The World Health Organization (WHO) states that "if measures are not taken to prevent and control cancer, the number of people who will be diagnosed with cancer is projected to increase by 57%." This means that approximately 6.2 million people will suffer from the disease by 2040 in the Region of the Americas.
However, people can reduce their risk of many common cancers by making healthy choices, say the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC lists three possible strategies to prevent cancer or detect it early.
1. Screening tests
Regular screening can help detect breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancer early when treatment is often most effective. It is recommended that some people at high risk for lung cancer also be screened.
2. Vaccines (shots)
In some cases, vaccines may also help identify cancer early. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other types of cancer. Meanwhile, the hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
3. Making healthy choices
Making healthy choices can help prevent cancer and other conditions as well. According to the CDC, people can reduce their risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, and protecting their skin, among others.
Although most of these preventive actions can be performed at any stage of life, scientists have identified prevention methods that apply to each of them.
More information
To learn more, you can visit the website: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/index.htm. There you will find recommendations, data and more related to cancer prevention.