National Cancer Control Month

Since 1938, the President of the United States has annually designated April as National Cancer Control Month. This period is committed to fostering awareness surrounding cancer prevention and treatment across the nation. Over the years, there has been a consistent decrease in cancer-related fatalities, attributable in part to improved education and increased awareness regarding methods for preventing specific types of cancer, identifying warning signs and symptoms, and accessing appropriate treatment.

Prevention

Among the various prevention strategies, screening stands out as a highly effective method for identifying pre-cancerous cells and facilitating prompt treatment. Some cancers lend themselves well to screening, including:

Breast Cancer: Women aged 40 and above are recommended to undergo annual mammograms.
Cervical Cancer: Women aged 21 and older should have Pap tests conducted at least every 3 years.
Colon and Rectal Cancer: Both men and women aged 50 and above are advised to undergo yearly colonoscopies for screening purposes.

Apart from screening, vaccinations play a pivotal role in treating and preventing certain types of cancers. These vaccines target specific infectious agents that either cause or contribute to cancer development. Here are some FDA-approved cancer vaccines:

Gardasil or Cervarix: These vaccines aim to shield women against particular strains of the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV).
Hepatitis B Vaccine: This series of three shots, administered to children, is designed to safeguard both men and women against the Hepatitis B virus, a potential cause of liver cancer.
Provenge: FDA-approved in 2010, this vaccine aids in treating metastatic prostate cancer.

In addition to medical interventions, implementing straightforward lifestyle adjustments proves highly effective in preventing certain types of cancer:

Refrain from using tobacco products.
Consume alcohol in moderation.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Minimize exposure to UV rays.
Practice safe sexual behaviors.

Despite cancer ranking among the top causes of death in the US, it is also remarkably preventable. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your health and leveraging available resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of future cancer diagnoses or fatalities.

Source: National Cancer Institute