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Cancer Types & Prevention

How to prevent cancer, screening cancer, cancer types, prevent cancer

Preventing Cancer and Staying Healthy

At Saint Alphonsus, we believe the best way to stay healthy is to prevent illness before it starts. You can do this by:

  • Visiting your primary care doctor every year
  • Getting the right health screenings based on your age and personal health

Below is a list of common types of cancer, with basic information about each.

Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the lungs and form tumors. These tumors can make it hard for your lungs to work properly.

Smoking is the main cause, but lung cancer can also happen in non-smokers. Other causes include:

  • Exposure to radon
  • Asbestos
  • Air pollution

How Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed

Doctors use several tests to find and confirm lung cancer, including:

  • X-rays
  • MRI scans
  • CT scans
  • Pulmonary nodule clinic evaluations
  • ION bronchoscopy (a special procedure to look inside the lungs)
  • Biopsy (taking a small tissue sample)
  • Blood tests

If a tumor is found, a team of specialists will work together to decide the best treatment for you.

Learn more about preventing Lung Cancer.

This cancer affects the lower part of the digestive system (the colon or rectum).

It often starts as small growths called polyps, which are not cancer at first. These usually don’t cause symptoms but can be found through regular screening.

Learn more about Colon Cancer.

Breast cancer starts in the breast when cells grow out of control.

  • It mostly affects women, but men can get it too
  • It can start in one or both breasts

Learn more about Breast Cancer.

Bone cancer affects the bones.

  • It can start in the bone
  • Or it can spread to the bone from another part of the body

Most cases of bone cancer actually begin somewhere else first.

Learn more about Bone Cancer.

Gynecologic cancers affect a woman’s reproductive organs. There are five main types:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer

A sixth, rare type is fallopian tube cancer.

Learn more about Gynecologic Cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men.

It starts in the prostate gland, which is only found in males.

For more information about Prostate Cancer, click here.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

  • Anyone can get it
  • Some people are at higher risk, especially with a lot of sun exposure

For more information about Skin Cancer, click here.

Some people have a higher risk of cancer because of their family history or genetics.

Our genetic counselor can:

  • Help you understand your risk
  • Provide education
  • Suggest ways to lower your risk or catch cancer early

For more information about Genetic Counseling for Cancer, click here.

Finding lung cancer early can make a big difference in treatment and recovery.

Robotic bronchoscopy is an advanced procedure that helps doctors diagnose lung problems sooner, so patients can begin treatment faster if needed.

Learn More

Commission on Cancer

Saint Alphonsus is proud to be an accredited cancer institute by the Commission on Cancer. The Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to improving survival and quality of life for patients by providing the highest-quality, patient-centered cancer care.