What is Preventive Oncology – And Why You Should Know About It
Because preventing cancer is always better than fighting it
When we hear the word “oncology,” most of us immediately think of cancer treatments – chemotherapy, radiation, surgery. But there’s an equally important side of cancer care that often gets overlooked: Preventive Oncology.
Simply put, preventive oncology is about reducing your risk of getting cancer in the first place, or detecting it early enough to treat it more effectively.
💡 Why Does Cancer Prevention Matter?
Today, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India and globally. But here’s what many don’t realize:
🎯 Up to 50% of cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
That means you have more control than you think.
🧬 What is Preventive Oncology?
Preventive oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on:
• Identifying risk factors (like smoking, obesity, infections, family history)
• Raising awareness
• Encouraging timely screenings and vaccinations
• Helping people make lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risk
It’s not about panic – it’s about proactive choices.
🚩 Common Risk Factors That Can Be Modified
• Tobacco use (including smoking, chewing, gutkha)
• Obesity and poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Infections like HPV (linked to cervical cancer) or Hepatitis B (linked to liver cancer)
• Prolonged sun exposure without protection
• Ignoring warning signs like unusual lumps, bleeding, or chronic fatigue
🩺 What Can You Do to Prevent Cancer?
✅ 1. Go for Regular Screenings
Early detection saves lives. Some key screening tests include:
• Pap smear for cervical cancer
• Mammogram for breast cancer
• Colonoscopy or stool test for colon cancer
• Oral exams for tobacco users
• Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer in smokers
• PSA blood test for prostate cancer in older men
Talk to your doctor about the right screenings for your age and risk profile.
✅ 2. Get Vaccinated
• HPV vaccine (especially for girls & boys aged 9-26) to prevent cervical and other cancers
• Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce liver cancer risk
These vaccines are safe, effective, and WHO-recommended.
✅ 3. Adopt a Cancer-Protective Lifestyle
• Eat a balanced, colorful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active – at least 30 minutes a day
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Practice safe sex to prevent HPV and HIV
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors
• Prioritize mental health and sleep
🧘♀ Prevention is Empowerment
Preventive oncology is not about fear – it’s about awareness, confidence, and control.
It allows you to live life fully while keeping your health in check.
Even if you have a family history of cancer, regular screening and early intervention can change your outcome.
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📌 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a doctor to practice preventive oncology.
Every time you say no to tobacco, go for a checkup, choose to walk, or help a loved one get screened – you’re already doing it.
Make prevention a habit. Not just for yourself, but for your family, your workplace, and your community.
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👩⚕ Need Screening Advice or a Prevention Plan?
Dr. Amrita Srivastava – Cancer Care Expert
Oncologist | 📍 Navi Mumbai
🌐 www.dramritasrivastava.com
📧 dramrita.oncology@gmail.com | 📞 +91 9136980810
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