Cancer Prevention

Coborn Cancer Center recognizes that routine screenings and early detection reduce disease progression and afford the best hope for a cure. One of the best ways to help detect cancer is to talk to your health care provider about your own cancer screening schedule, based on your family history. Genetic counseling also is available for patients and their families who are concerned about their genetic risk of cancer.

Recommended cancer screenings for most adults

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancers are easily treated if diagnosed early. Regular self-skin exams and a yearly examination by a provider help people find early skin cancers.

Catching Melanoma Early May Save Your Life.
Research shows that YOU are the most likely person to spot your melanoma. Pay attention to your skin and know what is normal for YOU. Bring any mole or lesion that is new or changing to the attention of your provider right away.

View this video on Skin Self-Exam from the American Academy of Dermatology

Protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer-causing UV rays by practicing sun safety and avoiding tanning beds.

How to Apply Sunscreen

• Be generous! 1 ounce of SPF 50 (about a palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face
• Remember your ears, hands, feet and underarms
• Reapply at least every 2 hours apply more often if you’re in and out water or sweating

Exercise and stay active. Research suggests that staying active can help speed recovery, lower the risk of recurrence and lead to longer survival. Moderate exercise (walking, dancing, swimming) for about 30 minutes every - or almost every - day can be beneficial.

One of the great things about physical activity is that there are so many ways to be active. The secret to success is to be creative, find activities you enjoy and keep going. Exercises, motivational tips, real-life success stories and other free materials are available from Go4Life.

Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. Healthy food choices may help reduce the risk of cancer or recurrence. Choose a healthy, balanced diet by focusing on variety, amount and nutrition. In general, it’s a good idea to have many kinds of food in your diet. Talk with your doctor or our oncology dietitian (nutritionist) to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have.

In general, follow these guidelines:

• Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetable daily
• Eat whole grains (such as cereals, breads and pasta) several times daily
• Choose proteins low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes
• Choose foods low in fat and salt
• Visit choosemyplate.gov for more healthy eating style guidelines.

Dietary Supplements
Limit dietary supplements. The best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need is in the food you eat. Large amounts of some supplements can hurt you. If you think you need a supplement, talk to your health care provider before you start to take it.

Quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke and stay away from all forms of tobacco. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking or visit Crave the Change.

Get your home tested for radon

Two in five Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a significant health risk. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the earth. Long term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer (after tobacco) in smokers. In the U.S., 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year are caused by radon.

This risk should be entirely preventable through awareness and testing. Inexpensive radon test kits are available and a variety of techniques can be used to reduce radon levels in a house or other building. For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Health web site - Radon in Minnesota Homes.

Avoid asbestos

Asbestos, a group of minerals used for many years in construction products, is still present in many buildings. Removal or major repairs of asbestos-containing materials should be done by an accredited asbestos professional. Learn about lead, carbon monoxide, mold and asbestos from the Minnesota Department of Health Healthy Homes site.