Duke Raleigh Hospital

A Big C diagnosis may not be preventable, but a few simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk. Duke cancer experts suggest some healthy habits that can make a big difference. SKIN CANCER "Take care of your body's largest organ: the skin. Use a daily moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or greater, covering ultraviolet [UV] A and B rays. If you plan to spend more than an hour in the sun, use a water-resistant product with SPF 30 or greater. Reapply frequently. "Also, look for warning signs in any mole or new growth on your body. Remember the ABCDEs: Asymmetric, irregular borders, changes in color, diameter of the lesion [larger than a pencil eraser] and evolving [changes in an existing lesion]." —Charles Woodard, MD, facial plastic & reconstructive surgery, Duke Otolaryngology of Raleigh HEAD AND NECK CANCER Head to Toe PROSTATE CANCER "Every male 40 years and older should be informed about prostate cancer and not assume that it is a universally non-harmful disease. Prostate cancer can be tenacious and life threatening, if ignored. The challenge in effectively treating prostate cancer is to identify aggressive tumors early. Tiny cancers can exist undetected in the prostate for many years. Active surveillance of small, detected cancers requires close follow-up, and when appropriate, treatment. Prevention and screening strategies, including the blood test called prostate-specific antigen [PSA], are evolving with the goal of reducing harm but preserving cures. Revised guidelines are increasingly emphasizing informed decision making prior to screening and multidisciplinary care for newly diagnosed patients. I strongly urge all men age 50 and older to be screened yearly with a PSA test and digital rectal exam with baseline testing at age 40."—Cary N. Robertson, MD, FACS, associate professor, division of urology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Urology of Raleigh LUNG CANCER "Many people don't realize that lung cancer, not breast cancer, is the No. 1 cancer killer of women and men in the United States. Lung cancer can present di•erently in women than in men. Women typically live longer than men for every stage of lung cancer, and women are more likely to have the type of lung cancer that occurs in people who do not smoke. "Since cigarette smoke is still the leading (but not the only) risk factor for developing lung cancer, avoiding smoke is the best preventive measure, whether from a cigarette, a fire, pollution, exhaust or other source. You should avoid breathing hot, burning particles at all times! "We are fortunate to now have a screening test for early detection of lung cancer called a screening chest CT. The test is available through the Lung Screening Clinic at Duke Raleigh Cancer Center. Lung screening is recommended for people considered 'high risk' for developing lung cancer, including people ages 55–75 who have smoked a pack a day for 30 years (or 2 packs a day for 15 years) or more and who are still smoking or have stopped smoking within the past 15 years. "A self risk assessment tool is available at dukeraleighhospital.org. Please call our nurse navigator Brenda Wilcox, RN, at 919-954-3877 for more information and to schedule an appointment." —Jennifer Garst, MD, professor of medicine, Duke Thoracic Oncology Program, chairman, Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina, director of oncology clinical research at Duke Raleigh Cancer Center BREAST CANCER "A few healthy lifestyle choices can lower the risk of breast cancer. Regular aerobic exercise four to five times a week can cut the chance of developing breast cancer almost in half. Maintaining a healthy weight can also lower the incidence. Gaining those extra pounds around the middle will increase the chance of getting breast cancer (and diabetes, heart disease and stroke). Low levels of vitamin D can increase the chance of breast cancer, and taking a supplement or getting a little sun during an aerobic walk can help. And drink in moderation. Alcoholics have a four times greater risk of breast cancer."—Lisa Tolnitch, MD, FACS, breast surgeon, Tolnitch Surgical Associates COLORECTAL CANCER "Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. Having regular colonoscopies is the most e•ective way to find and treat colon cancer early, when treatment is most e•ective. Certain risk factors may make some people more likely to develop colorectal cancer, and it's important to know your family history. Also, eating a healthy diet, smoking cessation and regular exercise are important in the prevention of colorectal cancer."—Linda Farkas, MD, Duke Colon & Rectal Surgery of Raleigh GYNECOLOGIC CANCER "There are many things that a woman can do to limit her gynecologic cancer risk. Understanding her family history is important in determining whether she is at increased risk and should be followed more closely or even undergo risk-reducing procedures. Maintaining a normal weight and avoiding obesity can limit endometrial cancer risk and having routine screening tests such as pap tests and mammograms can also decrease cancer mortality. Vaccines are available that can decrease the incidence of cervical cancer." —Fidel Valea, MD, Duke Gynecologic Oncology of Raleigh MEN'S HEALTH CORNER

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