As a family, you never want to hear, “your relative has cancer.” Still, unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of a cancer diagnosis in your family. However, you can take proactive steps to reduce the chances of someone in your family receiving this life-altering news. Here are four tips for managing and preventing cancer diagnoses in your family.
1. Learn About Cancer Risk Factors
You and your family need to learn about the risk factors associated with cancer so that you can be aware of them and make informed decisions about lifestyle choices. While some risk factors, such as age and genetics, are not changeable, others are within your control. For example, poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco, exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, being overweight or obese, and lack of physical activity have all been linked with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. Knowing what increases the chances of getting cancer is the first step in managing your family’s health risks.
Reducing your risk for cancer starts with making healthy lifestyle choices. Eating a well-balanced diet full of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help you stay healthy and prevent disease. Avoiding processed meats, eating less red meat, limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day (for men) or one drink per day (for women), and avoiding tobacco products are all good ways to reduce your risk.
Regular exercise is also important for staying healthy overall, as studies have shown that physical activity can help lower the risk of certain cancers. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity daily or 150 minutes per week. Examples of aerobic activities include walking, jogging, swimming, and biking.
2. Understand Different Types of Cancer
Different types of cancer have different risk factors and require other treatments. You need to understand the different types of cancer to better protect your family from them. For example, breast cancers are caused by genetic mutations, while lung cancers are typically linked to smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke. Knowing the risks associated with each type of cancer can help you make informed decisions about how to best protect your family members from developing these diseases.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the common treatments for each type of cancer. Depending on the severity and progression of the disease, medical professionals may recommend one or more treatment methods, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each type of cancer has its own individualized treatment plan. It is essential to understand the potential side effects of each, such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and changes in appetite.
The prognosis or outlook for cancer varies wildly, depending on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, age, and overall health of the patient. Many advances have been made in recent years to improve survival rates for all types of cancer, and some cancers are now preventable. It is essential to discuss any risk factors or lifestyle habits that may increase your likelihood of developing certain types of cancer with your doctor so that you can take proactive steps to reduce your chances of a diagnosis.
3. Ensure Regular Screenings And Checkups
Regular screenings and checkups should be part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone in your family. Such evaluations can detect signs of cancer early on, making treatment more effective if it is needed. Additionally, regular screening tests can help detect changes in the body that may indicate a person is at risk for developing cancer. For example, lung cancers can often be detected through X-rays and CT scans, while breast cancers are typically easier to spot during routine mammograms.
It is important to remember that screenings and checkups don’t always detect cancer. However, they can provide information about a person’s overall health. It is recommended that individuals over the age of 50 get regular colonoscopies or stool tests to screen for colorectal cancer. Women should also get regular Pap tests to check for cervical cancer and pelvic exams. Lastly, men should be tested for prostate cancer with regular PSA blood tests. You and your family’s doctor can work together to develop a schedule of the right screenings for your needs and medical history.
In some cases, an individual may need more frequent screenings due to personal or family history of cancer. It is essential to let your doctor know if a close relative has been diagnosed with cancer, as this will likely affect the type and frequency of the screenings you should receive. Genetics can play an important role in determining an individual’s risk for developing cancer, and regular screenings are essential in helping to identify early signs of the disease.
4. Take Advantage Of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are an important part of advancing cancer research and treatment. The results from clinical trials allow doctors to test new drugs, treatments, or therapies with patients who already have the disease before they become available for wider use by the public. Participating in these trials means that your family member could receive potentially life-saving treatments—and you’ll also be helping advance medical science overall by providing data from the trial experience.
Additionally, it’s advisable to take advantage of clinical trials that are paid. These studies offer compensation for participants in exchange for the time and effort they put into the trial — such as reimbursement for travel or meals. This is ideal as you get potential cancer treatment and a financial incentive to participate.
It’s important to note that not all clinical trials involve taking part in expensive or complicated procedures. Some observational studies do not require lifestyle or behavior changes and may even pay for participation. Furthermore, participating in a trial does not always mean taking a new drug. Sometimes the trial may compare standard treatments to each other.
In Closing
By following these four tips for managing and preventing cancer diagnoses in your family, you’ll be taking proactive steps toward ensuring their health and safety. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to face any cancer diagnosis in your family.