Prevention and Screening: The Race to Beat Cancer

Americans are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer, with some populations experiencing diagnoses at younger ages. A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented, including all cancers caused by tobacco use, poor nutrition, and other unhealthy behaviors. Excess body weight, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, in addition to social determinants of health, also contribute to rising cancer rates. Fortunately, advancements in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment are happening at a record pace.

In this Simon Says session, Calvin Roberson, director of operations of the cancer center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE), and Mary Robertson, prevention and screening lead also with COE, discuss how to reduce your personal risk, the importance of family history, the importance of getting the HPV vaccine, and the screening recommendations for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.