How a Health Check-Up Can Protect You From Cancer

Are you thinking about getting a health check up so you can protect yourself from a cancer diagnosis? Good idea, as there are many different types of cancers one can be diagnosed with. According to the National Cancer Institute, some of the most common forms of cancer include:

• Breast
• Bladder
• Colorectal
• Lung
• Prostate
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Thyroid
• Pancreatic

Different cancers have different symptoms, many of which can easily be mistaken for signs of other, less severe situations. In many cases, waiting until serious symptoms arise can limit your treatment options and minimize your chances of a better overall outcome. This is one of the reasons why you need to talk to your primary care doctor on a regular basis when it comes to understanding how to detect and prevent cancer.

Health check ups and other preventive care

Learning more about what a health check up involves is a great idea. The more you understand about your medical care options, the more likely you will be to take advantage of these options that are in place to support your overall health. Health check-ups are also known as physical examinations and preventive screening appointments. Since it can be confusing to understand what type of cancer screenings are available to you, asking your primary care doctor is recommended.

According to Harvard Health, it is best to talk to your doctor about your cancer risk factors and family history, learn which screenings are right for you and then develop and stick to a screening schedule. In addition, you should take steps to safeguard your health by reducing your risks of developing a wide variety of cancers.

First and foremost, do not smoke or use tobacco, as these products are full of toxins that significantly increase your chances of developing cancer, especially long-term. Also, be mindful of your alcohol intake. Because the risks of drinking far outweigh the minor benefits, alcohol is not recommended. However, if you do choose to drink, do so in moderation, as excessive or routine consumption can also increase your cancer risks.

Another area that should be closely monitored is your weight. If you are obese, you have a greater chance of developing several types of cancer. You can combat this by eating a nutritious, well-rounded diet and getting plenty of exercise on a routine basis. In addition, limit your consumption of certain foods, including red meats, processed meats, refined sugars and flours, and other highly processed foods.

Cancer screening options performed at a regular health check up

The list below includes some of the more common cancer screening options that are available during a typical health check up appointment. Ask your doctor about which screenings are right for you and how often you need them.

Colorectal cancer

A colorectal cancer screening is performed in order to find any precancerous polyps that may be existing in the colon or the rectum. These polyps are abnormal growths and therefore need to be removed before they can turn into colon cancer. While this screening test should be performed on people once they reach the age of 50, some people need to have this test performed at an earlier age due to their family history or an inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis.

Breast cancer

A mammogram can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, making it easier to treat. This preventive screening option allows a woman to have her breasts checked before any signs or symptoms of cancer start to show. While current recommendations for women are that they should get a mammogram performed every two years, it is important for every woman to ask their primary care doctor how often they should undergo a mammogram.

Cervical cancer

Pap tests are performed in order to find any abnormal cells existing within a woman’s cervix, which can potentially turn into cancer. A Pap smear is one of the more common types of preventive screening tests for women performed nowadays. When abnormal cells are found by using this screening procedure, the chances of being successfully treated are going to be higher.

Conclusion

Are you ready to schedule a preventive health check up appointment so you can undergo one or more cancer screenings? Now that you understand more about the different types of cancer screenings that are available, you can choose to have one, two, or all of them performed. If any screenings come back positive, then you and your primary care doctor will discuss your next steps.

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