Prevention & Wellness

Up to two thirds of cancers may be prevented by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Here are some guidelines that will help you lower your risk:

• Eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables every day.
• Eat six to 11 servings of whole-grain products every day.
• Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet. Your fat intake should be no more than 30 percent of your total daily calories.
• Maintain a weight that is healthy for someone your height.
• Participate in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, three to four times a week.
• Do not use tobacco in any form.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all.
• Eat two to three servings of low- or nonfat foods that are rich in calcium each day.
• Prepare and store foods safely.
• Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing, and wrap-around sunglasses that block close to 100 percent of UV rays.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor of at least 15.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Obtain regular clinical screenings based on National Cancer Institute guidelines for someone your age.

Of course, no one wants to hear a diagnosis of cancer - but you should never put off appropriate screening services. For women over the age of 40, an annual mammogram is critical, for example - and may detect cancer up to two years before it would be felt during self-examination.

The earlier any abnormal growth is identified and treated, of course, the better your chances of a complete recovery. Ninety-five percent of women who begin treatment during the early stages of breast cancer - the most common form of cancer among American women - survive. In men aged 15 to 34, the most common form of cancer is testicular cancer, which also has a better survival rate when detected and treated at an early stage. Huntington Cancer Center is available to assist you with world-class screening and diagnostic services. As a result, we can help ensure early identification of any tissue abnormality, for prompt and appropriate treatment.

The center also offers the services of a certified genetic counselor to help individuals and families assess any increased risk for cancer. For those identified as at heightened risk, follow-up testing is available. All testing and care options are thoroughly explained by our medical experts.

You may also call us at: 888-55-CANCER (888-552-2623)