We all shudder when we hear the “C” word, and rightfully so. Over two million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. That’s almost 5,500 new cancer diagnoses each day. The good news is that over 50% of cancers are preventable.
According to the American Cancer Society:
• The rate of cancer diagnoses has risen and reached an all time high in 2024
• Of all cancer deaths in people under the age of 50, colorectal cancer is now #1 in men and #2 in women.
• The incidence of four screenable cancers is rising (colorectal, breast, prostate,and cervical).
In this review, I will discuss some of the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers and provide the most up to date information on cancer prevention screening from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). In Part 2 of this Cancer Prevention Series, l’ll dive into some of the many approaches you can implement which can help prevent cancer and review some excellent natural supplements which have been shown to help prevent certain types of cancer.
The Top 5 Cancers in the U.S.
In the United States, the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers are:
1. Breast Cancer: The most frequently diagnosed cancer overall, with an estimated 313,510 new cases expected in 2024.
2. Prostate Cancer: The most common cancer among men, with approximately 270,000 new cases diagnosed annually (and rising)
3. Lung Cancer: A leading cause of cancer death, with about 234,580 new cases projected in 2024.
4. Colorectal Cancer: Affects both men and women, with an estimated 152,810 new cases expected in 2024.
5. Melanoma (Skin Cancer): A type of skin cancer with approximately 100,000 new cases diagnosed annually and rising.
Although there aren't ways to detect most cancers early, four of the cancers with increasing trends (mentioned above) have screening tests. Colorectal and cervical cancer screening can actually prevent cancer altogether by detecting precancerous lesions that can be removed before they develop into cancerous lesions.
Cancer Screening Recommendations:
Here are the USPSTF’s most up to date screening recommendations for the top 5 most common cancers diagnosed annually in the U.S.
1.Breast Cancer.
Women with higher risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history of the disease, genetic predispositions (e.g., BRCA mutations), or other specific factors, may need to start screening earlier and possibly undergo additional tests like MRI scans.
For the past forty years, mammography has been the “gold standard” imaging study for breast cancer screening. However, mammograms aren’t 100% accurate and can miss some breast cancers in 1 out of every 8 women. Their other downside is that the sometimes show things that aren’t cancerous which can then result in additional, unnecessary testing. This is especially true in women with dense breasts.
Luckily, there are many other available imaging studies which can be used in conjunction with mammography. These include ultrasound, MRI, and thermography. Monthly self-breast examinations and annual breast examinations conducted by your health care provider are also included in the breast cancer prevention recommendations.
2.Prostate Cancer.
According to the most current USPSTF guidelines:
a. Men aged 55 to 69: The USPSTF suggests that the decision to undergo PSA-based screening should be individualized. Men are encouraged to discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their healthcare provider to make an informed choice.
b. Men aged 70 and older: The USPSTF recommends against PSA-based screening, concluding that the potential harms outweigh the benefits in this age group.
It’s important to note that individual risk factors, such as age, family history, race, and overall health play a key role in determining the appropriateness and frequency of screening. Also, there are potential harms in inappropriate screening, including false-positive results, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment, which can lead to complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
3.Lung Cancer.
Lung cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with smoking being the leading cause resulting in 80% of lung cancer deaths.
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who:
a. Has a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke OR
b. Has quit within the past 15 years
Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.
In patients with environmental exposure to known lung carcinogens, lung cancer screening recommendations should be considered for high-risk individuals, in whom the benefits of screening are likely to exceed harms. Health care practitioners should take thorough occupational and environmental histories from their patients and consider associated exposures to carcinogens when deciding on conducting additional testing.
4. Colorectal Cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., but its prevalence varies considerably by age, race, sex, and geographical region.
a. People over age 65-years account for more than 50% of all new colorectal cancer diagnoses and more than two-thirds of all colorectal cancer deaths.
b. Colorectal cancer is 30% more common in men and about 44% more fatal.
c. There are also regional differences in the prevalence of colorectal cancer which experts attribute to lack of access to screening and other preventative health measures.
i. States with the lowest rates of colorectal cancer are: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Utah, and Vermont.
ii. States with the highest rates of colorectal cancer are: Alaska, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Virginia.
Screening recommendations for colorectal cancer are as follows:
d. All adults aged 45 to 75 years at average risk for colorectal cancer should be screened every 7 to 10 years by colonoscopy OR every 3 years if through stool testing.e.
e. The USPSTF recommends that clinicians selectively offer screening for colorectal cancer in adults aged 76 to 85 years. Evidence indicates that the net benefit of screening all persons in this age group is small.
f. Patients aged 45 or younger may require earlier screening if they have:
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis
(FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
5. Melanoma.
The main cause of melanoma skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the DNA in skin cells leading to mutations. The primary sources of UV radiation are sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing melanoma:
• UV Exposure: Frequent sunburns, especially during childhood, and the use of tanning beds elevate the risk.
• Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are more susceptible.
• Moles: Having numerous moles or atypical moles can increase risk.
• Family History: A family history of melanoma can raise an individual's risk.
• Age: While melanoma can occur at any age, the risk increases with age.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
It's important to note that while these factors can increase risk, melanoma can develop in individuals without any known risk factors.
• Screening recommendations for melanoma skin cancer include routine skin examinations in all individuals whether or not they have symptoms. Patients with an increased risk of melanoma should be especially diligent in having a thorough skin examination at least once a year. Risk factors include:
o A family history of melanoma skin cancer (74% increased risk)
o History of frequent sunburnso
o Man have a higher incidence than women
o Increasing, especially after the age of 65
o Melanoma is about 30 times more common in White people than in Black people.
In the next segment of this two-part series, I will dive into more details on what you can do to prevent cancer and review some of the scientifically proven cancer preventing natural supplements.