Cancer

The term “cancer” covers a large group of diseases. Someone with cancer has abnormal cells somewhere in their body that grow uncontrollably, pushing outside the limits of where they are meant to be and causing tumors. These growths can then progress, spreading to invade other organs, or body parts.

Information from the World Health Organization.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 452 people in every 100,000 in South Dakota contracted one or more forms of cancer every year from 2015 to 2019. Of those 452 people diagnosed, 153 died from the disease — that's nearly 34 percent.

Because cancer is a major cause of death in the United States, it’s important to ensure you limit key risk factors and get screened for possible cancers when your doctor recommends it or when you reach the recommended age for a screening. Cancer screening could save your life.

30-50% of deaths caused by cancer could be prevented, according to the World Health Organization.

Key risk behaviors include tobacco use, obesity, excessive alcohol use, overexposure to UV radiation, lack of exercise, and more. Ask your doctor how you can improve your lifestyle to cut down on key risk factors.

If you have a history of cancer in your family or you suspect you could be at risk due to your age or lifestyle, you should talk to your healthcare provider about screening early, getting in for annual exams, and accessing cancer resources available to you.

Screening Recommendations

Depending on the gender you were born as, your lifestyle and your age, the American Cancer Society recommends talking to your doctor about getting screened for different cancers. Below are a few of those recommendations.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix at age 25, between 40 and 49, and after the age of 50.

Breast cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45 or earlier at 40.

Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45.

Prostate cancer screening should be discussed with a doctor at age 50 or at age 45 if you have an African-American genealogy.

Lung cancer screening should be discussed around the age of 50 for those who use tobacco or formerly used tobacco.

Palliative Care Information

• SDAHO: Hospice & Palliative Care
• Hospice Information