- 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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SCREENINGS BY AGE THAT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SUPPORTS.
Age 25:
- Everyone with a cervix should be tested every five years to screen for cervical cancer, even if the HPV vaccine was given during childhood.
Age 45:
- Women should have annual mammograms. Women may choose to start mammograms at 40; however, the recommended age remains 45.
- Men and women should begin colon cancer screenings. There are multiple testing options; speak to your health care team to discuss these.
Age 50:
- Current or former smokers should talk to their health care team about annual low-dose CT scans for both men and women. Several criteria will be taken into consideration before ordering the test.
- Men should speak with their health care team about screening for prostate cancer.
Age 65-75:
- This is when some screenings can be stopped or be done less frequently, depending on risk factors and family history. Talk with your health care team to determine the best course for you.
