in your risk. 
• Location: Some states and locations have historically had higher incidences of cancer, as have some types of employment.  

How to Prevent Cancer

If we don’t include non-melanoma skin cancer, at least 40% of new cancer diagnoses in American adults are preventable. Here are changes you can make:

• Eliminate alcohol and tobacco: One of the most significant steps you can take toward cancer prevention is to stop drinking and using any tobacco products. If you can’t stop on your own, talk to your doctor about quitting and take the first steps toward lowering your use.  
• Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle: Get active, eat nutritious foods, manage stress effectively, get sufficient sleep, and maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining overall health can reduce your risk.
• Get regular screenings: The American Cancer Society posts current cancer screening guidelines by age. However, you may want to ask your doctor, “What cancer screenings do I need?” because the exact tests you need depend on your family history, risk factors, and any signs and symptoms you may have.

Treatment 

There is excellent news in the world of treatment — new therapies are yielding real results. In 2024, a Belgian boy became the first in the world to recover from brainstem glioma.

Depending on your cancer and other factors, such as your overall health and age, you may be a candidate for surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or clinical trials. While cancer can be a frightening word to hear, more people are surviving and living with cancer today than ever before. 

At The Oncology Institute, we combine compassionate care with tailored, state-of-the-art medical treatments to empower patients and treat a range of cancers. We offer a comprehensive clinical trials program and world-class patient-centered care, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date care. Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Please request an appointment with us today.

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