Cancer Prevention Resource Roundup

[4 MIN READ]

In this article:

• Nearly two million people are diagnosed with cancer yearly, with breast, prostate, lung, pancreas and colon cancers topping the list.

• Around 40% of all cancer cases in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors, including smoking, obesity and exposure to UV radiation. 

• For Cancer Prevention Month in February, we’ve compiled a list of past posts that detail some of the ways Swedish is helping prevent cancer in our community.

• Watch video: Swedish Cancer Institute Executive Medical Director Sara Jo Grethlein, M.D., MBA, FACP, discussed cancer prevention and research at Swedish on a recent New Day NW. 

Nearly two million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. It’s responsible for more than 600,000 deaths a year and the leading cause of death in people under 65, according to the National Institutes of Health.

And research indicates many of those deaths could have been prevented.

“Studies show about 40% of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are linked to modifiable risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and excess body weight. Getting any recommended screenings and seeing your physician regularly can help lower the risk even more,” says Sara Jo Grethlein, M.D., MBA, FACP, executive medical director of the Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI).

^{Swedish Cancer Institute Executive Medical Director Sara Jo Grethlein, M.D., MBA, FACP, discussed cancer prevention on KING 5's New Day NW recently.} 

You know there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer, but with everything you’re trying to keep track of in your life, it can be challenging to remember all you need to know. The experts at Swedish are here to help.

February is Cancer Prevention Month. We’ve gathered past blog posts with insights and information from some of the health leaders at Swedish. Here’s what they shared.

“There’s no surefire way to prevent cancer. But there are surefire strategies to help reduce your risk,” says Dr. Grethlein.

Education and awareness 

“Some of the biggest drops in cancer deaths in recent years can be traced back to raising awareness and increasing education about topics like smoking cessation and weight management,” says Dr. Grethlein.

“Knowledge really is power. We’re dedicated to making the information you need accessible and easy to understand,” she adds.

Breast and gynecologic cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting American women, second only to skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Michaela Tsai, M.D. discusses the importance of early detection and outlines the most effective screening methods in For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast health tips from a Swedish expert.

Gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian, cervical and endometrial, affect thousands of women every year. We walk you through the types of screenings and share helpful resources in A dose of hope for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and Hope Is on the Horizon During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Skin cancer

Roughly one in five people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Medical oncologist, Kelly Paulson, M.D., Ph.D. talks about the signs of melanoma and new treatment options that are improving care in Melanoma is a common cancer. Learn about signs and treatments.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer claims the lives of more people than prostate, breast and colon cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. Two lung cancer experts at Swedish discuss the importance of lung cancer screening and highlight innovative technology for treatment in Lung cancer awareness.

Prevention and screenings

“Cancer screening looks for evidence of cancer – often before you experience symptoms,” says Dr. Grethlein. “When we identify cancer in its earliest stages, there is a much better chance of a successful outcome.”

Learn more about cancer screenings and how they help protect your health in Take control of your good health with regular cancer screenings.

Women’s health cancer screenings 

For an overview of the key screenings every women should have, check out Women’s health screening guidelines for every age.

Or drill down deeper and get more details about specific cancer screenings, including:

• You can protect yourself from Cervical Cancer – here’s how
• Don’t miss the signs of ovarian cancer
• HPV vaccine and regular screenings can reduce cervical cancer risk

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer grows slowly and does not always have recognizable symptoms. The article When to schedule a prostate cancer screening can help you identify the warning signs of prostate cancer and when it’s time to schedule your screening.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal surgeons at Swedish know the importance of early detection when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Read what they have to say in Colorectal cancer screenings may save your life.

Mouth and throat cancer

Mouth and throat cancers affect the tongue, tonsils and other parts of the mouth. Learn more about Mouth and Throat Cancer Screening and how it can help protect your health.

Research, expertise and innovation 

“At Swedish, we believe clinical research is helping transform the future of health care. Developing new technologies, new procedures and new medications are just some of the ways we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for better care,” says Dr. Grethlein. Learn more about her vision in the article, At Swedish, Sara Jo Grethlein, M.D., MBA, leads a transformational moment in cancer research and care.

Here are some of the other research areas we’re focused on:

The future is here: Sara Jo Grethlein, M.D. is leading a transformational moment in cancer care (swedish.org)

Fighting cancer with clinical research

The hard work of hope: Swedish celebrates research for Clinical Trials Day

At Swedish, a visionary initiative to advance the early detection of cancer

Swedish Cancer Institute brings adaptive radiation therapy to the Pacific Northwest

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Learn more and find a provider

If you have questions about our innovative cancer care, contact the Swedish Cancer Institute. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.

Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction, and follow up as needed. If you need to find a provider, you can use our provider directory.

Join our Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Related resources 

Swedish Cancer Institute

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.

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About the Author

The Swedish Cancer Team is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date insights about treatments, prevention, care and support available. We know cancer diagnoses strain you both mentally and physically, and we hope to provide a small piece of hope to you or your loved ones who are fighting the cancer battle with useful and clinically-backed advice.

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