Want to do what you can to reduce your risk? cancerNew research points out some concrete actions you can take and how much of a difference they can make.
In American Cancer Society StudyAnnounced Thursday CA: Cancer Journal for CliniciansResearchers found that more than 40 percent of cancer deaths among U.S. adults age 30 and older may be linked to lifestyle risks that can be changed.
The most influential of these risk factors are:
“CBS Mornings” FridayCBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. John LaPolk said the study was a good lesson in moderation.
“We are born, we live and we die, and in between we need some fun, so everything in moderation, including excess,” he said. He also believes the research will give people more control over their own health.
“Part of the problem is that people feel out of control. First of all, cancer is frightening to many of us. genetically“You might think, ‘There’s nothing I can do about that,’ and no, there’s a lot you can do,” LaPook said.
Based on the findings, what can people specifically do? First, lifestyle changes include avoiding tobacco as 30% of deaths are caused by tobacco.
“We know it’s hard to quit smoking. It’s easier not to start in the first place, so I think the point to make is that a report like this gives people an incentive to say, ‘Yes, I’m never going to start smoking,'” he said.
There are some simple preventative measures that have been proven to be effective. vaccine and Screening.
“There are also berries that have very low levels. For example, human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is known to cause cervical cancer in women and cancer of the back of the tongue and throat in men. A vaccine against it “There is a vaccine available to prevent HPV, but fewer than 40 percent of eligible children actually get the vaccine,” he said.
Hepatitis COne example is a virus that can cause liver cancer.
“In fact, only about 40% of Americans know they are infected, even though it can be easily cured by taking medication for 8 to 12 weeks. However, they are unaware because they are not getting routine testing, as recommended by the CDC for everyone over the age of 18 at least once in their lifetime,” LaPook explained.
of COVID-19 The pandemic has been one reason for the interruption of routine testing, something LaPook said he’s experienced in his own practice.
“(People) weren’t going to doctors’ offices … and Mammographyyou didn’t have ColonoscopyDid not undergo regular check-ups Skin tests“It’s coming back a little bit now, but it’s totally plummeted,” he said.
