Cancer Rates Are Falling. Let’s Keep It That Way.

October is the month for breast cancer awareness, and there’s been some encouraging news. Although the month began with some critics arguing that the pink ribbon campaign has created a false sense of security that the breast cancer battle is under control – that pink ribbon ubiquity has actually hindered research and progress – a couple of recent studies are encouraging. The Big Pharma disaster, aka HRT (hormone replacement therapy), inflated breast cancer cases. As doctors are now more cautious about recommending and prescribing this course of treatment for women, breast cancer rates have dropped.

But it’s not just breast cancer. Encouragingly, across the board, we’re seeing slight but meaningful drops in some types of cancer, particularly in at-risk groups. A few standouts: lung cancer has dropped a bit in women (women are more at risk to begin with). Colorectal cancers are down in men, largely due to better screening practices.

Nevertheless, cancer is still one of our biggest killers. With sensible lifestyle practices, you can dramatically reduce your risk. I hope it goes without saying that we should avoid smoking, excess drinking, and junk food, but screenings are also a critical factor in taking responsibility for your health. Be proactive.

Here’s a helpful starter guide to screening recommendations for several of our most common cancers. (This is in addition to following a healthy lifestyle. For lung cancer, the absolute best tip is to simply avoid smoke, or quit smoking if you do currently. Here’s a beginning resource to quit smoking.)

Also, I’d like to open up the discussion to you: what are your habits and tips for preventing cancer?

Breast Cancer

Starting in her 20s, a woman should get clinical breast exams at least every 3 years. Annual mammograms should start at 40. Self-exams should be performed monthly, but make sure to do it properly.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Starting at 50, get a test annually (fecal occult – FOBT- or fecal immunochemical – FIT). Colonoscopies should begin at 50 and continue every 10 years thereafter. Though colon cancer is often thought of as a men’s health issue, it’s equally important for women to get screened. I know you’re going to add in your tips below, but I can’t resist adding in a small note here: avoid processed meats!

Prostate Cancer

If caught early, your chances are really good. So get screened! Couple of ways to go: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, or the digital rectal screening (DRS). Based on your lifestyle and family history, your doc will decide with you, but you should do an initial screening at 40 or 45 at the latest. Beginning at 50, you should get both annually.

Cervical Cancer

The old standard used to be an annual test. Now, doctors say once every three years is fine for women who are either with one partner or are not sexually active and whose last test was clear. I tend to recommend going the extra-cautious route for everyone, but this is something to decide with your doctor.

Source: Cancer.org

Further Reading: The 7 Habits of Thin (Healthy) People

Vintage Bees: Cancer News

Graphic Source

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About the Author

Mark Sisson is the founder of Mark’s Daily Apple, godfather to the Primal food and lifestyle movement, and the New York Times bestselling author of The Keto Reset Diet. His latest book is Keto for Life, where he discusses how he combines the keto diet with a Primal lifestyle for optimal health and longevity. Mark is the author of numerous other books as well, including The Primal Blueprint, which was credited with turbocharging the growth of the primal/paleo movement back in 2009. After spending three decades researching and educating folks on why food is the key component to achieving and maintaining optimal wellness, Mark launched Primal Kitchen, a real-food company that creates Primal/paleo, keto, and Whole30-friendly kitchen staples.

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