About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. are affected by cancer and about 2 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. Florida has one of the highest rates of cancer diagnoses in the nation with 9.8% of Floridiansreporting they have previously been diagnosed with cancer.

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. 

So, what can you do to help potentially reduce your cancer risk? 

Understand your cancer risk factors 

Knowing your risk factors of developing cancer or other chronic conditions is an important step in helping to protect your health. 

Some cancer risk factors, like age, genetics and family history, are out of your control. Tell your doctor about your family health history to help 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 help detect any issues early when treatment may be more effective. 

Choose a healthier lifestyle

In the United States at least 18% of cancers are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition, according to the American Cancer Society.

• Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet can help to support your overall well-being. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. In fact, research shows that people who eat a “Mediterranean diet” have a lower risk of breast cancer.

• Prioritize movement and maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise is good for your overall health and physical activity has been shown to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. 

• Limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco and smoking. 

Establish a relationship with a primary care provider

In the Florida, 73.5% of women ages 40-74 report receiving a mammogram in the past two years, while only 58.5% of people ages 45-75 report receiving one or more of the recommended colorectal cancer screening tests within the recommended time intervals.

• Remember to schedule your annual wellness exam and preventive screenings. Health plans usually cover preventive care, and you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a network provider.

• Early cancer detection may play a key role in helping to improve health outcomes. The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer when caught in its early stages is over 90%. The five year survival rate for breast cancer when caught early and in the localized stage is 99%. 

 Talk to your employer and health plan

Check with your employer and health plan to see what benefits are available to help support your health and well-being.

About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. are affected by cancer and about 2 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. Florida has one of the highest rates of cancer diagnoses in the nation with 9.8% of Floridiansreporting they have previously been diagnosed with cancer.

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. 

So, what can you do to help potentially reduce your cancer risk? 

Understand your cancer risk factors 

Knowing your risk factors of developing cancer or other chronic conditions is an important step in helping to protect your health. 

Some cancer risk factors, like age, genetics and family history, are out of your control. Tell your doctor about your family health history to help 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 help detect any issues early when treatment may be more effective.