Just four lifestyle factors could prevent close to 80 percent of the adult cancers found in Industrialized society today: (1) no smoking, (2) no alcohol, (3) a simpler, more natural plant based, whole food diet that’s very low in fat and high in fiber, and (4) normal weight. But for good measure, let us add one more: daily exercise. Instead of one American in four dying of cancer, the risk could be reduced to one in 20.
Important Lifesaving Tests
Beat cancer by detecting it early. The odds of surviving colon cancer are nine in 10 when it’s discovered before it spreads, but only one in 14 afterward.
What’s more, a full 97 percent of women diagnosed with localized breast cancer are alive at least five years later, compared to only 20 percent of those found to have metastasized breast cancer.
Breast
• Self-examination monthly from age 20. Any new or suspicious lumps should be checked by a doctor.
• Breast exam every three years from age 20 to 39, then annually.
• Mammogram every year or two from age 40, although there is currently much discussion of its perceived value.
Cervix
• Pelvic exam with Pap smear annually from age 21 and for younger women who are sexually active. After three consecutive normal results, some doctors recommend testing less frequently.
Skin
• Self-examination once a month. Look for unusual pearly bumps or red scaly patches. Also check for moles that have changed size or color, or have begun to ooze or bleed easily.
Colon
• Fecal occult blood test annually after age 50.
• Digital rectal exam, performed as part of a standard physical exam, annually after age 40.
• Colonoscopy, an exam of the large intestine every 10 years after age 50, until 70.
Prostate
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test annually after age 50, although there are currently recommendations to the contrary.
• Digital rectal exam, as part of a standard physical exam annually after age 40.