You Can Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

When it comes to preventing cancer, little things can make a big difference, especially when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 600,000 will die of this disease. Research shows that nearly 50% of these cancer cases and deaths are preventable. Getting healthy is definitely worth the effort and can lessen your chances of
developing cancer.

SKIN CANCER AFFECTS 1 IN 5 AMERICANS – TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology Association estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

The good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer and, generally, is highly treatable. The two most common forms, basal cell and squamous cell, are highly treatable if detected early and treated properly. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, while treatable, is much more dangerous.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color, and the risk increases as we age. While the average age at diagnosis is 65, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in those younger than 30, especially young women.

The majority of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light rays. For maximum protection, oncologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all skin that is not covered by clothing. Clothing items with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label are now widely available. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection are also recommended. Children and adolescents, especially, should be protected from the sun, since severe sunburns at younger ages may increase the risk of melanoma. Exposure to artificial UV rays with the use of tanning beds or sunlamps also increases the risk of skin cancer and should be avoided.

Especially here in Florida, it is important to take precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely and reduce skin cancer risk.

SMOKING AND CANCER
In the U.S., 80% to 90% of all lung cancer deaths are related to cigarette smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even those who don’t smoke are at risk, due to secondhand smoke.

Tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco, have been linked to several other types of cancer, including colorectal, bladder, breast, throat, cervical, mouth and esophageal.

If you’re not a smoker, don’t start. If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Your health will improve, and you’ll reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and other
illnesses. An effective first step, even if you’ve tried before, is to prepare a quit plan. A wide range of tools, tips and other resources can be found on the website SmokeFree.gov.

EAT HEALTHY & KEEP MOVING TO PREVENT CANCER
There is growing evidence that what we eat plays a significant role in some types of cancer. For example, studies have found a higher incidence of prostate cancer in men whose diets are high in fats, particularly animal fats, and low in vegetables. Certain types of breast and colorectal cancer have also been linked to what we eat. A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, and low in red meat and processed foods and sugar, is recommended to help reduce cancer risk. It’s also important to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

Physical activity can also make a big difference — aim for at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise can help to control your weight and prevent obesity, with the
added benefits of increased energy, reduced stress and a healthy boost to the immune system to help fight cancer and other diseases.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CANCER SCREENINGS
Thanks to ongoing research, screening tests are now available for many types of cancer. These tests are
effective at finding cancer before signs or symptoms appear. When detected early, certain cancers are much easier to treat, preventing thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths. Early diagnosis and treatment is a substantial factor in surviving cancer.

Recommendations can vary based on your age, family history and lifestyle. Talk to your health care professional about cancer screening, and please do not skip or delay your recommended screenings.

World-Class Cancer Treatment Close to Home
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC:
(FLCancer.com)

Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

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