Up to two-thirds of all cancer cases could be prevented if people applied everything known about cancer prevention to their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. By committing to a healthier lifestyle, you can reduce your risks for many cancers.

Four steps to start you on your way:

1. Eat healthy

Include more fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet and choose meals low in fat and calories. You can reduce your risk of cancer by as much as 30 to 40% by making healthier food choices. In fact, some foods can actually help protect against certain cancers. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Drinking has been linked to colon, breast and liver cancers and when combined with smoking, greatly increases the risk of head and neck cancer.

2. Exercise

Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to be healthy. For many people, looking for ways to work in activity during the day, rather than planning a formal, vigorous exercise program, is the most effective way to achieve the recommended levels (at least 30 – 45 minutes a day, at least five days per week) of physical activity.

3. Do not use tobacco products

Tobacco products (including smoking, chewing and dipping tobacco) are a major cause of cancers of the lung, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus and can contribute in the development of cancers of the bladder, pancreas, uterine cervix, kidney, stomach, and some leukemias.

Smoking is responsible for:

  • 87% of all lung cancer cases
  • 30% of all deaths from cancer
  • Raising the risk of developing more than eight types of cancer
  • Can contribute to heart disease and stroke
  • Low birth rate in newborns and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

4. Limit exposure to the sun

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. More than one million cases of non melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year, most of those are considered to be sun-related.  A few simple precautions can help you reduce your exposure to the sun.

  • Avoid the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • If you must be outside, wear hat, shirt, pants (if possible) or Sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater
  • Wear a hat. Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck.
  • Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
  • During your yearly physical have your doctor check any changes in moles or birthmarks.

Screenings offered through St. Dominic’s Cancer Services:

Lung Cancer Screenings

St. Dominic’s Lung Cancer Screening

St. Dominic’s was awarded a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance.

Lung cancer screenings for individuals with a high risk for lung cancer are offered at St. Dominic Hospital.

  • Initial RN consult and risk assessment
  • Low dose CT scan (without contrast)
  • RAD score results within 24-48 hours
  • Connection to St. Dominic’s multidisciplinary team for thoracic oncology (radiologist, pulmonologist, thoracic surgery, pathologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, primary care network)

Who Qualifies?

High Risk

  • 55–77 years of age
  • 30 or more pack years of smoking
  • Current smoker or quit within the past 15 years

Calculate smoke pack years link: www.smokingpackyears.com

For additional questions, please call 601-200-2787.

Mammogram Screenings

Early Detection Saves Lives

  • The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt).

Services Available

  • Digital Mammography
  • Breast Ultrasound
  • Bone Density
  • Breast MRI (available at St. Dominic’s Hospital)
  • Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
  • Stereotactic Guided Biopsy
  • MRI Guided Biopsy

When Do I Start?

  • Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
  • If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk with your physician about the right time for your screening.

Where Can I Receive My Screening Exam?

For your convenience, St. Dominic’s offers mammography services with our state-of-the art equipment and individualized care at two American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited locations:

St. Dominic’s Center for Women’s Health
371 Lakeland Drive
Jackson, MS 39216

OR

Madison Medical Imaging (MMI)
St. Dominic’s Highland Medical Arts building
106 Highland Way, Madison, MS

*Mammography images from both locations are read and interpreted by the same team of St. Dominic’s physician partners, Lakeland Radiologists.

Call St. Dominic’s at (601) 200-6732 to schedule a screening mammogram appointment.

Adult Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the practice of genetic testing for is rapidly evolving secondary to the introduction and use of multigene panels. These panels or tests may identify 40-50 percent more individuals with Hereditary cancer gene mutations than older testing.

Adult Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment

  • Initial consult with Nurse Practitioner
  • Initial assessment
    • In-depth personal history
    • In-depth family history with pedigree
  • Appropriate physician referral for testing and evaluation

Based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, you should consider genetic testing if you or a first or second-degree blood relative* have any of the following:

  • One first or second-degree relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer
  • Two cancers on the same side of the family, one diagnosed in an individual under age 50
  • Three cancers on the same side of the family, diagnosed in persons of any age
  • On first or second-degree relative diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at or under age 60
  • Three relatives on the same side of the family with any combination of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer
  • Known BRCA mutation within the family
  • Breast or ovarian cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

* A first-degree relative is a person’s parent, sibling or child. A second-degree relative is defined as someone’s grandparent, aunt or uncle.

Early Detection is the Key to Saving Lives and Living Longer.

Call 601-200-2000 to schedule an appointment.