By Dr. Sidra Khalid
We are fortunate to live in a world where we can implement changes to help prevent cancer.
Mainly, we can adjust our lifestyle to help reduce our risk, which includes:
- Exercising to maintain a healthy weight
- Eating healthier foods, like fruits and vegetables, and avoiding foods rich in trans and saturated fats and red meats
- Quitting smoking
- Lowering alcohol intake
- Using sunscreen
Additionally, infections can lead to cancer. If infected with particular microbial agents, we could be at risk for developing certain cancers. Some such infections include:
- H. pylori, an infection in the stomach, can cause stomach cancer. By treating the infection with antibiotics, this can be prevented.
- Hepatitis B and C can contribute to liver cancers. Immunization against Hepatitis B can help prevent cancer. Also, treatment for Hepatitis B and C can decrease your risk of developing liver cancers.
- HIV can lead to different types of cancers. Treatment of HIV is important for cancer prevention.
Make sure to stay up to date with regular health screenings from your primary care provider. For average-risk people, screening guidelines are different than for those with a family history of cancer. The screening tests are individualized based on personal and family history. Hence, it is important that people stay in close contact with their providers, such as primary care physicians or oncologists, and follow their recommendations.
For average-risk people, some of the main screenings are:
- Breast cancer screening: Breast self-exams are encouraged, and annual mammograms are recommended for women starting in their 40s.
- Colorectal cancer screening: All adults starting at age 45 need to get screened. The initial recommended screening test is a colonoscopy. If you are unable to do this procedure, a fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can be performed.
- Cervical cancer screening, PAP and HPV tests are important.
- Lung cancer screening: Current smokers or those with a history of smoking should talk to their providers about doing a CT scan of the lung.
If there is a personal or family history of cancer, please consult your provider about genetic tests, as many preventative strategies are available to decrease your risk. These strategies include preventive surgeries, chemotherapeutic agents and an individualized surveillance plan.
There are various things we can do to prevent cancer. Each of us must be vigilant in making personal lifestyle changes and staying current with our screenings.
Dr. Sidra Khalid is a physician with Memorial Physician Clinics specializing in hematology, oncology and internal medicine. Reach her at (228) 575-1234.