Marching on the stair master and munching on that salad might help reduce your risk of developing cancer, but it isn’t that simple. The power of prevention can be a game-changer in the lives of people everywhere and this webinar was designed to provide more in-depth information. James Pickens Jr., Grey’s Anatomy actor and prostate cancer survivor, joined Dr. Lonzetta Newman, MD, Ed.D, FACP, from the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne Corbett to discuss methods for reducing cancer risks.
Cancer is a global health concern. Its rising rates threaten people everywhere. Corbett revealed that the World Health Organization estimates that more than 30% of cancers are preventable.
Early detection saves lives. Corbett described it as part of a preventive strategy.
Pickens Jr. has used his story to educate millions about the threat of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer men are diagnosed with in the United States.
“I’m living proof that early detection works,” he said during the webinar. Pickens Jr. was screened and received an early diagnosis. “I have now been cancer-free, and it’ll be a year on May 29th, and my PSAs have come back undetectable, and I attribute that to early detection,” he continued.
Early detection is one part of prevention. Lifestyle change is another. There’s no way to completely erase the risk of illness. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying to take control of the risk factors that you can reduce.
Dr. Newman described some ways a person can reduce their cancer risk on their own. “Well, the things that you can modify include maintaining a healthy weight, your nutrition, what you’re putting into your bodies, how much physical activity you’re engaging in, and certainly discontinuing use of tobacco-containing products and alcohol,” she said. “If you put all of these factors together or you start adding those on, you can see how your risk can increase by increasing the intake of all of these products.”
Alcohol has been singled out as an extreme risk factor for cancer in recent studies. Dr. Newman mentioned
She mentioned poor metabolic health as one of the factors that raise risk. “Now we see insulin resistance as a modifiable risk factor for developing cancer because it increases inflammation,” she explained.
Research confirms that working out reduces risk factors. A 2024 article from Frontiers in Immunology reported that, “regular physical activity not only reduces cancer risk but also significantly mitigates side effects of cancer therapies.”
She stressed having obesity as an extreme risk factor for developing cancer. “That alone is linked to several cancers, including but not limited to breast, uterus, esophageal, pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, and prostate cancer,” she said. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research each advocate for avoiding processed foods. These include foods that change significantly during preparation. Ultra-processed foods carry a very high risk. The FDA is currently working on a uniform definition of a processed food product. Some, like deep-fried foods, are obvious.
“Pass on everything that’s processed,” Dr. Newman added.
Stress can increase the risk of cancer and worsen outcomes. Pickens shared that he works self-care into his routine as a method of stress management. “I make it a point to do self-care once a month,” he said.
While he enjoys the stereotypical parts of self-care, like massages, he knows real self-care is being informed about your health. “I make a day of it, and that also includes my yearly physical,” he continued. Skipping exams is never smart.
Jersey Shore reality star Snookie recently opened up about being diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer after skipping her recommended screenings following abnormal pap smear results. “I ended up not going for like a year and a half because it’s uncomfortable, it’s not fun,” she told People.
Invisible factors like breast density, hormonal conditions, and the behavior exhibited by your mother while she was carrying you are uncontrollable risks for cancer.
“Knowing your genetics and your family history can help us to help you to start cancer screening at an earlier age, and if you were to develop cancer, we should be able to detect that earlier and minimize any long-term side effects of treatment,” said Dr. Newman.
Holding on to medical records can help health care professionals guide you through navigating your cancer risks. “I tell all patients, if you’ve ever had a biopsy before, we would like for you to always obtain a copy of your pathology reports for your records,” said Newman.