CancerPrevention Archives | Page 3 of 5 | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Do PSA Levels Change or Increase with Age?

by Dana-Farber Staff

Medically reviewed by Mark Pomerantz, MD Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein naturally produced by the prostate gland in men. Because prostate cancer can increase the level of PSA in the blood, many doctors and professional organizations recommend that men over age 50 receive a PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam … Read more

How to Talk to Your Family about Genetic Cancer Risk

Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, significantly increase your risk of developing some forms of cancer. Learning you have one of these conditions can be emotionally challenging, and deciding when and how to tell your relatives can add an additional layer of worry. Katherine Schneider, MPH, LGC, a senior genetic counselor in Dana-Farber’s Center … Read more

Why Does Cancer Risk Increase As We Get Older?

by Dana-Farber Staff

Age is the biggest single risk factor for cancer. Risk increases significantly after age 50, and half of all cancers occur at age 66 and above. According to the National Cancer Institute, one quarter of new cancer diagnoses are in people aged 65 to 74. The median age of diagnosis varies in different cancer types … Read more

What Are the Most Common Cancers in Men?

by Dana-Farber Staff

Information about cancer risk can help you make informed decisions about screening and prevention strategies. As we recognize National Men’s Health Week, learn about the most common cancers in men in the United States and the options for prevention and treatment. 1. Prostate cancer There will be an estimated 180,890 new cases in the U.S. in … Read more

How Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?

by Dana-Farber Staff

This blog post was originally published on the Cancer Research UK science blog. It is reposted here with minor edits. In a cabinet in London’s British Museum nestles a 5,300 year-old wedged-shaped tablet called a cuneiform. On its surface is scrawled one of the earliest forms of written language in the world. And it’s a … Read more

Four Things to Know About Cancer Risk for Women

by Dana-Farber Staff

Here’s a closer look at five things to know about risk of breast cancer and gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. African American women are most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. Breast cancer usually occurs in women over age 55, but young women can also develop the … Read more

The Latest in Colon Cancer Prevention

by Dana-Farber Staff

In recent years, studies have shown that foods like coffee and nuts may be able to lower risk of colon cancer. Aspirin, too, has been linked to reducing risk. Despite these studies, experts still stand by screening as the number one way to prevent the disease. “There are many different ways we can prevent this … Read more

Cancer and Alcohol: What You Should Know

by Dana-Farber Staff

Several studies have linked alcohol consumption to a higher risk of many cancers, including breast, mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon and rectum. The risk rises with the amount of alcohol consumed. The type of beverage doesn’t matter – the culprit is the alcohol itself. Breast cancer and alcohol Many studies have specifically linked alcohol … Read more

Five Things You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer Prevention [Infographic]

by Dana-Farber Staff

Updated April 13, 2015 While one of the most common cancers in both men and women, colorectal cancer remains a very preventable disease, says Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, clinical director of Dana-Farber’s Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology. “Most of these cancers develop over a period of years,” he says. “While not preventable in everyone, the earlier … Read more

Five Things You Need to Know About Penile Cancer

by Dana-Farber Staff

Penile cancer is a rare disease, affecting just 1 in 100,000 men in North American and Europe, in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the penis. While not common in the United States, it can account for up to 10 percent of male cancers in parts of Asia, South America, and Africa. Here are … Read more

The Best Foods and Diet for Cancer Treatment and Survivorship

by Dana-Farber Staff

Regardless of diagnosis, nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Foods and diet can help maintain overall health, control side effects, and sometimes prevent future medical problems. “Good nutrition plays a key role in cancer prevention as well as survivorship,” says Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, a nutritionist with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. … Read more

Common Myths About the HPV Vaccine

by Dana-Farber Staff

When it comes to vaccines, particularly the HPV vaccine, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that girls and boys aged 11 or 12 years be vaccinated against HPV, the human papillomavirus, which can be spread during sexual activity and can cause cervical cancer in … Read more

Five Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

by Dana-Farber Staff

As summer heats up, many people will be heading to the beach to escape the hot temperatures. But before you spend time in the sun, Dana-Farber dermatologist Jennifer Lin, MD, has a few tips to protect your skin and lower your risk of developing skin cancer: Do not use tanning booths Don’t hit the tanning … Read more

Five Things You Need to Know About Cancer Genetics

Although most cancers are sporadic or occur by chance, a small percentage are due to inherited genetic (or germline) mutations, which can often be identified through genetic testing. These mutations are different from somatic mutations, which are not inherited, but occur during one’s lifetime. Profile, a research project launched by Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, … Read more

Five Myths About Breast Cancer

by Dana-Farber Staff

There’s a broad range of news and information about breast cancer online, which creates opportunities to learn about prevention, treatment, cures and recurrence. But it also means you may run into confusing misinformation and oversimplifications. Here are some popular misconceptions about breast cancer. MYTH #1 Most breast cancer is hereditary. While it’s true that a woman’s … Read more

Melanoma: Five Things You Need to Know

by Dana-Farber Staff

Although skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, melanoma accounts for less than 2 percent of all skin cancer cases. The disease is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, which are found on the lower part of the epidermis. The disease can occur anywhere on … Read more

DNA Test May Offer Alternative to Pap Smear

by Dana-Farber Staff

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel has recommended that a DNA test should be the primary screening tool for cervical cancer, rather than the traditional Pap smear. The DNA test detects the DNA of human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted infection that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.

“This is an important step forward for cervical cancer screening,” says Alexi Wright, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist in the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber. Specifically, the DNA test screens for HPV-16 and HPV-18, the two highest-risk HPV strains, as well as 12 other high-risk HPV types, using a blood sample.

Colorectal Cancer: Five Things You Need to Know

by Dana-Farber Staff

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S., with about 143,000 new patients diagnosed last year. But thanks to increased awareness about screenings, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years.

Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH

“For the most part, colorectal cancer is a curable and preventable disease,” says Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, clinical director of the Dana-Farber Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Center. “We have very good data that shows screening prevents disease and saves lives.”

With March marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, here are the answers to some key questions about the disease:

Is Cancer More Serious If You Also Have Another Disease?

When cancer develops in someone with other diseases, it can be more serious, according to a recent annual report from several national cancer organizations.

“Cancer does not occur in isolation,” says Lawrence Shulman, MD, in commenting on the report. “It occurs in a human being, who may have other medical problems.”

Can Dental X-Rays Increase Cancer Risk?

by Dana-Farber Staff

When it comes time for x-rays at the dentist, the technician or hygienist always covers the patient with a lead apron before leaving the room. This precaution often sparks the question as to whether the radiation from dental x-rays can increase the risk of cancer.