Cancer prevention does not begin with worrying about worst-case scenarios — it starts with regular, supportive care. Regular visits with your primary care provider (PCP) are important for both cancer prevention and early detection.
Visits with a PCP create opportunities for timely screenings and allow providers to monitor changes over time. Developing a relationship with a provider you trust creates a safe, open space to have ongoing conversations with your doctor. In this guide, learn how regular care can play a key role in supporting you on your mission to prevent cancer.
Rethinking Cancer Prevention
It is normal to fear cancer, especially as you age and find that many people in your social network may experience cancer. However, fear and worrying do not help make you healthier. Instead, you can take actionable steps to emphasize prevention as part of your everyday health maintenance.
Developing a partnership with a care team you trust based on consistency, communication and proactive care can help guide you in cancer prevention. Staying connected through regular care is one of the most effective, low-stress ways to protect your health and catch potential cancer symptoms early.
Getting Your Care Team Involved
Worried about getting cancer? You do not have to tackle cancer prevention alone. Getting your care team involved provides a helping hand to help you take control of your health. Some actionable steps you can take to prevent cancer include:
- Scheduling routine check-ups with your provider
- Keeping a personal health record with changes/symptoms you may notice
- Healthy lifestyle habits
Supporting Your Health With Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Some examples of healthy lifestyle habits include eating a well-rounded diet and engaging in a regular exercise plan. Some tips to consider:
- Consume anti-cancer foods, such as blueberries and tomatoes
- Limit your exposure to alcohol, processed foods and unhealthy fats
- Avoid smoking
- Create a regular exercise plan, such as gentle walking and weightlifting
How Primary Care Providers Can Help With Cancer Prevention
Your primary care provider acts as a “teammate,” supporting your efforts to take your health into your own hands. Below, discover some of the many ways your PCP can help support you in cancer prevention:
- Providing guidance through recommended screenings, such as mammograms, pap smears, skin checks and colonoscopies for colon cancer.
- Exploring your family history and other key risk factors to determine which cancers you may be at a higher risk of developing.
- Monitoring changes in your health over time and tracking screening results.
- Providing reminders when it is time to go for screenings, check-ups and vaccinations.
- Providing additional resources and referrals to other providers, as needed.
- Answering questions about lifestyle factors, medication management and symptoms.
- Serving as a long-term health advocate to support you in your mission to help prevent cancer.
Take Charge of Your Cancer Prevention Journey Today
Start building a strong relationship with your doctor to support your long-term health and treat cancer as part of your everyday routine maintenance. Take a virtual tour to see what our centers are like and meet a care team that’s ready to partner with you.
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