You may have a chance of developing cancer in your lifetime. But that’s mostly because doctors have gotten better at diagnosing it, says Jack Jacoub, M.D. He’s an oncologist and medical director at the MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
Thanks to decades of research, doctors have also gotten a lot better at finding, treating and helping to prevent cancer as well. Below, learn more about your risk factors for cancer, how it’s treated and how you can help prevent it.
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Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells that constantly grow, multiply and die. Cancer happens when a change (mutation) occurs in the genes of a cell that makes it grow and multiply uncontrollably, explains Dr. Jacoub. “When that happens, it could grow into a tumor, or the cells could just expand in number [as with bone marrow cancers],” he says. “That growth and expansion then leads to dysfunction of the site that the cancer is developing in.”
Cancer can occur in multiple parts of your body. “It can happen anywhere, which is why there are different forms of cancer,” says Dr. Jacoub. Cancers can also start in one place, such as the breast, and then spread to other areas in the body. That process is called metastasis.
There are more than 100 kinds of cancer. But only a handful are considered common, and they account for most of the cancer cases diagnosed in American patients.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer, a disease that starts in your skin cells, is by far the most common cancer. So, if someone were to have nonmelanoma skin cancer, some of the cancerous areas would be called lesions. (If you’re wondering, melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cells that give your skin its color become cancerous.) Unlike some other forms of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer is easily treated and cured in most cases. Nonmelanoma skin cancer lesions are not reported to cancer registries, so they’re not included in cancer statistics.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers aside, here are the most common cancers, in order of how common they are among Americans:
Breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers account for about half of all cancer cases in America. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, while prostate cancer is the most common among men.
Doctors know that changes to your genes (genetic mutations) cause cancer to grow. What they have a harder time understanding is what causes those changes in the first place.
“There are a lot of different things that can change the genes in your cells that can lead to cancer,” says Dr. Jacoub. Researchers are trying to understand what can damage and change cells. They do know of a few factors that can cause cancer. They are:
Genetics. Your parents can hand down changes in their genes to you that increase your chance of getting certain types of cancer. But inheriting these changes doesn’t mean you will get cancer. It typically requires another factor to trigger your cells to grow out of control. “We believe it’s an interplay, or this dance, between your genes and your environment and your habits,” says Dr. Jacoub.
If you have a strong family history of cancer, you might consider talking to a genetic counselor. They can help assess your risk and possibly test you for certain hereditary gene mutations that are linked to breast, ovarian, colorectal and other cancers.
If you do have a genetic mutation, you have ways to lower your risk of developing cancer. One option might be surgery to remove the tissue that has a high likelihood of developing cancer, says Dr. Jacoub. For example, women with BRCA (BReast CAncer) mutations may elect to have one or both breasts removed (mastectomy or double mastectomy) to prevent breast cancer from ever happening.
Smoking and tobacco use. You’ve heard this since you were a kid: Smoking and tobacco use are bad for your health. But they’re particularly bad for you because of their cancer-causing properties, notes Dr. Jacoub. It’s not just lung cancer you have to worry about. Other cancers that smoking can cause include:
Chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco also increase your risk of cancers in and around the mouth and esophagus. They also raise your risk of pancreatic cancer. Even if you don’t smoke or use tobacco products, secondhand smoke can increase your risk of lung and other cancers.
Infections. Infections from viruses, bacteria or parasites are linked to about 13% of cancers worldwide. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are one of the main causes of cervical cancer in women. They can also cause cancers in the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, mouth and throat. Hepatitis B and C infections can cause liver cancer.
Environmental exposures. Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation can cause damage to cells that leads to cancer. Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. If you have lighter skin or burn easily, you may be at higher risk.
What you eat and drink, how active you are and whether you’re at a healthy weight can all influence your cancer risk. Unlike smoking, for instance, doctors don’t really know how these risk factors might cause cancer.
“There’s a whole host of different theories behind why that’s the case,” says Dr. Jacoub.
These lifestyle factors are associated with a higher risk of several cancers:
Drinking alcohol. There’s strong evidence that moderate and heavy drinking increase the risk of these cancers:
Physical inactivity. People who are more physically active are less likely to have certain cancers than those who aren’t.
Excess body weight. Studies show that people with excess weight or obesity are more likely to have certain cancers.
Poor diet. In general, it seems that a diet low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and high in red and processed meats increases the risk of certain cancers.
Age is also one of the biggest risk factors for cancer. It’s also the one that we have the least control over. Cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but it’s far more common as you get older. About 80% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people who are 55 or older.
There are some risk factors, such as age and genetics, that we can’t control. But you can still do many things in your day-to-day life to stay healthy and lower your chances of getting cancer.
Stop smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. And if you do, try quitting. Another thing: Avoid secondhand smoke. If you do smoke or use other tobacco products, quitting smoking now can cut your risk of lung cancer by 30% to 50% after 10 years, compared with someone who does not quit. “If you cut out smoking, it would dramatically improve the prevalence of a lot of different cancers, not just lung cancer,” says Dr. Jacoub. There are lots of strategies to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Protect yourself from the sun. Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. When you’re in the sun, cover as much skin as you can with clothing and wear other protective gear such as wide-brim hats and sunglasses that block UV rays. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to any skin that’s exposed.
Limit alcohol. If you don’t drink, it’s best not to start. If you do drink, do so in moderation. That’s no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men.
Eat more plant foods. Research shows that diets high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes are linked to a lower risk of cancer. These foods are a good source of fiber, which can protect against colorectal cancers. And antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help protect cells throughout your body from damage that can lead to cancer.
Limit red meat and processed meats. If you eat a lot of red or processed meat, you might want to cut back on it. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating red meat is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, as well as other cancers such as prostate and pancreatic cancer. Processed meats, such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon and deli meats, have been linked to colorectal cancer and stomach cancer.
Be physically active. Getting regular physical activity may protect you against some cancers. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Try to get some physical activity most days, and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
See your doctor regularly for checkups, screenings and vaccines. Ask your doctor about screenings that you can get to check for cancer. You can also get vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses such as HPV and hepatitis B. These things will help you stay ahead of cancer, says Dr. Jacoub.
Some supplemental insurance plans, which you pay for in addition to your regular insurance plan, may help with eligible expenses for an unexpected diagnosis or illness. Explore your critical illness insurance options, or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.
Luckily, there are ways to screen for some of the most common cancers. When to get screened depends on your age, gender and other risk factors. Your doctor can let you know when you need to have certain cancer screenings. But Dr. Jacoub also recommends being proactive: “I would always say that knowledge is power.” It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with screening schedules and bring questions to your doctor.
Breast cancer
For many women, a mammogram is the best way to screen for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should get your first mammogram. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling or testing for BRCA gene mutations. They may also screen your breasts with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is a type of X-ray that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take pictures inside your body.
Cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or Pap tests are the recommended screening for cervical cancer for women. You should be screened every 3 to 5 years, depending on your age and what kind of test you get.
Colorectal cancers
You should begin screening for colorectal cancers at age 45. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. During this procedure, doctors can even remove potentially cancerous growths. Stool tests are also an option if you’re at average risk of colorectal cancers. Ask your doctor about your options for colorectal screening and when you should start.
Lung cancer
If you currently smoke or were a heavy smoker in the past, your doctor may do a CT scan to screen for lung cancer starting at age 50. Talk to your doctor about your history of tobacco use.
Skin cancer
You should check your skin regularly for any spots that look abnormal in color, size, shape or texture. Talk to your doctor if you notice anything that looks out of the ordinary. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you might want to see a dermatologist every year for a skin check.
Genetic testing
Scientists have identified several hereditary gene mutations that may increase your risk of certain cancers. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to breast cancer. But Dr. Jacoub cautions that genetic testing isn’t for everyone. “If you have a family history, or you’re young when you were diagnosed with cancer, you should consider genetic testing.” Talk to your doctor about your personal and family history of cancer. They may refer you to a genetic counselor.
Some insurance plans include preventive screening benefits. Explore health insurance options for you and your family, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.
“Unfortunately, when symptoms develop, that tends to signify the cancer has been there for some time,” says Dr. Jacoub. That’s why screening tests for common cancers are so important. The goal is to catch it early, before you start noticing symptoms.
But there are some signs you can watch for. Knowing what’s normal for your body is important. For example, new marks on your skin or changes to moles can be a sign of skin cancer. Keep an eye on your skin and talk to your doctor if anything changes. You’ll also want to alert your doctor to any new bumps or lumps you feel anywhere on your body.
Other than that, Dr. Jacoub recommends watching out for anything that feels off and that you can’t explain. Pain, extreme fatigue and unintentional weight loss or gain are common signs of cancer. Talk to your doctor about any worrisome symptoms you notice, especially if they don’t go away or start getting worse.
These days, most common cancers are highly treatable and survivable. Your likelihood of surviving a cancer diagnosis has also improved greatly because of the treatments available, according to Dr. Jacoub.
Your doctor will come up with a treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and whether it has spread to other areas of your body. They’ll also consider the risks of certain treatments for you based on your age or other health problems you have.
Here are some of the most common cancer treatments:
Cancer treatment can get expensive quickly even if you have health insurance. “So, making sure you have insurance that covers what you need is really important,” says Caitlin Donovan. She’s the senior director of public relations at the National Patient Advocate Foundation.
Depending on what insurance you have, for doctor visits, for example, you may have to pay a copayment or coinsurance (or both) for treatment. Cancer treatments, diagnostic tests and some specialist visits are usually covered by coinsurance. But this all depends on the insurance plan you have. Keep in mind, you usually have to meet your deductible before your insurer starts paying.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) added many more protections that will benefit you if you’re diagnosed with cancer:
Original Medicare, or Medicare Parts A and B, covers things such as hospital stays, doctor visits and some preventive screenings for cancer. You’ll have to pay extra for prescription medication coverage (Medicare Part D). So, if you have cancer and need to fill prescriptions, that would be how you would get them.
The ACA expanded access to preventive care such as colonoscopies, mammograms and even your annual physical, says Donovan. These and other preventive care services must be covered at no cost to you (as long as you choose an in-network provider). This should include any services you receive around screenings too. For example, if you have to meet with a specialist to discuss the results, that can also be covered at no cost, explains Donovan.
It can be challenging to figure out what your insurance plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs might be. Donovan stresses that you can always call your insurer and ask what’s covered. You can also ask the company to send you a list of in-network treatment centers and doctors.
Beyond basic health insurance, you can get supplemental plans to help cover medical expenses. Supplemental plans are ones that you pay for in addition to your regular insurance plan.
Got questions about supplemental health insurance? Get details on available policies now or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 to discuss your options.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare and/or its affiliates and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
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