The Earlier the Better: Early Detection and
Risk Assessment for Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, there
were an estimated 1.3 million new cancer cases
diagnosed in the United States in 2005. Cancer
is the second leading cause of death in the
United States following heart disease. The promising
news is that today there are ways you can help
reduce or prevent your risk of developing certain
types of cancer.
Early detection is key. The
earlier cancer is detected the better your
chances of beating the disease. Early detection
screening tools such as self-examinations, physical
examinations by your doctor and laboratory tests
are available for a variety of cancers.
For prostate cancer, the most common cancer among
men other than skin cancer according to the American
Cancer Society, a prostate-specific
antigen or PSA blood test, is an effective screening method.
For breast cancer, the leading cancer diagnosis
among women, monthly self-breast
examinations are recommended for women 20 years and older.
Mammograms are recommended for women 40 or older.
Mammograms may be recommended earlier if you have
a family history of breast cancer.
Men and women are encouraged to have a colonoscopy
beginning at age 50 to detect colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle
Another way to help reduce your risk of cancer
is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
These include:
- Eating a balanced diet including fruits
and vegetables and whole grains; avoid foods high
in fat
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active including regular exercise
- Not smoking
- Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol
- Using sunscreen and wearing protective
clothing when you are in the sun
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation
Program
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation
Program is a program designed to assess your personal
risk of getting cancer based on your family history
and lifestyle. You may consider participating
in a cancer risk evaluation program to assess
your risk if you:
- Have a personal or family history of
cancer before age 45
- Have many family members with cancer
in multiple generations on one side of the family
- Have already had cancer
- Have certain types of cancer in the family
such as breast, ovarian, colon or uterine
Knowing your risk can help you become more proactive.
A person at higher risk may begin certain cancer
screenings at an earlier age or more frequently
than someone at a lower risk.
If you are concerned about your risk and would
like more information about the University of
Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation Program, call
1-800-789-PENN (7366) or visit the Penn
Cancer Services web site.
Reviewed by Susan
Domchek, MD, January 2006
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