Dr. Greg Carnevale is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Delaware.
A new report from America’s Health Rankings found that 10.2% of adults in Delaware have been diagnosed with cancer at some point, and the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 6,641 cancer cases were reported in the state in 2022.
About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. are affected by cancer, and about 2 million new cases of it are diagnosed each year.
Breast and colorectal cancer diagnoses, in particular, have been on the rise since the mid-2000s, and these cancers are being diagnosed more often at younger ages.
A diagnosis of this illness can impact people’s lives in many ways. Early detection may play a key role in improving health outcomes and lowering health care costs.
The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer when caught in its early stages is over 90%, for example. At the most advanced stages, the five-year survival rate for this type of cancer is 13%, and treatment may result in long-term side effects.
So, what can you do to help potentially reduce your risk? Here are four things to consider:
Understand your risk factors
Knowing your risk factors of developing cancer or other chronic conditions is an important step to protect your health.
Some factors, like age, genetics and family history, are out of your control. Tell your doctor about your family’s health background to determine if you may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers.
Understanding your risk can help you and your doctor decide when to begin certain preventive screenings and diagnostic services that may detect any issues early, when treatment may be more effective.
While there’s no way to prevent all cancers, there are some lifestyle choices that may support your overall health and potentially reduce cancer risk, as well.
Choose a healthier lifestyle
In the United States, at least 18% of cancers are related to excess bodyweight, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition, according to the American Cancer Society.
There are some lifestyle modifications that may result in better overall health and reduced risk for cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Eat a balanced diet. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. A healthy diet can support overall well-being. In fact, research shows that people who eat a “Mediterranean diet” have a lower risk of breast cancer, for example.
Prioritize movement and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise is good for overall health, and physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco and smoking. Alcohol abuse is linked to some types of cancer, like those of the oral cavity, esophagus and liver. Smoking can increase the risk of developing many types, including colon and lung. Chewing tobacco is also tied to cancer, especially head and neck varieties.
Establish a relationship with a primary care provider
In Delaware, 75% of women ages 40-74 report receiving a mammogram in the past two years, while 64.7% of people ages 45-75 say they have gotten one or more of the recommended colorectal cancer screenings within the recommended time intervals.
Keeping up with doctor visits, preventive screenings and diagnostic services can be an important part of overall health.
Remember to schedule your annual wellness exam and screenings. Health plans usually cover preventive care, and you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain services if you go to a network provider.
Talk to your employer and health plan
Check with your employer and health plan to see what benefits are available to support your health and well-being.
Timely diagnoses may improve outcomes and help with expenses, especially when it comes to cancer. Screenings may include physical exams, lab tests and imaging, many of which are used in cancer detection and may be covered by insurance.
Taking proactive steps to protect your health today may reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic conditions tomorrow.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
