The American Cancer Society predicts over 2 million new cancer cases and more than 610,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States in 2024, making cancer the second leading cause of death after heart disease.
In a recent blog post on the UVM Health Network website, fourteen oncology experts from the University of Vermont Cancer Center and FitzPatrick Cancer Center at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital shared their well-being strategies. They emphasize that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection.
All the oncologists recommend regular physical activity. Steve Ades, M.D., a medical oncologist at UVM Medical Center, suggests even short daily exercise sessions of five to ten minutes can be beneficial. James Gerson, M.D., a hematologist and oncologist at UVM Medical Center who runs daily, notes that exercise is associated with a lower cancer risk and can help manage symptoms, enhance mood, and reduce relapse rates in cancer patients.
Patricia Johnson, R.N., an oncology care coordinator and lung cancer navigator, highlights the importance of age-appropriate health screenings and maintaining mental well-being by spending time with loved ones.
Avoiding smoking, vaping, and excessive sun exposure are also key recommendations from several providers.
Anne Berkowitz, a nurse practitioner in hematology and oncology, underscores that maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean giving up all indulgences, sharing that she will never give up chocolate or coffee.
Research teams at the UVM Cancer Center are actively engaged in laboratory and population-based studies, as well as clinical trials, to advance understanding in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. A troubling trend observed is the rise in cancer rates among individuals under 50 from 1995 to 2020.