Five Things You Can Do to Help Prevent Cancer

“Given the highly addictive potential of nicotine in cigarettes,” says noted lung cancer expert Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO, Winship’s executive director and the Roberto C. Goizueta Distinguished Chair for Cancer Research at Emory University School of Medicine, “not taking up smoking is the best way to prevent health problems including cancer.” However, he adds that current smokers have options—there are still evidence-based methods to quit smoking and improve their health.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

The National Cancer Institute says that obesity is a risk factor for 13 different cancers. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can avoid these risks. “A healthy lifestyle, including eating foods like vegetables, whole grains, beans and fruit, can help you reduce your risk for cancer and several other chronic diseases,” says Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, CSO, LD who manages the dietitians at Winship. “Choosing lean protein options and reducing your intake of red and processed meats—small, simple changes to your daily diet is the first step in healthy eating.” Emory Healthcare offers weight management programs since diet and exercise alone aren’t always enough for people to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Get the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps prevent cancer. “Each year in the United States, there are more than 40,000 new cases of the six HPV-related cancers, which include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and oropharyngeal,” says Winship Cancer Prevention and Control researcher Robert A. Bednarczyk, PhD, associate professor of global health at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. Bednarczyk, whose research focuses on the prevention of cervical cancer and other human papillomavirus-related diseases through the use of HPV vaccination, says, “Because many of these cancers don’t have routine screening tests, we aren’t able to catch them early—so HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent them.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination for people from age 9 up to 45 years old. The CDC advises that unvaccinated individuals between ages 27 and 45 can still benefit from the vaccine, and they should speak with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.

“Dermatologists generally recommend avoiding the midday sun, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., to reduce your risk of skin cancer,” says board-certified dermatologist Benjamin K. Stoff, MD. “We also recommend wearing sun-protective clothing and using broad spectrum sunscreens with UVA/UVB protection and an SPF rating of 30 or higher.” Stoff, a researcher in Winship’s Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program and associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine, adds, “Reapplying sunscreen every few hours while outside, especially while engaging in vigorous activity, is also important.”

Cancer screening means looking for cancer before you may experience any symptoms of cancer. Screening can find cancer early, which can make it easier to treat or cure. By the time there are symptoms, the cancer may already have grown or spread, making it harder to treat or cure.

“Lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer account for over 50% of all new cancers in Georgia,” says Ramalingam. “These cancers can be detected early through screening, and it is important for Georgians to undergo regular screening for relevant cancers.” Screening tests also are available for cervical cancer, head and neck cancer and skin cancer. Read more about screenings you should talk to your doctor about scheduling.

If you or your loved one needs cancer diagnostics and treatment, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is here to help. At Winship, cancer care is led by compassionate and experienced specialists in cancer who will be with you or your loved one every step of the way—from diagnosis to treatment and long after.