A Few Minutes Now is Worth a Lifetime Later

Going to the doctor can be a scary prospect. Most people don't find it appealing to get poked and prodded while sitting half-naked on a table in a chilly exam room, but it is a necessary evil. Regular check-ups are an important part of maintaining good health and are the best method of cancer prevention. Should that dreaded “C”-word rear its ugly head, regular check-ups can provide early detection and your best options for successful treatment.

It's no secret that early detection can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to cancer. Those regular doctor's visits will let you know if you are at risk for certain types of cancers and what the early warning signs may be. Just as there are many types of cancer, there are many types of tests to detect cancer. Your doctor can advise you on which ones should be performed and how frequently.

Knowing your family health history can help identify your risk factors but lifestyle, ethnicity, and gender also play a role. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among all women. Among men, prostate cancer is most common. When caught early, the survival rates for these types of cancer are between 85 and 100% but, as the disease progresses, those rates can drop significantly and the treatments become more aggressive and invasive.
Even though there have been significant advances in cancer treatment, cancer prevention is still the best defense and it is not as hard as you might think. Avoiding or quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer but also many other forms of cancer. Practicing sun safety helps prevent or minimize the occurrence of many types of skin cancer. Also follow your mother's advice and eat your veggies! Providing your body with the necessary nutrients and antioxidants will not only help prevent cancer but also other health risks, too.
There are no guarantees that you will be able to prevent cancer but there are actions you can take to reduce your risks. Incorporating cancer prevention techniques into your lifestyle and early detection through regular check-ups can provide your best defense against this disease as well as some peace of mind.

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