Screenings: Heart Health & Cancer Prevention
American Cancer Society, Inc. (2021, December 3). Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/screening-recommendations-by-age.html
American Heart Association. (2021, December 10). Retrieved from American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/
"}]}],"section_settings":" February is National Cancer Prevention Month and American Heart Month.
Heart health and cancer prevention share a lot of key factors. Adopting healthy lifestyle choices goes a long way in the prevention of many cancers and heart disease. Cancer prevention and heart health can start at any age; the earlier, the better.
The risk of many types of cancer and heart disease can increase with being overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating right and exercising can decrease these risks. The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week and an hour for children, both moderate in intensity. Getting closer to 300 minutes per week brings even more benefits.
Tobacco and alcohol consumption can also increase your risk for heart disease and certain cancers. It is important to know that no form of tobacco is safe. Quitting can be difficult, but your health care team can help with cessation program information. It is best not to drink alcohol; however, if you do, keep it to one drink per day for women and 2 per day for men. (American Cancer Society, Inc., 2021). The American Heart Association does not have specific recommendations for alcohol except to say that it should be consumed in moderation if consumed at all.
Knowing when cancer screenings should start for you is also a tool you'll want to have in your pocket when thinking about cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society is an excellent resource for prevention and screening tips. It is also important to know your family history, as this could mean that you need earlier and more frequent screenings.
For more detailed information on cancer prevention and screening, speak with your health care team or click the icon below. For more information on heart health, from recipes to risk factors to exercise, you can visit The American Heart Association by clicking on the icon below. Age 25: Age 45: Age 50: Age 65-75:
