Resolve to have a healthy lifestyle
Regular screenings help detect cancer

Half of all Oklahomans will develop cancer at some point in their lifetimes. One in four will die of the disease.

These sobering statistics make it doubly important to do what you can to protect yourself from cancer, said Dr. Robert Mannel, director of the OU Cancer Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

"The good news is that cancer treatment continues to improve, but perhaps the best news is you can help protect yourself,” Mannel said.

The new year with its tradition of self-improvement resolutions is an ideal time to make changes, and Mannel said a few steps can significantly reduce your risk for cancer.

Oklahoma has more smokers than almost any state in the United States.

"One out of every three cancer deaths is directly attributable to smoking, and stopping smoking will prevent that,” Mannel said. "And, it’s not just lung cancer. There are 10 cancers now directly associated with smoking, and more are being linked to smoking every day.”

Individuals who need help quitting — as most people do — can consult their physician, sign up for a local quit-smoking program or contact the Oklahoma Stop Smoking Helpline at (800) QUIT-NOW, or (800) 784-8669.

Mannel said every woman should have an annual checkup that includes a breast exam, pelvic exam and pap smear. Women should have an annual mammogram, starting at age 40, or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.

Men should have a yearly physical, plus an annual prostate exam starting at age 40.

Both men and women should be screened for colon cancer every three to five years after age 50, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.

Children should have a yearly checkup.

Most Oklahomans know that obesity increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, but Mannel points out it also causes inflammation in body tissues, creating cell damage that is directly linked to many types of cancer.

"Being obese, in particular, increases the risk of developing colon, breast and uterine cancer,” Mannel said.

"Many people don’t realize that bringing their diabetes and obesity under control is also cancer prevention.”

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is regular exercise and eating a healthy diet.

A healthy diet is one that is low in fat and includes lots of fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber foods.

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