How to avoid cancer: Tips to reduce your risk

Did you know about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men in America are at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime?¹ But there is hope. The number of cancer survivors is growing thanks to early cancer detection and effective treatments, helping people live longer.²

This progress shows how important it is to keep working toward a healthier future for everyone. Together, we can work toward a future where cancer is less common and more lives are saved. We can do this by starting with early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and getting the support and resources we need.

Helpful tips to prevent cancer

Here are ways you can help to avoid cancer^3,4:

1. Eat healthy — Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Cut back on processed foods, red meats and sugary drinks.
   
   
2. Stay active — Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
   
   
3. Quit tobacco — If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, quitting can greatly reduce your cancer risk.
   
   
4. Limit alcohol — Drink alcohol in moderation to lower your risk of liver, breast and colorectal cancer.
   
   
5. Protect your skin — Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and avoid tanning beds to prevent skin cancer.
   
   
6. Get vaccinated — Vaccines like HPV and hepatitis B can prevent infections that lead to cancer.
   
   
7. Regular checkups — We encourage early detection to help save lives. To catch any issues early, talk to your provider about health screenings that are right for you. 
   
   
8. Maintain a healthy weight — Keep a healthy weight through diet and exercise to lower your cancer risk.
   
   
9. Manage stress — Find healthy ways to deal with stress, like meditation, yoga or walking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers more information to help educate yourself and others and spread the word about cancer prevention and early detection to help save lives.

How Optum Specialty Pharmacy can help

The Optum® Specialty Pharmacy Oncology Center of Excellence is committed to providing compassionate care and a personalized experience for people living with cancer. We understand the complexity that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. We do this through:

• Personalized cancer care — Our team offers tailored support to help patients navigate the challenges throughout their journey. 
  
  
• Financial assistance — Through Optum Savings IQ™, we help patients secure the financial assistance they need to afford and start their medication without delay.

1. American Cancer Society - Lifetime Risk of Developing or Dying From Cancer.  
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2022–2024. 2022. 
3. Centers for Disease and Prevention. Preventing Cancer. Published Oct. 31, 2024. 
4. Mayo Clinic. Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk. Published Nov. 23, 2024.