Staying Healthy in Cancer Treatment and Beyond

Stay Healthy During and After Your Cancer Treatment “Being proactive in your health is definitely the most important thing,” says Charity, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27. She shares her story in a video. For National Cancer Survivorship Month in June, we offer tips for staying healthy during and after your cancer treatment. Our new Cancer Survivors website provides helpful information for those who are caring for a loved one with cancer, as well as cancer patients and survivors. This blog offers five important things you should know about your mental health. Are you caring for a friend or relative with cancer? Get tips for staying healthy yourself. You can also find inspiring stories and videos of cancer survivors. Women Can Pass Wellness Along Through Generations In a new blog post in honor of Women’s Health Month and National Women’s Health Week, a CDC scientist shares a very personal cancer story. Her grandmother’s diagnosis with breast cancer in the 1980s inspired her to make healthier decisions—and to pass that healthy approach on to others. “Master your Ps of life—peace, purpose, and pleasure—by putting your health first,” Dr. Teri says. Colorectal Cancer Screening Age in the News With the recent change in colorectal cancer screening guidelines by the American Cancer Society (ACS), there may be some confusion about when to begin screening. Here is what experts in CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control say: If you are aged 50 to 75, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends beginning at age 50. Some groups (such as ACS) recommend starting earlier, at age 45. About 90% of colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people age 50 and older. Millions of people are still not getting screened as recommended. Just 50% of adults aged 50-55 are up-to-date with CRC screening. Screening rates are much lower among adults age 50-64 compared to adults age 65 and older. If you think you may be at high risk for colorectal cancer, learn your family history and ask your doctor if you should begin screening before age 50. Cancer Can Affect You Differently Depending on Where You Live Do you prefer wide open spaces? Maybe you’d rather walk a bustling city street. A CDC report shows that people in small towns and the country get cancer less often than people in the city, but die from it moreoften. No matter where you are, you can help lower your cancer risk by making healthy choices like managing weight, not using tobacco, and eating nutritious foods, as well as getting vaccines that prevent some cancers and getting screened as recommended. There’s Still Time to Show Your #SunSafeSelfie Memorial Day is past and summer is in full swing—there’s never been a more important time to show the nation your sun smart behavior. Check out this blog for a rundown of the most important accessories for your sun-safe, skin-protecting lifestyle: now and throughout the year. Skin cancer prevention never looked so good!