Prevention and Early Detection Reduce Cancer Risk

| By Barbara Wexler, MPH |

Prevention and early detection reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve the odds of identifying it early, when it’s likely to be more amenable to treatment. Making healthy lifestyle choices plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing cancer. Participating in recommended screenings and taking preventive measures also significantly reduce cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that, in 2025, there will be over two million new cancer diagnoses and more than 618,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States. Research indicates that most of these—a staggering 75–80% of all cancers—are preventable through lifestyle and environmental modifications. Key preventable risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, and infections.

Early detection through regular screenings can identify cancers before any symptoms arise, which often means patients will have more treatment options and better outcomes. Following guidelines from their physicians and the ACS ensures that individuals receive appropriate screenings based on their age, sex, and risk factors. See the cancer topic page in Gale Health and Wellness for more information.

Recommended cancer screenings include:

• Breast cancer: Mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, with the frequency depending on individual risk factors. Early detection through mammography can lead to less aggressive treatment and higher survival rates.
• Cervical cancer: Pap tests and HPV testing are advised for women beginning at age 21 to detect early changes in cervical cells. Early identification enables treatment of precancerous lesions before they progress.
• Colorectal cancer: Screening tests like colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45 for both men and women. Detecting and removing polyps early can prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
• Lung cancer: Regular screening of current and former smokers using low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans can detect lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages and can improve survival rates.

Taking preventive measures and prioritizing early detection can reduce cancer risk and improve overall health outcomes. Making informed lifestyle choices plays a significant role in cancer prevention:

• Avoid tobacco: Using tobacco is a leading cause of various cancers. Steering clear of smoking and vaping tobacco is essential.
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption: Excessive or even moderate alcohol intake increases the risk of cancers such as those of the mouth, throat, and liver.
• Protect against UV radiation: Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds can lead to skin cancer. Using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing are simple preventive measures.
• Get vaccinated for HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination reduces the risk of cervical, anal, and other HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is most effective when administered before people become sexually active.
• Modify lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower the risk of several cancer types. Obesity is linked to increased risk of esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, endometrial, kidney, thyroid, liver, and gallbladder cancers.

Recognizing early signs and symptoms of cancer also can help to ensure timely treatment. While symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, here are some general signs to watch out for:

• Unexplained weight loss: Unexpected weight loss may be a symptom of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
• Persistent fatigue: Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a symptom of various cancers, including leukemia.
• Pain: Aches and pains that don’t go away and aren’t linked to any known injury can sometimes signal cancer. For example, persistent back pain might be associated with cancers of the colon, rectum, or ovary.
• Skin changes: Keep an eye out for new moles or changes to existing ones, as well as jaundice (yellow tinge of the skin and eyes), which may indicate skin or liver cancers.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool size or blood in the urine could be signs of colorectal or bladder cancer.
• Persistent cough or hoarseness: A cough that doesn’t go away or a hoarse voice can sometimes be a sign of lung or throat cancer.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unexpected bleeding, such as blood in the stool, urine, or from the nipples, can be a warning sign of various cancers.

For any persistent or unusual changes that last more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.

The Critical Role of U.S. Health Agencies in Cancer Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are instrumental in supporting cancer research, prevention, and early detection initiatives. Recent workforce reductions at these agencies have heightened concerns among public health experts about the potential negative impact on public health.

Workforce reductions at these agencies could disrupt or stall ongoing research projects and postpone, delay, or even halt clinical trials, hindering the development of new, more effective cancer treatments and limiting patient access to innovative therapies. Additionally, public health initiatives focused on cancer prevention and early detection may be undermined, potentially leading to increased cancer incidence and mortality rates. The loss of experienced professionals and the interruption of critical programs pose significant challenges to the nation’s ability to effectively combat cancer and protect public health.

Disruption of clinical trials, reductions of the workforce, and funding freezes within these agencies can have serious consequences for cancer patients and the general public:

• Drug shortages: Interruptions in regulatory processes and oversight provided by the FDA and other federal health agencies may exacerbate shortages of essential cancer medications, compromising patient care.
• Weakened public health initiatives: Cuts to programs focused on cancer prevention and early detection can reduce screening rates and public awareness, leading to later-stage cancer diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

Maintaining and strengthening support for health agencies is vital to ensure continuous advancements in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.