Cancer Detection & Prevention

Cancer Detection & Prevention in Alabama

Prevention is always the preferred path over treatment when it comes to illness, such as cancer. Following a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of cancer and other diseases. Five key things to help follow a healthy lifestyle include but are not limited to

Following a healthy diet and exercise routine. Eating nutritious foods and maintaining a daily exercise routine are good ways to help keep cancer away, these things can also help you feel better and have more energy and good overall health.
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products. As you may know, smoking harms the lungs and can lead to cancer. Smoking and other tobacco products use can lead to cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth, and larynx. Most of all, smoking exposes your loved ones to second-hand smoke, which can create a high risk for them to develop lung cancer.
Taking advantage of available cancer screenings. Getting regular screenings can not only give you peace of mind that you are cancer-free, but they can also help detect cancer in the very early stages, which can be advantageous for treatment options. Some more screening info is given below.
Limiting exposure to sunlight and radiation. Frequent, unprotected exposure to radiation, such as sunlight, can lead to skin cancer. It is important to wear sunscreen when you are in direct sunlight for extended periods or wear a long-sleeve shirt and a hat.
Avoid drinking alcohol, or drink in moderation. Alcohol in many forms such as beer, wine, or liquor, has been linked to many cancers including liver, colorectal, mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, and breast. Limiting your alcohol intake to very little or none is vital to cancer prevention.

While these healthy lifestyle tips may not guarantee cancer prevention, they can help lower the risk of getting certain cancers. You must inform yourself of your family histories and understand the risks for yourself in your lifestyle.

Screening Schedules

Along with good nutrition and exercise, getting regular screening tests is one of the most important steps towards preventing and treating cancer. Most cancers have the best chance of a cure when they are caught early, before they have time to grow or metastasize and spread throughout the body.

Screening Schedule for Men:

Prostate Cancer:

Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
Age 50 and over: Digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test every year

Colorectal Cancer:

Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
Age 50 and over: A fecal occult blood test every year and Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every 3-4 years

Screening Schedule for Women:

Breast Cancer:

Age 20-39:
- Breast self-exam every month
- Exam by health care professional every three years
Age 40-49:
- Mammogram every year and monthly breast self-exam
- Exam by health care professional every year
Age 50 and over:
- Mammogram every year and monthly breast self-exam
- Exam by health care professional every year

Colorectal Cancer:

Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
Age 50 and over: A fecal occult blood test every year and Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every 3–5 years

Cervical Cancer:

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women who have reached the age of 18 and who have been sexually active have a Pap smear and pelvic exam every year. After three or more normal exams, the Pap smear may be performed less frequently at your doctor's discretion.