Cancer Prevention: What You Need To Know

Introduction

PART ONE deals with risk factors and life style choices that may increase your chances of getting cancer. Each section tells you what is known about the topic. It also tells what you can do to prevent/change the risk factors in your life. And if possible, it tells you how to change or do away with the risk factors. This adoption of a healthy life style is called primary prevention. Everyone needs to make healthy life style choices, regardless of their risk of developing cancer. These choices can offer protection against other chronic diseases as well as preventing cancer.

PART TWO focuses on finding cancer early, also known as secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is working with your doctor to detect a cancer or pre-cancerous growth while it is still curable. This is done through the use of screening exams. Included in this section are the recommended screening guide lines, a brief description of each test, and symptoms you should report to your doctor. Talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you. Some people may need certain tests more often if they have had cancer before, have other medical conditions, or have a family member who has had cancer.

PART THREE describes cancer prevention research at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. These are national studies studying new methods of preventing cancer in those at high risk for developing it.

PART FOUR gives a summary of primary and secondary cancer prevention and describes the Cancer Information Service. The Cancer Information Service is your resource for answering questions about cancer prevention, risk factors, symptoms, early detection, cancer sites, treatment and coping.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Additional copies of this packet can be obtained by contacting the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-237-1225 or e-mail: cancer-information@uiowa.edu.

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