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February is Cancer Prevention Month, and health experts are reminding individuals to prioritize healthy habits and stay up-to-date on cancer screening information.
Dr. Cassandra Grenade, an OhioHealth medical oncologist at the Delaware Medical Campus, emphasizes the importance of early detection and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of various cancers. With more than 100 different types of cancer, she challenges the common misconception that most cancers are genetically inherited.
“We hear stories like this every week, but genetically inherited cancers are a minority of the cancers we see,” Dr. Grenade told Mansfield News Journal reporter Zach. -Told Tuggle.
Now in his 20th year of practice, Dr. Grenade has treated thousands of patients and emphasized the diversity of cancers he has encountered. “I see all types of cancer,” she said, adding that breast and lung cancer are among the main types she treats.
The treatment process begins with diagnosis, and according to Dr. Grenade, “The earlier cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. It's like wearing a seatbelt while driving a car. You're less likely to be in an accident. However, the risk to life is reduced. Risk of serious injury. ”
Screening such as colonoscopy plays an important role in early detection.
“Screening colonoscopies used to be 50 and now they are 45. And the reason we eliminated that for five years is because we saw an increase in the number of younger patients with colorectal cancer. It’s rectal cancer.”
Screening is essential, but lifestyle choices also play an important role in cancer prevention. Many doctors recommend adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with less emphasis on processed foods, red meat, and sugar.
“There is data showing that eating red meat and processed meat increases the risk of colon and prostate cancer,” Dr. Grenade said. And the relationship between sugar and cancer is not that sugar directly promotes cancer. The alternative is that sugar causes insulin resistance, which can lead to a variety of other health problems.
However, despite healthy habits, people are not immune to cancer.
“You can have stage 4 cancer and not know it. Be aware of your body and your symptoms and don't ignore them, as it could be a serious illness,” Dr. Grenade said. Please don't put it off.” ”
“Ultimately, you should sit down with your family health care provider to discuss the risks and benefits of testing in detail, which will vary from person to person.”
To learn more about cancer care at OhioHealth or to schedule an appointment, click here.
