When combined, cancer screening, prevention, and early detection can help you reduce your cancer risk and detect cancer early. It is important to find signs of cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.
Screening and Early Detection
Screening for cancer is a personal decision. Your healthcare team can recommend which screening options are right for you based on your age, family history, and health. Cancer screenings can be done at your primary care office, diagnostic center, or hospital — or even in the comfort of your own home. There are different ways to screen for cancer. These may include:
- Medical procedures (like a colonoscopy)
- Imaging scans (like a mammogram or CT scan)
- Blood tests (to look for cancer markers)
- Self-collection (swabs to look for HPV)
- At home tests (stool samples that you send to a lab)
- Self-exams (like checking your skin or breasts for changes)
Routine screening is also important for cancer survivors. Because past cancer and some treatments can increase your risk for other cancers, staying on top of screening is an important part of your survivorship care. Speak with your primary care provider to learn which screenings are right for you.
Did You Know?
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is trusted as the gold standard for screening recommendations. The USPSTF is a group of doctors and health experts that work together to review research and make recommendations to help people stay healthy. Your doctor may refer to screening guidelines from other national professional organizations as well.
Coping With Your Screening Results
Waiting for and receiving the results of your screening tests can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones. If your screening results come back “positive” or “abnormal,” you may be wondering what that means for you. This does not always mean that you have cancer. These results show that something unusual was found and further testing is needed to learn more. It is normal to feel confused, angry, emotional, and concerned when you hear this.
Remember, the goal of screening for cancer is to detect any warning signs of cancer before they become serious. Your doctor will find out what is causing your abnormal results. Based on these findings, your doctor may recommend meeting with a specialist to discuss a treatment plan. You do not have to go through this alone. Your doctor is there to explain your results, answer your questions, and walk you through the next steps.
Each person reacts to and copes with their results in a different way. During this time, lean on your friends and family for support. Always share any abnormal findings with your family members so that they are aware of their own cancer risk. Take time to be open about how you are feeling with the people in your life. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling to cope with your results.
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer is a powerful tool that can offer insights for managing and understanding cancer risk, enabling a more personalized approach to healthcare.
Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk
Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer. A genetic condition is most often passed down from parent to child. Genetic testing looks for variants, or changes, in your genes that may increase your risk of getting a certain cancer.
Genetic Testing vs. Biomarker Testing: What Is the Difference?
If you have a family history of cancer or a cancer diagnosis, your care team may recommend additional tests. These may include genetic testing, biomarker testing, or both.
Genetic testing looks at the DNA you were born with to see if you have a hereditary cancer syndrome. This is a gene change that can raise your risk for certain cancers and can be passed down through families. Examples include Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC).
If you have a hereditary cancer syndrome, it may affect:
- How often you need cancer screenings and what type of screening is best
- What your family members should know about their own cancer risk
- Your treatment plan, if you are diagnosed with cancer
Biomarker or tumor testing looks at the genetic changes inside the cancer cells themselves. These changes are not inherited or passed down through families. Biomarker testing helps your care team choose treatments that are more targeted to your specific cancer and may reduce side effects.
Speak with your doctor about connecting you with a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors can:
- Guide you through the testing process
- Help you understand your test results
- Identify the appropriate next steps
- Help you share information about genetic risk with family members
They are an important part of helping you make informed choices about your care and your family’s health.
Prevention & Risk Reduction
Cancer prevention describes steps you can take to lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Here are a few healthy lifestyle choices that can lower your risk of developing cancer:
- Get vaccinated
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Pay attention to alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
The HPV vaccine prevents infections that can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, and some head and neck cancers. It works best when given in childhood but is recommended for adults up to age 45. The hepatitis B vaccine can also lower your risk of liver cancer by preventing long‑term hepatitis B infection.
Try to fill your plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and include whole grains and beans when you can. Limit highly processed foods and processed meats — such as sausage, bacon, ham, and hot dogs — because eating a lot of these foods may increase cancer risk. Work with your doctor or a registered dietitian (RD) to create an eating plan that works for you.
Frequent, unprotected sun exposure may increase your risk of skin cancer. Your risk is also higher if you use tanning beds, get frequent sunburns, or have more than 50 moles on your body. To reduce your risk, use sunscreen (at least SPF30), wear a wide brim hat, and stay in the shade when possible.
Drinking heavily or often can raise your risk of many types of cancer. The safest option for your health is to avoid alcohol, but if you choose to drink, try to limit how much and how often you drink. Your doctor may suggest cutting back to help lower your risk.
Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing many cancers. Being around other people’s smoke can also harm your health. Quitting smoking at any age can help lower your cancer risk. Try to avoid places where you might breathe in secondhand smoke whenever possible.
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