April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month: what you need to know

TEXARKANA, Tx. (KTAL/KMSS) – April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, designed to increase awareness of the importance of routine screenings and establishing healthy habits to help lower cancer risk.

“Early detection is crucial because it allows us to identify cancer at an early stage, when it is the most treatable,” said Dr. Sunil Patel, oncologist with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Texarkana. “Routine screenings can catch cancers before symptoms appear, giving patients a better chance at successful treatment and recovery.”

Patel added that it is essential to have a primary care clinician. They will review the patient’s family history and habits to ensure all required screenings are completed at the right time.

“Preventative measures, such as regular screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle, can reduce the incidence of cancer,” Patel said. “By recognizing this, we can educate the community on steps they can take to protect their health.”

Patel says to reduce your risk of cancer, focus on cultivating a healthy lifestyle that includes quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, participating in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, shielding yourself from the sun, and getting proper vaccinations against preventable infections.

“Cancer prevention and early detection are not just medical issues,” Patel said. “They are community issues. By working together, we can create a healthier future for everyone.”

For more information about cancer care or to find a primary care clinician near you, visit www.christushealth.org.