Preventing Cancer through Lifestyle Changes

One of the most overlooked benefits of a regular annual visit with a primary care physician is the ability to stay up-to-date on preventative care, including cancer screenings.

"Last year, we exceeded more than 700,000 primary care visits” says TriHealth President & CEO Mark Clement in a recent Local 12 article outlining the issue. “That's up more than 5% year over year."

Although it might not seem like it at first, this increase can lead to a whole lot of downstream health benefits for those booking those appointments.

"Early detection, better management of chronic disease, understanding and assessing risks,” Clement highlights, “that's all about improving the health of a population."

Healthy Lifestyle Choices are Important

As cancer cases among adults in the United States have been rising, a new study by the American Cancer Society has found that making certain lifestyle changes could prevent up to 40% of all cancer cases – and nearly half of all deaths.

This research highlights the need for an increased focus on proactive, preventative health care that helps patients stay healthy between visits, and cut down on the number of preventable cancer cases.

After reviewing 30 types of cancer and 18 lifestyle-related risk factors, the study found that these risk factors were linked to more than 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths among adults aged 30 and older.

Although many play a role, some of these risk factors are statistically more dangerous than others.

Here’s what you need to know about the seven most prominent:

1. Smoking

According to the CDC, nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke exposure – and lung cancer is only one of over a dozen cancers that smoking can cause.

The correlation is so strong, in fact, that just by quitting smoking, chances of multiple cancers decrease by half – with these chances able to drop to levels of a lifelong non-smoker within 20 years.

2. Body Weight

Keeping a healthy body weight can help lower your chances of getting more than a dozen different common forms of cancer.

Changes in the body caused by obesity can lead to long-term health issues that can contribute to the development of cancer, including chronic inflammation, high insulin and other hormone issues.

We understand that everyone’s relationship with nutrition, fitness and their weight is unique and can be difficult to manage on your own.

If you’re looking for judgement-free help, reach out to our amazing TriHealth Weight Management team to find out about both surgical and non-surgical options.

3. Alcohol Use

Despite long-time myths about moderate alcohol usage having potential health benefits, more research continues to show a link between alcohol and a lot of health issues, including many forms of cancer.

Women can be especially susceptible to many alcohol-related health issues, and cancer is no different.

For example, women who don’t drink have a 5-9% less chance of developing breast cancer than women who have just one drink per day – and that margin gets wider for every drink consumed per day.

4. Poor Diet

Not only does nutrition play a huge role in how we feel every day, but eating a balanced diet sets our bodies up for long-term health.

While it is important to get enough protein in your diet, overconsumption of red meat and processed meats can have a negative affect and increase your risk of certain cancers.

It is important to emphasize a mixture of lean meats and proteins, fruits, vegetables, fiber and calcium.

5. Lack of Exercise

According to the study, inactivity is another prominent risk factor to developing cancer.

And although the thought of it can be intimidating at first, the best part about physical activity is that there are a million ways to have fun with it – it’s all about finding what’s best for you!

6. Falling Behind on Cancer Screenings

Routine cancer screenings save lives. From mammograms to lung scans, colonoscopies and beyond – stay current on your screenings!

It is estimated that about 13% of all women born in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point during their lives – while about 13% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during theirs.

Staying up-to-date on all your necessary cancer screenings is the best way to find something early, if there’s ever anything to find. Talk to your primary care physician about your family history and screening schedule.

7. Sun Exposure

Although it might seem simple, the regular use of sunscreen can significantly lower the risk of developing invasive melanoma – by up to almost 70%.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection and water resistance.

Seeing, hearing, and keeping patients healthy

At TriHealth, we’re already taking steps to greet the future of health care head on.

We take our proactive approach because we care about protecting the health of our community, supporting our patients on their journey to healthier lives.

Learn more about how TriHealth is here to support your health and well-being through personalized guidance, education and resources that make it easier to stay healthy.