Health Library

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2014, an estimated 1,665,540 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer, and 585,720 will die of cancer. As unsettling a statistic as this is, it's even more sobering to know that up to 35% of the premature deaths from cancer could have been avoided through screening. (These estimates vary from 3% to 35%, depending on a variety of assumptions.)

Fortunately, you can take steps to greatly reduce your risk of developing certain forms of cancer. Our specialists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have compiled the top risk factors and screening recommendations for you to use in concert with your health care provider. Read about screening recommendations for:

• Breast cancer 
• Cervical cancer 
• Colorectal cancer 
• Head and neck (oral) cancer 
• Lung cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Skin cancer 

Why learn about your risks and get screened?

• Screening may detect cancer in its earlier stages, which is usually more easily treated than advanced-stage cancer.
• If you know you are at high risk for developing certain cancers, you may be able to reduce your risk level by taking precautionary measures. These can include frequent screenings, taking certain medications and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
• In some cases, if you're at high risk, your health care provider may recommend genetic screening to look for specific inherited gene mutations that are known to increase the risk of developing certain cancers.