Ten days ago, the world celebrated the 25th World Cancer Day. This celebration serves as an annual reminder to governments and organizations worldwide to work together to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and to continue investing in and advancing cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US. In 2024, there were an estimated 611,720 people who died of cancer in the US alone. According to the National Cancer Institute, the following are the most common cancer types diagnosed in 2024 based on gender:
- 48% of all cancers diagnosed in men last year were prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers
- 51% of all cancers diagnosed in women last year were breast, lung, and colorectal cancers
Healthcare professionals are regularly exposed to different kinds of cancer in their line of work and understand just how challenging this illness could be. Not only are they aware of how it can drastically affect people who live with it, but they’re also likely to be more exposed to various carcinogens that can negatively impact their health and increase their risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. A 2021 study also found that women healthcare professionals had a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on two of the most common cancer types that affect both men and women — lung cancer and colorectal cancer — to understand how you can reduce your risk of developing them and remain healthy.
Tips on how to prevent cancer
Lung cancer: What it is and how to reduce your risk
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the lungs. Although the risk of developing lung cancer is higher among people who smoke, even nonsmokers can get lung cancer.
In fact, recent studies show that nonsmokers developing lung cancer are steadily on the rise. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer in people who have never smoked cigarettes or tobacco is estimated to be the fifth highest cause of cancer deaths around the world. This is largely due to exposure to air pollution, which leads to adenocarcinoma, which is the most common non-small cell lung cancer.
To prevent lung cancer, here are some of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Don’t start or quit smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 people who develop fatal lung cancer cases in the US are due to smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. By quitting smoking, you not only lower your own risk of developing lung cancer but also significantly decrease the risk of cancer for your loved ones and friends.
This includes e-cigarettes or vapes, which typically contain a weed-killing herbicide called acrolein that can cause acute lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These can cause asthma and even lung cancer.
- Get your home tested for radon. Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is heavily linked to lung cancer, especially after prolonged exposure. There are DIY radon test kits that you can use to test your house, especially rooms where your family spends the most time. If radon levels are high, you can take some practical steps to lower radon levels, such as ensuring that there’s proper ventilation and air exchange and making sure that cracks are sealed properly. It’s also a good idea to seek professional help when radon levels are elevated.
Understanding and preventing colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the colon or rectum, which are organs that are part of the digestive system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people who are over 50 years old, have a genetic predisposition, have certain types of polyps, and make unhealthy lifestyle choices are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
It’s important to note, though, that not all those who get colorectal cancer are over the age of 50. In 2023, 13% of the people who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer were aged 49 and younger.
Here are some helpful ways to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer:
- Get regular screenings and colonoscopies. Talk to your doctor to determine your colorectal cancer risk. Based on this, you will receive guidance on how often you should be getting screened. Typically, colorectal stool tests are taken every one, two, or three years, while colonoscopies are recommended to be taken every ten years for people with average colorectal cancer risk.
- Eat a healthy diet that prioritizes fiber. A fiber-rich diet composed of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Fiber not only helps you get rid of harmful chemicals sooner by increasing your stool frequency, but it also transforms bowel bacteria into butyrate, which reduces the risk of developing tumors. Aim to eat at least 30 grams of fiber each day.
