The Importance of Healthy Lifestyles & Routine Screenings to Cancer Outcomes

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. While genetics, environment and other factors play a role, you can reduce your chances of certain cancers by making lifestyle changes and scheduling routine screenings.

More than 40% of cancers in America could be prevented by refraining from tobacco use, losing weight, consuming less alcohol, eating better and getting active. Changes in behavior or getting vaccinated can also reduce the risk of oral, cervical and other cancers. Also, reducing sun exposure, using sunscreen and avoiding indoor tanning can prevent more than five million skin cancers a year.

Cancers of the lung, breast, pancreas and prostate are the deadliest in the United States. 

“Lung cancer continues to be the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in America,” says Lindsey Causey, MSN, AOCNP, Cone Health’s cancer survivorship team lead. “While people ages 50 to 80 with a history of smoking may benefit from lung cancer screening, the best way to reduce your lung cancer risk is to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.” 

Chances of surviving cancer can improve with early detection and routine screening. While you should discuss your risk factors and health situation with your doctor, the American Cancer Society offers screening recommendations for many cancers as well.

“Routine care, including screenings or tests, is important for helping to diagnose cancer early, many times before symptoms appear,” concludes Causey. “This can make cancer easier to treat or even cure.”

To learn more about the full range of employee and occupational health services offered through Cone Health Employee Health & Wellness, contact Jacqueline Heyward at (336) 586-3972.