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By Chand Rohatgi, MD
In the United States, approximately 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2025 alone. Even more sobering is the fact that about 1 in 3 people will develop cancer during their lifetime, with current statistics showing approximately 39% of men and women will face a cancer diagnosis at some point.
“Early detection remains our most powerful weapon against cancer,” said Dr. Rohatgi, MD, a UF Health breast surgeon specializing in oncology. “When caught in its earliest stages, most cancers respond better to treatment, leading to significantly improved survival rates.”
As we commemorate National Cancer Survivors Month, Dr. Rohatgi emphasizes the critical importance of knowing what to look for and maintaining regular screening schedules.
“For breast cancer, women should be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts,” explains Dr. Rohatgi. “Watch for any new lumps, skin changes, including dimpling or puckering, nipple discharge or persistent pain in one area. These warrant immediate medical attention.”
While breast self-exams are valuable, they don’t replace clinical screenings. Dr. Rohatgi stresses that mammograms can detect cancers up to two years before they become palpable.
But vigilance extends beyond breast cancer. For all individuals, Dr. Rohatgi recommends being alert to these universal warning signs.
“Pay attention to unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, prolonged coughing, difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unusual bleeding or sores that don’t heal,” he advises. “These symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer, but they deserve prompt investigation.”
Regular medical check-ups form the foundation of effective cancer prevention. These screenings should include age-appropriate cancer tests like mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap tests, prostate exams, and skin checks.
“Many people skip routine check-ups because they feel fine,” notes Dr. Rohatgi. “But cancer often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. By then, treatment options may be more limited and less effective.”
Dr. Rohatgi emphasizes that cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over recent decades, with death rates falling steadily since the early 1990s. This progress stems largely from better screening protocols leading to earlier detection.
“Today’s cancer survivors – numbering over 17 million in the United States alone – a testament to the power of vigilance and medical advancement,” Dr. Rohatgi explains. “National Cancer Survivors Month celebrates these victories while reminding us all that proactive health monitoring saves lives.”
For those with a family history of cancer, Dr. Rohatgi recommends discussing personalized screening schedules with healthcare providers, as genetic factors may necessitate earlier or more frequent testing.
“Cancer screening guidelines continue to evolve as we learn more about different cancer types and risk factors,” notes Dr. Rohatgi. “What remains constant is that early intervention dramatically improves outcomes. The difference between catching cancer at stage one versus stage three or four can literally be lifesaving.”
Dr. Rohatgi also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in cancer prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting skin from excessive sun exposure, and consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can all reduce cancer risk.
“While we cannot control all cancer risk factors, many are within our power to modify,” he adds. “These healthy habits complement regular medical screenings to create your strongest defense against cancer.”
Remember: when it comes to cancer, knowledge and action are your strongest allies.
As a board-certified breast surgeon at UF Health, I serve patients across central Florida with specialized care for cancerous and noncancerous breast conditions. “My patients drive my energy,” and I remain committed to the latest medical guidelines and technologies to provide optimal care.
Previously, I established a comprehensive breast care center in Easton, Pennsylvania, offering in-house mammography, biopsies, lymphedema therapy, and genetic testing. During my nearly two-decade professorship at Drexel University College of Medicine, I received the Dean’s Special Award for Teaching Excellence four times.
I completed my medical education in Varanasi, India, with surgical training in India and New Jersey, before finishing my residency as chief resident at Easton Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Outside medicine, I volunteer with the American Cancer Society—receiving their St. George National Award in 2014—and at my community’s historic State Theater. While I enjoy cultural travel, my greatest joy comes from time spent with my wife, three children, and extended family.
For questions or to learn more, visit our website UFHealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/breast-cancer/central-florida or call 352.323.5665.
