Cancer prevention can reduce your risk of chronic illness and improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. At Candid Primary Care in Coppell, Texas, board-certified internal medicine doctor and primary care specialist Monsur Ali, DO, offers cancer screenings and tests to adults. Dr. Ali regularly diagnoses and treats various cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, cervical, and lung cancer. Call the office today to request a cancer prevention consultation, or make your appointment online.

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What is cancer prevention?

Cancer prevention is an internal medicine subspecialty that tries to detect cancer early on when it’s most responsive to treatment.

Millions of Americans receive a cancer diagnosis each year. There’s no way to prevent cancer entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. After a physical exam, a review of your medical records, and lab testing, Dr. Ali can make personalized treatment recommendations.

What is cancer?

Cancer is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that cause abnormal (cancerous) cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably. Usually, cancer cells begin forming in one part of the body and spread (metastasize) over time.

Early intervention and treatment can prevent the disease from spreading and reduce your risk of potentially severe complications.

Who can benefit from cancer prevention?

At Candid Primary Care, Dr. Ali recommends all people 45 and older undergo cancer screening every few years. That’s particularly true if you have a family history of cancer or develop unusual symptoms that affect your health or quality of life.

What happens during a cancer prevention visit?

At Candid Primary Care, a cancer prevention visit begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your lifestyle and symptoms. After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Ali recommends a cancer screening (or screenings) that align with your needs.

For example, if you smoke, Dr. Ali may order chest X-rays or chest CT scans to look for abnormal growths in your lungs. If you’re a woman 50 or older, he might order a mammogram ––  a special type of X-ray that screens for breast cancer.

If your imaging results show an abnormal growth or potential cancer, Dr. Ali orders a biopsy. During a biopsy, he uses special tools to collect a small sample of the growth. He then sends it to the on-site lab for analysis.

What does cancer prevention involve?

At Candid Primary Care, cancer prevention typically involves healthy lifestyle changes. Dr. Ali may recommend:

  • Quitting using tobacco
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • Protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays
  • Getting vaccinated
  • Practicing safe sex

You should schedule routine checkups at Candid Primary Care. Cancer doesn’t always present obvious symptoms, but regular exams and lab tests can alert you early on.

Call Candid Primary Care today to explore the benefits of cancer prevention, or book your appointment online.