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What Can I Do About My Risk?
Each individual's cancer risk is determined by their own behavioral, environmental, biological and genetic risk factors. Some factors can be changed, some can not. Everyone can benefit by make positive changes to reduce their risk. For some individuals, having your risk factors evaluated by a cancer risk assessment professional may be the best way to understand your risk and learn what early detection and prevention options may be available for you.
Join our Risk Assessment Program
If you are concerned about the history of cancer in your family, and your own personal cancer risk, our Cancer Risk Assessment professionals can help make sense of it all. Our physicians, genetic counselors and nurse cancer risk counselors will review your family history and your own personal risk factors to determine your risk. Genetic testing is available when appropriate. Our staff will make recommendations about a personal cancer screening program for you. When appropriate, they will also explore other options, such as chemoprevention (taking a pill that can help reduce the risk of certain cancers) surgery and/or research studies available to you.
Join a Risk Assessment Program
Make the changes you can make
Most biological factors can not be changed, for example age race and skin tone. However, lifestyle changes very are important. These are the factors you can control. Eat a healthier diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber. Fit more exercise into your life. If you smoke, there are many programs and products that can help you quit.
Know your environmental exposures
Be aware of things in your home and work place that can contribute to your risk. If you work with hazardous materials at work, follow your employers guidelines for handling the materials properly.
Know your family history
Scientist believe that about 10 percent of cancers are hereditary. This means they are caused by inheriting an alteration in a certain gene, or set of genes. It is important to learn about your family cancer history if you suspect there may be a hereditary risk present. This may mean talking to family members about their illnesses and trying to learn about illnesses of deceased family members. The types of cancers as well as the age when the individual was diagnosed is important information.