 Centering Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. The Cancer Health Center provides evidence-based information, screening guidance, and prevention resources to support early detection and informed care decisions.
Access to preventive screenings, early diagnosis, and timely treatment significantly influences outcomes. Disparities in screening rates and healthcare access continue to affect underserved communities. Early awareness improves survival and quality of life.
THE PULSE ON CANCER
Start Here: Review Your Cancer Screening Status
You may benefit from discussing screening with a provider if you:
Are over age 40 or 50 (depending on screening type)
Have a family history of cancer
Use tobacco products
Have experienced unexplained weight loss or persistent symptoms
Have not completed recommended screenings
Routine screening can detect certain cancers before symptoms develop.
Check Your Kidney Health
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably. Normally, the body produces new cells to replace old or damaged ones. With cancer, this process breaks down and cells multiply in ways that the body cannot regulate. These abnormal cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and sometimes spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
Cancer can affect almost any part of the body. Some cancers form solid tumors (such as breast, lung, or prostate cancer), while others affect the blood or immune system (such as leukemia or lymphoma). Early detection, preventive care, and timely treatment can significantly improve health outcomes and survival.
Understanding risk factors, recognizing warning signs, and participating in recommended screenings are important steps toward reducing cancer risk and improving long-term health.
Click here to learn more on What Is Cancer
Common Risk Factors
Tobacco use, including smoking or vaping
Excessive alcohol consumption
Poor nutrition or diets low in fruits and vegetables
Physical inactivity
Obesity or excess body weight
Family history or inherited genetic mutations
Long-term exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants
Excessive sun or ultraviolet (UV) exposure
Certain viral infections (such as HPV or hepatitis)
Limited access to preventive care and cancer screening
Possible Signs and Symptoms
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Lumps or unusual swelling in the body
Changes in the skin, including new moles or changes to existing ones
Persistent pain that does not go away
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Sores that do not heal
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional if they persist.
Protecting Your Health
Reducing cancer risk involves making healthy lifestyle choices and participating in recommended screenings. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can help lower risk.
Regular preventive screenings—such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and cervical cancer screenings—can detect some cancers early when treatment is most effective. Speaking with a healthcare provider about personal risk factors and screening recommendations is an important step in maintaining long-term health and wellness.
Wellness challenges often build gradually and may not be recognized early. This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on factors that may affect your overall wellbeing and determine whether additional screening or follow-up may be helpful. This tool is educational and not a medical diagnosis.