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Having a family history of cancer may put you at higher risk, but there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk. Changing habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting sun exposure (or wearing sunscreen), eating a healthier diet, and getting regular exercise not only improve your general health, but can limit your risk of developing many types of cancer. In general, your risk for developing cancer increases with age, so even if you are in good general health, you should begin talking to your healthcare provider about what you can do to prevent cancer in the future.
The most effective way to treat cancer is to detect it as early as possible. “Early detection” screenings, such as mammograms (for breast cancer), Pap tests and HPV tests (for cervical cancer or precancers), prostate exams, and colorectal screenings should be performed on a regular basis as recommended by your doctor. Your doctor will base his/her advice on your age and your individual risk factors, including family history. In general, beginning at age 40 women should have annual mammograms. They should also have regular breast exams by a healthcare provider. Because cervical cancer is primarily the result of a common sexually transmitted infection, human papillomavirus, or HPV, it is important that women begin getting Pap tests within three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.
Learn more about how to prevent cancer using the resources below.
Resources from NEA HIN and its Partners
NEA HIN Human Papillomavirus (HPV) & Cervical Health Web Page
NEA HIN Prostate Cancer Factsheet
Additional Resources
American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Prostate Cancer Foundation
CDC Health Information Library
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's searchable database of free information on more than 200 diseases and health issues, including breast, cervical, colon, lung, prostate, and skin cancer.
healthfinder®
healthfinder® is a gateway to selected consumer health and human services information resources provided by U.S. government agencies and other organizations serving the public interest. Featured resources include online publications, clearinghouses, databases, websites, and support and self-help groups, as well as the government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that produce reliable information for the public.
Medline Plus
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. |
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