KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — According to the CDC, almost 1.8 million new cancer cases were reported in the United States in 2021.
There are around 100 types of cancer with many types of symptoms.
That’s why getting tested regularly is important so you can catch the disease early before it spreads.
“The screenings can help us pick up symptoms of cancers earlier, and the earlier detected, the more likelihood that we can get people in remission,” said A.T. Still University Kirksville Family Medicine Physician Assistant Franchesca Cook.
Some cancer screenings depend on age, but if you know that certain cancers run in your family, you should begin getting tested as soon as possible.
“Sometimes you need to you know, there are cancers that appear earlier in life and so if you have family history of that, you definitely need to discuss that with your primary care provider and decide if you have those risk factors because you may need screened sooner,” Cook said.
Testing will help catch the cancer, but the only way to help prevent the disease is by living a healthy lifestyle.
The most effective methods are limiting stress, eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.
“The right food is so important; minimizing sugar, especially eating the right type of fats, lots of fruits and vegetables and then getting enough exercise in the day, getting in those 10,000 steps a day,” Cook said.
If you have any questions or concerns, doctors recommend reaching out to your primary care provider for more information.
