When you’re healthy, it’s easy to push the thought of cancer aside. But giving it more than a passing thought could be one of the best things you do for your health.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. But the good news is that many of the most common types – including breast, colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer – can be caught early. And when that happens, treatment is often more effective, and in some cases, the cancer can even be cured.
So how do you catch cancer early? Are there “cancer screening tests” or special blood work that can be done? Not exactly. There isn’t one universal test that detects all cancers, but there are is diagnostic tests for many common types. Additionally, there are smart steps you can take to understand your personal risk and monitor changes in your health. Below, we cover six steps you can take.
1. Stay current on regular cancer screenings
The best way to find cancer early is to get a cancer screening that is scheduled for you. Common cancer tests include:
- Screening for colon cancer – Screening is recommended for anyone between the ages of 45 and 75. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may recommend getting an early colon cancer screening.
- Breast cancer screening – A mammogram is recommended for women starting at age 40 (or sooner if you are at risk).
- Cervical cancer screening – Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should be screened for cervical cancer.
- Lung cancer screening – Lung cancer screening is usually recommended for people aged 50 to 80 who are current smokers or have a history of smoking.
- Prostate cancer screening – Men should talk to their doctor at age 50 about whether prostate cancer screening is right for them. If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting as early as age 40.
Insurance covers cancer screening, often at 100% since it is considered routine preventive care, but it is always good to check before making your appointment.
2. Know your family history of cancer
If you have a family history of cancer, you may have it too. It is considered part of your family history if you have one family member or at least two family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is not always clear why cancer runs in families. Possible factors include lifestyle, environment and genetics.
It is always important to discuss your family cancer history with your doctor. They will be able to let you know when genetic testing may be beneficial for you.
3. Consider genetic testing and blood tests for hereditary cancer
Hereditary cancer is not the same as a family history of cancer, but it can be a reason why cancer runs in your family. Hereditary cancer describes a specific type of cancer that is genetically passed down from parent to child.
If your parent has a mutation that can cause an inherited form of cancer, you have a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic risk. With that said, having an inherited cancer-causing gene does not usually cause cancer, but it does increase your risk. According to the National Cancer Instituteup to 10% of cancers can be caused by inherited genetic mutations.
The only way to know if you have hereditary cancer is through genetic testing. Your doctor may recommend testing if your family history includes any of the following:
- A person diagnosed with cancer before the age of 39.
- A person who develops many cancers that are closely related (for example, breast and ovarian cancer).
- A certain type of cancer or its related ones occurs in generations.
How genetic testing and blood tests detect hereditary cancer
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer is usually done using blood or fluid samples. Doctors examine your DNA to look for inherited genetic changes that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. This type of test is often used to detect inherited risk factors for colon cancer, breast cancer (including male breast cancer), ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Genetic testing (such as myGenetics) can be an easy and free way to determine your genetic risk for certain cancers, including Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
4. Be aware of the risks involved in your daily life
How you live plays a role in your chances of getting cancer. According to the American Cancer Societylifestyle factors cause about 19% of cancers. Your environment, including where you live and the air you breathe, also plays a role. Making changes can reduce your chances of getting cancer or developing cancers that spread quickly and are difficult to treat.
- Being overweight – Being overweight (or overweight) is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer. Losing any excess weight can lower your risk.
- Drinking alcohol – The more alcohol you drink, the higher your cancer risk. It is best not to drink alcohol at all. And if you choose to drink, try to limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman or two drinks if you are a man.
- Food choices – Studies show that frequent consumption of red meat, processed meat, sugary drinks, fried foods and processed foods increase the risk of cancer. To reduce your risk, try to eat more fruits and vegetables, and less processed foods.
- Event status – A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce your risk of various types of cancer, possibly because it helps control your weight and hormone levels.
- Smoking – Smoking is the number one preventable cause of cancer. When you smoke, it increases your chances of having at least 12 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
5. Watch out for common cancer symptoms
Most types of cancer do not cause symptoms in the early stages, but as the cancer progresses, symptoms become more severe. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer, but some are more common than others. Although it is likely that these symptoms have other causes, make an appointment with your primary care physician if you experience any of them.
- Unexplained weight loss – Unexpected weight loss is often one of the first visible signs of cancer.
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away – Cancer can make you tired all the time, even if you are getting enough rest.
- Changes in the skin or moles – These may include new or changing moles, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) or unexplained rashes.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge – For example, you may see blood in the urine or blood in the poop.
- A persistent or hoarse cough – Watch out for chronic cough or changes in your voice that last more than a few weeks, especially if there is no reason for it.
- Digestive problems – Some cancers can cause constipation, heartburn, constipation, nausea and abdominal discomfort that does not go away.
- An unusual rash or swelling – You may feel a lump or swelling in one part of the body, such as the breast, underarms, neck, testicles or groin. Lumps are often the first symptom of testicular and breast cancer.
6. Find a primary care doctor you can trust
Your primary care doctor plays an important role in keeping you healthy and that includes helping to detect cancer early. From cancer screenings to personalized guidance, here are some of the ways they can help you stay healthy for as long as possible.
- Find out about the cancer screening you need – Your doctor will guide you on which cancer tests you need, and when you need them.
- Support vaccines that help prevent cancer – Anticancer drugs protect against viruses that can cause certain types of cancer. Current cancer vaccines include the HPV vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine. These vaccines are usually given in childhood, but your doctor can let you know if they make sense for you.
- Identify and treat your symptoms – If you experience any kind of symptoms, your doctor can help. Primary care physicians diagnose and treat hundreds of conditions, and can connect you to specialty care when you need it.
- Help you reduce your cancer risk – Your doctor can recommend ways to reduce your cancer risk, such as changes in activity level, food choices and alcohol consumption.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, now is a good time to find one who will meet your needs. At HealthPartners we have hundreds of award-winning primary care physicians to choose from.
