Cancer prevention
Cancer prevention refers to any action taken to lower one’s chances of getting cancer.
Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
Prevention of cancer can take place on several different levels:
- Primary prevention addresses the cause of cancer so disease does not occur.
- Secondary prevention identifies disease before the onset of symptoms and keeps it from becoming more extensive.
- Tertiary prevention reduces complications and progression of disease once it has become clinically apparent.
According to CANSA (www.cansa.org.za), more than 100 000 people in South Africa are diagnosed with cancer every year. Many things in our genes, our lifestyle and our environment can increase or decrease our risk of getting cancer.
When it comes to adult cancers, 50 % are preventable, simply through regular health screenings and through living a healthy lifestyle.
Primary prevention: the big four risk factors
There are four risk factors that, if present, are indicative of an increased risk for developing cancer:
- Tobacco use
- Sedentary lifestyle (inactivity)
- Poor diet
- Being overweight
Lifestyle choices may reduce your risk
By making smarter, healthier lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk for developing cancer. The following is recommended:
- Avoid tobacco of any kind.
- Get moving. Three-and-a-half hours of activity per week is considered reasonable.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Obtain nutrients from a healthy diet.
- If you use alcohol, use it in moderation.
- Protect against sexually transmitted disease.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Secondary prevention: Routine medical care
Going for regular screenings is important.
Women should be vigilant about their preventative screenings:
- Mammogram – Women aged 40 and older should have a breast cancer screening every year and continue for as long as they are in good health, or up to age 70 – if there are no risk factors (follow your doctor’s recommendations on this). Regular monthly self-examinations and yearly physician examinations are also important.
- Pap smear – This cervical cancer screening should begin for women at age 21 and must be done as often as recommended by your doctor.
Men also have specific health concerns to watch for:
- Prostate cancer screening – men should discuss the tests that are beneficial or necessary with their primary care physician.
Both men and women should consider:
- Colonoscopy - Beginning at age 50, men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should have a colonoscopy procedure every 10 years.
- CT scan – For early lung cancer detection, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest is recommended every two years for persons older than 55 who smoke 30 packs or more of cigarettes a year.
- HPV vaccine – It is advisable for persons between the ages of 9 and 26 to get vaccinated – based on the guidance of their doctor. The prevention of human papillomavirus plays a role in averting cervical cancer and head and neck cancers.
Tertiary prevention: Reducing morbidity and disability
Tertiary prevention refers to care aimed at reducing morbidity and disability in people diagnosed with, and being treated for cancer. Tertiary prevention depends a lot on the type of cancer you have, the stage of your cancer and they type of treatment you receive. Discuss your tertiary prevention plan with your healthcare team.
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