The Power of Prevention

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

Many of my patients do not realize just how powerful small changes in their everyday lives can be, particularly when it comes to understanding the risks of cancer. When it comes to your health, knowledge and early detection are essential. Routine physical exams, regular screenings and self-examinations increase the early detection of cancer, thus increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.

Dan, a supervisor in the New Albany Operations Center, was an 18-year-old in his first year of college when he learned a lump on his neck was a sign of Hodgkin’s disease. Dan says he will never forget the date he was diagnosed: December 21, 1976. He had to put college on hold to undergo intensive radiation treatment, but over time was able to resume his education and his life.

Today, at age 50, Dan credits his successful recovery to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including daily exercise and proper nutrition. “Activity and nutrition are keys!” Dan emphasizes. He also stresses the importance of regular screenings – regular physicals, routine heart screenings and individual specific health screenings.

Even simple lifestyle choices, such as what you eat or drink, can affect your risk for cancer. While it would be difficult to cover every type of cancer in this article, below you will find some preventive steps to help reduce the risk of some common forms of cancer:

Skin Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the U.S. However, it is highly curable if detected early.

Sun protection significantly decreases your risk of developing skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology notes prevention should begin in early childhood. Below you will find a few tips to help prevent skin cancer for you and your family:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. when the rays are strongest
• Apply a broad-spectrum (i.e. offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher year-round to all exposed skin
• Wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, when outdoors
• Perform regular self-examinations and consult your doctor if you find a suspicious area

Oral Cancer
About 31,000 new oral cancers will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Regular dental visits, which include oral examinations, provide an excellent opportunity for early detection. Other preventive measures include:

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Correct any dental problems you may have
• Minimize or avoid alcohol use
• Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco use

If you are ready to quit tobacco, I encourage you to call the American Cancer Society (ACS) Quitline® at 1-866-979-QUIT or visit the Fight Cancer Web site.

Colorectal Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., affecting men and women of all racial and ethnic groups!

Regular exercise, smoking cessation, eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as limiting alcohol intake, help reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, recommended screenings starting at age 50 can help detect pre-cancer polyps or early forms of cancer, which are easier to treat.

Jeff, an Auto Claim Representative in the Murfreesboro Operations Center, cannot emphasize the importance of routine physical examinations strongly enough. Jeff was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 54. “I was a strong, healthy man,” Jeff says. “I never used sick days and didn’t see the point in getting physicals. I knew the recommended time to have a colonoscopy was age 50, but never thought it was worth going through such an invasive exam.”

Unfortunately, Jeff’s cancer story is ongoing. After his initial surgery a few years ago, he is currently fighting his disease with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He regrets not taking the preventive measures which potentially may have helped avoid his colon cancer. “Go for your physicals,” Jeff advises. “Get those screenings tests!”

If you are concerned about the risk of getting cancer or if you have any questions about which screening tests and prevention methods are right for you, I encourage you to talk with your physician. The power of knowledge and prevention is another important step toward empowering you to Live Well, Be Well!

State Farm Group Medical Plans offer coverage for preventive services. For those enrolled in the Group Medical PPO plan, there is a $1,000 Preventive Screening Benefit.

Check out the Cancer Prevention resources offered by the American Cancer Society.

Learn how Examining Your Skin can help you minimize the risk of skin cancer.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site for more Cancer Prevention and Control resources.