The Seven Most Common Preventable Cancers | Cancer articles | Body & Health Conditions center

In addition to the changes in lifestyle factors relating to diet and physical activity, experts have recommended taking specific measures to prevent the seven preventable cancers.

Lung Cancer

The leading cause of deaths from cancer, it is estimated that this year, over 220,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, with about 160,000 dying of the disease.

Measures to prevent lung cancer include:

Not smoking or quitting smoking.
Avoiding secondhand smoke.
Avoiding radon exposure at home.
For smokers, getting screened regularly with spiral CT scan.

Skin Cancer

This is the most common cancer, but also the most preventable type of cancer. More than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer, of which the most dangerous is melanoma, and about 10,000 will die from it.

Measures to prevent skin cancer include:

Protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun by using sunscreen and adequate clothing.
Avoiding overuse of indoor tanning devices.
Carefully examining the skin for changes.
Getting a regular medical examination of the skin, especially after age 50.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer will be diagnosed in more than 200, 000 women and 2,000 men this year. It is estimated that more than 40,000 will die from the disease. However, if diagnosed and treated early, 99% will survive for at least five years (five-year survival rate).

Measures to prevent breast cancer include:

For mothers, breastfeeding babies.
Limiting daily alcohol intake to one drink (women) or two drinks (men).
Practicing self-breast examination.
Having a clinical breast exam at least every three years at age 20-30 years and annually starting at age 40.
Regular mammography (as recommended by your doctor) if you are at high risk.

Colorectal Cancer

Estimates show that more than 136,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 50,000 will die of the disease this year.

Measures to prevent colorectal cancer include:

Diet modification to include high-fiber foods (fruits and vegetables) and limit red meat consumption.
After age 50, regular screening exams such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema (as recommended).

Prostate Cancer

Approximately 233,000 men will have prostate cancer, and about 30,000 will die of the disease this year.

Measures to prevent prostate cancer include:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
At the age of 50 onwards, men are advised to get a screening exam which may consist of a direct rectal exam and/or a blood test to measure PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen).

Cervical Cancer

It is estimated that more than 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 4,000 deaths from the disease will occur this year.

Measures to prevent cervical cancer include:

Practicing safe sex.
Getting HPV vaccinations as recommended.
Getting a Pap test every 3 years at age 21-29 and every 5 years up to age 65.

Oral Cancer

It is estimated that more than 42,000 people have cancer of the mouth and throat this year, and about 8,000 will die from it.

Measures to prevent oral cancer include:

Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol intake.
Protecting the lips from sunlight by using sunscreen.
Visiting the dentist regularly.

Testicular Cancer

This is the most common type of cancer in young men(15 to 35 years).

Almost 9,000 men will get testicular cancer this year, and about 380 will die from it.

Measures to prevent skin cancer include:

Learning how to do self-examination of the testicles.
Asking a doctor to include examination of the testicles as part of your physical exam.

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