Reduce Your Cancer Risk

One in eight people will develop cancer in a lifetime. “We raise awareness so we can catch it early, but it’s better to prevent it altogether,” said Abigail Byrnes, MD, an oncologist on the medical staff at Baptist Health Corbin. Here’s how:

1. Schedule screenings. Finding cancer in its early stages is critical for the best outcome. Dr. Byrnes recommends asking your doctor which screenings may be right for you.
2. Stand more. Sitting for long periods increases the risk of cancer. Try standing while talking on the phone and taking the stairs whenever possible.
3. Seek shade. Avoid the hot sun, cover-up, and apply sunscreen. “Above all, avoid tanning beds, which increase the risk of melanoma (skin cancer) by 75%,” Dr. Byrnes said.
4. Put it out. If you smoke or use any kind of tobacco, stop. Dr. Byrnes noted that smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States.

Learn more about Cancer Services at Baptist Health.

More articles on cancer screenings:

• Screening for lung cancer
• 7 Health screens for women
• Keeping up on screenings