A new report by America’s Health Rankings discovered that 7.7% of adults in New York have been previously diagnosed with cancer, and the latest data from the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) indicate that there were 120,886 cases of cancer reported in New York in 2022.
Cancer affects approximately 1 in 3 people in the United States3 and about 2 million new cases of cancer is diagnosed each year.
Breast and colorectal cancer diagnoses have increased since the mid -2000s, and are more frequently diagnosed among younger people.
A diagnosis of cancer can affect the lives of people in many ways. Early cancer detection can play a key role in helping to improve health results and reduce medical care costs.
For example, the 5 -year survival rate for colorectal cancer when detected in its early stages is greater than 90% .5 In the most advanced stages, the 5 -year survival rate for this type of cancer is 13% and the treatment can result in long -term side effects.
So what can you do to help potentially reduce your risk of cancer? Here I present advice to consider:
Understand cancer risk factors
Knowing its cancer risk factors or other chronic conditions is an important step to help protect your health.
Some risk factors, such as age, genetics and family history, are out of control. Tell your doctor about your family health history to help you determine if you can have a higher risk to develop certain types of cancer.
Understanding your risk can already help your doctor to decide when to start certain preventive exams and diagnostic services that can help you detect any problem as soon as possible, when the treatment can be more effective.
While there is no way to prevent all cancers, there are some lifestyle habits that can support their general health and potentially help reduce the risk.
Choose a healthier lifestyle
In the United States, at least 18% of cancers are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition, according to the American cancer society.
There are some lifestyle changes that can result in a better general health and a reduced risk of cancer and other chronic conditions.
Eat a balanced diet. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. A healthy diet can help support your general well -being. In fact, studies show that people who eat a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Also, prioritize the movement and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise is good for your health and it has been shown that physical activity helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. Alcohol abuse is related to some types of cancer, such as oral cavity, esophagus and liver. Smoking can increase the risk of developing many types of cancer, including colon and lung cancers. Mascar tobacco is also related to cancer, especially head and neck cancers.
Establish a relationship with a primary care provider
In New York, 75.8% of women aged 40 to 74 report having received a mammogram in the last two years, while 59.7% of people from 45 to 75 report having received one or more of the recommended evidence to detect colorectal cancer within the recommended time intervals.
Keeping up with medical visits, preventive exams and diagnostic services can be an important part of your general health.
Remember to schedule your annual welfare exam and preventive exams. Health plans generally cover preventive care, and you can pay $ 0 pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a supplier of your network.
Talk to your employer and health plan
Consult with your employer and health plan to see what benefits are available to help maintain your health and well -being.
Timely diagnoses can improve health results and help with medical expenses, especially when it comes to cancer. Detection tests may include physical exams, laboratory tests and image diagnoses, many of which are used in cancer detection and may be covered by health plans.
Taking proactive measures to protect your health today can help you reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases tomorrow.
