Each year, about 16,000 Mississippians develop cancer, and another 6,500 die from cancer.
Most Cancers Are Preventable
- 60% of all cancers are preventable. About one-third of cancer deaths are linked to lifestyle factors that you can control: diet, physical activity, and weight.
- Medical checkups can make a difference. Regular screening exams can result in early detection and treatment of cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, testes, oral cavity and skin.
- Everyone is at risk of developing cancer, but especially older adults. Over three quarters of all cancers are diagnosed at age 55 and older.
What You Can Do
- Stay physically active to maintain your fitness and prevent obesity. Extra weight can increase your risk of colon and breast cancers. Keeping to a healthy weight means keeping cancer away.
- Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruit. A diet low in red meat and high in vegetables and fruit reduces the risk of a broad range of cancers. Colored fruits and vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, may be especially helpful. Changing what's on your plate is the simplest step you can take against cancer.
- Don't smoke. Don't start, and if you do smoke or chew tobacco, stop. Quitting tobacco can have a profound effect on your cancer risk. Quitting is hard, but getting help can double your chances of success. Help is free with the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline.
- Get screened for cancer regularly. Screening can be simple and effective for detecting common cancers early – ask your doctor.
You could qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Our Breast and Cervical Cancer program makes free screenings available for under-insured older women. Details
