Cancer prevention: reducing risks and protecting loved ones

The three most common types of cancer are breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. In 2024, these three types of cancer alone accounted for a combined 847,100 new cancer diagnoses in the U.S.² Each of these cases represents a person and their story. Imagine this being you, a friend, a coworker, or another loved one in your life.

Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2024, American Cancer Society (ACS), Atlanta, Georgia, 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable, with prevention being the most cost-effective strategy for controlling cancer.²

Early cancer detection can help prevent the development of serious side effects while significantly improving your chances of avoiding a cancer diagnosis altogether. There are many risk factors associated with cancer, and while some of them are beyond our control, learning how to avoid or mitigate controllable risk factors can make a big difference.

Cancer health disparities

Cancer prevention rates can be increased by making education and resources more accessible in communities nationwide. Addressing health disparities is also a huge component in achieving improved results for preventable cancers such as bladder cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and others.

Cancer health disparities include:

• incidence (new cases)
• prevalence (all existing cases)
• mortality (deaths)
• survival (how long people survive after diagnosis)
• morbidity (cancer-related health complications)
• survivorship (including quality of life after cancer treatment)
• financial burden of cancer or related health conditions
• screening rates
• stage of cancer at diagnosis

The National Cancer Institute states that certain groups of people face a disproportionate burden of cancer compared to other groups due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages.⁴

Understanding your risk factors can help determine how vulnerable you are to developing certain types of cancer. One way to find this information is by speaking with your loved ones about genetic dispositions and patterns of cancer diagnoses that run in your family. You can also utilize genetic testing sites to determine if your DNA carries any variants that are commonly connected to cancer development.

While certain risk factors—such as race, age, and family history—are out of your control, there are others you can control. These include lifestyle choices like exercising and eating healthy. Remember that moderation and consistency are your keys to being successful. Even walking for just 30 minutes a day can help reduce your overall risk.

Lung cancer risk factors

Smoking cigarettes is easily the biggest contributor to lung cancer. In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of all lung cancer cases in the U.S. are caused by smoking cigarettes, with secondhand smoke contributing to many other cases as well.⁵ The risk is even greater for smokers who regularly consume at least one alcoholic beverage per day.

Source: Clinical Lung Cancer

Prostate cancer risk factors

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are several controllable factors to help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, including boosting your Vitamin D intake, drinking less alcohol, and avoiding charred meat.

There are also factors that are out of your control, like age and race. The risk for prostate cancer increases for all men after age 50, and Black men develop prostate cancer more often than other racial groups. This statistic alone has influenced prominent Black public figures to share their diagnosis stories to help others recognize the warning signs. Detecting prostate cancer early and incorporating healthier habits can play a significant role in preventing more severe outcomes.

Breast cancer risk factors

Women who started their menstrual period before age 12 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is one of several risk factors that women have no control over, with others including genetic mutations, family history, and simply getting older.

Avoiding unnecessary hormone and birth control medications, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight are all effective ways of lowering your risk of developing breast cancer.

There are some general healthy habits you can follow to reduce your risk of developing cancer and other types of diseases, and it all starts with making healthier lifestyle choices. A combination of regularly-scheduled doctor appointments, eating healthier and consistent physical activity have all been proven to help prevent cancer.⁶

Helpful prevention methods:
Avoiding all forms of tobacco
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising daily
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your normal diet
Limiting alcohol consumption to less than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
Learning your family history and genetic risks
Seeing a doctor periodically and completing regular check-ups and cancer screenings

Do you know your cancer risk? Take the American Cancer Society CancerRisk360™ assessment for a personalized roadmap of actions you can take to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Like many other medical conditions, cancer often reveals itself with early warning signs. Some common red flags include fatigue, persistent muscle pain, persistent fevers or night sweats, weight changes, lumps under the skin and changes in bladder or bowel habits. If you or someone you love is experiencing any combination of these concerning symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Getting checked can provide peace of mind, especially if you know that you have one or more risk factors.

Silent cancer

Silent cancer is any type of cancer that primarily affects internal organs and does not produce any symptoms until the cancer cells have reached an advanced stage. Recognizing warning signs, undergoing annual cancer screenings, and receiving timely treatment are all vital for cancer patients who are asymptomatic and do not experience any noticeable symptoms.

The importance of cancer screening

Screening is the best way to detect cancer early and prevent it from developing further. The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier it will be to treat it. The purpose of screening tests is to find cancer before you experience any symptoms. It’s a proactive step that allows your doctor to detect cancer early and develop a treatment plan that increases your chances of survival.⁷ Cancer does not wait, and neither should you!

Need help getting screened? Here is a helpful screening locator tool from the American Cancer Society that maps out screening locations near you. This tool can help you easily locate screening locations for cervical, breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer in your community.

A Proud Partner of the American Cancer Society

Allstate Benefits is a proud partner of the American Cancer Society, which provides vital resources and support for cancer patients and caregivers through its dedicated 24/7 Cancer Helpline at 877-511-2578.

The American Cancer Society does not endorse any product or service.

We’ve come a long way in cancer prevention, but millions of Americans are still diagnosed each year. When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, their focus should be on their health and recovery, not their finances. Cancer insurance can help provide funds to cover extra expenses associated with diagnosis and treatment. Please visit our website to learn more about cancer insurance coverage options from Allstate Benefits.

Remember, the best way to take control of your health and prevent cancer is to reduce your risks. There is power in prevention! Lower your chances of developing cancer by avoiding tobacco products, alcohol and prolonged sun exposure. Try to make healthier choices through diet exercise, and most importantly, undergo an annual cancer screening with your doctor.

Good hands working together can do great things.℠