Cancer Prevention

You can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. It is also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.

Healthy Choices 

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight
• Be physically active as part of everyday life
• Eat healthy, making whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans a major part of your diet
• Limit consumption of fast food and other processed foods that are high in fat, starches or sugars
• Limit alcohol consumption. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.
• Stay away from tobacco
• Protect your skin by staying in the shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Learn your family health history and your risk for genetic cancers

Routine Cancer Screenings

Several cancer screening tests are considered effective and recommended by expert groups:

Questions to ask your doctor about cancer screenings

• Are any cancer screening tests recommended for me? Which ones?
• How often should I have the test? At what age should I stop having it?
• What is the purpose of the test?
• Does the test require preparation and how do I do that?
• What happens during the test? 
• Are there risks to having the test?
• How long does it take to get test results?
• How will you tell me about the test results? For example, email, online health portal, phone?
• If I do not get my test results, who should I contact? Is there a phone number can I call?
• What happens if the results are not normal?

This program is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s fundraising partner.