Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules of the breast, with invasive ductal carcinoma being the most common type.
While some breast cancer risk factors — such as age, sex, family history, and genetics — cannot be changed, there are steps individuals can take to help lower their risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco are all important ways to support overall health and reduce cancer risk.
Screening Matters
The New American College of Radiology recommends annual screening starting at age 40 for women of average risk. Individuals should talk with their healthcare provider about their personal and family history and whether additional or earlier screening may be appropriate for them.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the gland cells of the prostate.
Age and family history are important risk factors for prostate cancer. Risk also varies among different populations, making conversations with a healthcare provider about individual risk especially important. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and following other healthy lifestyle behaviors can support overall health.
What About Screening?
Prostate cancer screening is an individual decision. Current U.S. Preventative Services Task Force guidance recommends that men ages 55 to 69 talk with their healthcare provider about the potential benefits and harms of PSA-based screening before deciding whether screening is right for them. Routine PSA-based screening is not recommended for men age 70 and older.
Talking with a healthcare provider about personal risk factors, family history, and screening options can help individuals make an informed decision.
Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type and accounts for the majority of lung cancer diagnoses.
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, but people who have never smoked can also develop the disease. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, radon, certain workplace and environmental exposures, family history, and previous radiation therapy to the chest.
One of the most important ways to reduce lung cancer risk is to avoid tobacco or quit smoking. Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, and other harmful substances can also help lower risk.
Early Detection Can Save Lives
The USPSTF recommends annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50 to 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Individuals should talk with their healthcare provider about their smoking history and whether lung cancer screening is right for them.
