The earlier cancer is found, the better your chances of recovery. In many cases, the treatment is also simpler and less intense when it starts early. Below, our family medicine specialists in East Chicago, Indiana are going to explain how regular checkups can help prevent cancer or detect it in its early stages.
What does your annual checkup do for your health?
Most people think of checkups as a time to check blood pressure or update vaccines. But there is usually more going on during that visit.
Your doctor uses that time to check for signs of problems you may not feel yet, including cancer. Things like breast, cervical, and colon cancers can sometimes be found early through regular screenings, which means treatment has a much better chance of working.
During your visit, your doctor looks at your habits, age, and family history to understand your risk. If you have a close family member who had cancer at a younger age, for example, they may want to start certain screenings sooner for you.
Prevention starts with your daily choices.
Cancer prevention usually comes down to how we live day to day. Choices like avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying out of tanning beds, and eating more fruits and vegetables all lower risk.
Of course, changing your habits is not always easy. That is where your family medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana can offer support that fits your life.
Your doctor can guide you toward a diet that works for you and help you come up with changes that feel doable. For example, many doctors recommend avoiding red or processed meats since they have long been linked to cancer.
Staying active and keeping a healthy weight are also important. Extra weight is linked to a higher risk for several types of cancer. In fact, nearly 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year are related to weight. Your doctor can help you set small goals, like taking regular walks or gradually changing your eating habits, so that these changes become a lasting part of your lifestyle.
Vaccines are another way to lower your risk. The HPV vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine are both proven to help prevent cancer. If you have not had them yet, your doctor can help you get started or complete the series.
Your health also depends on your sleep, stress, and overall well-being. These may not seem directly related to cancer, but they are. If you are struggling in those areas, you should talk to your doctor.
Screening is all about timing.
When someone asks if a test is really needed, the answer usually depends on the timing and personal risk.
For example, colorectal cancer screening used to start at age 50. However, it is now recommended to start at 45, as more cases have been appearing in younger adults. If you are between 76 and 85, screening still might help, but it depends on your health and if you have had regular screenings in the past.
Family history is important too. If a close relative had colorectal cancer at 60 or younger, you should start screening at 40.
Cervical cancer screening also changes with age. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 typically need a Pap test every three years. Between the ages of 30 and 65, there are more options. You may want to stick with the Pap test every three years, do HPV testing every five years, or get both.
Breast cancer screening should start at 40 now, instead of 50 like it used to be. Women are encouraged to continue getting screened every other year until they reach the age of 74. This change shows the value of early action.
These timelines can feel confusing. This is why you should talk with a family medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana who knows your background. They will consider your health, age, and history before recommending tests.
Looking for an Affordable Family Medicine Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified family medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana who will take the time to listen and understand your health fully? If so, our physicians at 219 Health Network are here for you. We will work with you to create a care plan that supports prevention and early detection. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.