Prevention First Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of cancer is the most common?
Colon cancer is the second most common killer behind lung cancer.

How likely is it that I will develop skin cancer?
The risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has more than doubled in the past decade. One in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Warning signs of skin cancer include irregularly shaped moles, darkly colored spots, scaly spots or sores that do not heal on their own. Consult a doctor if you notice any of the items mentioned.

What incidence does coronary heart disease have in this country?
Currently, 7 million Americans suffer from heart disease, resulting in more than 500,000 deaths each year. Statistics indicate that 1 in 10 women between the ages of 45 and 65 have heart disease. Living a heart-healthy life does have its upsides though. It is now known that chocolate or small amounts of alcohol (a.k.a. a glass of red wine a day) may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

When should I start being concerned about osteoporosis?
The body builds more bone than it breaks down until the age of 30. After that, bone breaks down at a slow rate. When women reach menopause, it is the most common time for them to develop osteoporosis, since estrogen, which helps keep bones strong, depletes. However, osteoporosis can affect men and women of any age.

Are over-the-counter diet pills safe?
Over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) for weight loss work poorly and have been linked to cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure and hypertension. People are especially at risk when they take multiple weight loss drugs at the same time. The drugs can react negatively, leading to further complications. As always, the most effective long-term weight loss strategy is to eat healthy foods and exercise at least 30 minutes a day, three to four times per week. Click here to learn more about healthy weight management.

When should a man get screened for prostate cancer?
Men over the age of 50 should have a blood test done to see if they are at risk for prostate cancer. Men over the age of fifty should have a PSA done each year.

Click here to to go resource books on diet, nutrition and health. Learn when to see the doctor, and what causes symptoms.