Every February, we observe National Cancer Prevention Month—a time to focus on one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer: prevention and early detection. While cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, research shows that 30-50% of cancer cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors, meaning many cancers can be prevented or detected early when they're most treatable.
The good news? Regular screening can save lives. Studies show that adopting healthy lifestyles and following recommended screening guidelines is associated with substantial reductions in cancer risk and mortality.
Cancer screening aims to detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages—or even find precancerous changes before they become cancer. When cancer is caught early, treatment is often more effective, less invasive, and more likely to be successful.
Research demonstrates that if screening uptake increased by just 10 percentage points, thousands of cancer deaths could be prevented each year. Yet many Americans are not up to date with their recommended screenings.
Who Should be Screened: Women starting at age 40-45
What to Do:
Women at higher risk (due to family history, genetic mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2, or previous chest radiation) may need to start screening earlier and may benefit from additional imaging like breast MRI.
Who Should be Screened: Adults starting at age 45
What to Do:
Several effective screening options are available:
Continue screening through age 75. Between ages 76-85, discuss with your doctor whether continued screening makes sense for you based on your health and prior screening results.
Who Should be Screened: Women starting at age 21
What to Do:
Who Should be Screened: Adults aged 50-80 with significant smoking history
What to Do:
If you have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, talk to your doctor about annual low-dose CT screening.
Important: Lung cancer screening should be combined with smoking cessation support if you currently smoke.
While screening is crucial, prevention through healthy lifestyle choices is equally important. Research shows that adopting healthy habits can reduce cancer risk by 17-58% for various cancer types.
Key prevention strategies include:
Studies show that people who follow these recommendations have significantly lower rates of cancer incidence and mortality compared to those who don't.
National Cancer Prevention Month is the perfect time to:
Cancer prevention and early detection save lives. By following recommended screening guidelines and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your cancer risk. Don't wait—take control of your health today.
Remember: These are general guidelines for people at average risk. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic risk factors, or other concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need earlier or more frequent screening.
At Lone Star Family Health Center, we are committed to helping you stay healthy through prevention and early detection. Our clinic provides many recommended cancer screenings, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screening, right here in the clinic or through coordinated referrals when needed. Our healthcare team will work with you to determine which screenings are appropriate based on your age, medical history, and individual risk factors—making it easier to stay up to date and take control of your health.
Dr. Amir Hossain is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.