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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but many cases can be prevented through sun protection and early detection. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to understand the risks associated with sun exposure and the steps you can take to protect in every season.According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.  

Women's health month is an important reminder for women to prioritize cancer screenings that can help detect disease early, when treatment is often most effective. Regular screenings play a critical role in identifying cancers before symptoms appear and improving long-term outcomes.During Women's Health Month, taking time to understand recommended screenings and when to schedule them can help women stay proactive about their health.Routine cancer screenings can help detect certain cancers at an early stage or even prevent them altogether.

Testicular cancer awareness and early detection can make a life-saving difference, especially for younger men. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early, yet many men are unaware of the symptoms or the importance of regular self-exams.During Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, it's important to highlight how simple self-awareness and early evaluation can lead to earlier diagnosis and highly successful treatment outcomes.According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men between the ages of 20 and 34, although it can occur at any age.

Head and neck cancer symptoms can sometimes seem minor at first but recognizing them early can make a meaningful difference in diagnosis and treatment outcomes. During Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to understand the warning signs and know when to talk with a healthcare provider.Head and neck cancers develop in the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity, sinuses, or salivary glands. These cancers often begin in the squamous cells that line the surfaces of these areas. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 65,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancers each year.Awareness of symptoms and risk factors can help support earlier evaluation and treatment.

Living with multiple myeloma can be physically and emotionally challenging, but understanding the disease and available treatments can help patients and families navigate the journey with more confidence and support.

Kidney cancer is often caught by chance, but recognizing symptoms and understanding risk factors can help you take control of your health and catch it early.

Colon cancer screening saves lives, and if you're 45 or older, now is the time to start. Regular screening can help detect colon cancer early, when it's most treatable, and even prevent it by finding and removing precancerous polyps.  

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., largely because it's often found at a later stage. But the earlier it's caught, the more treatment options there are. Understanding your personal risk and whether screening is right for you can be lifesaving.Understanding Lung Cancer RiskLung cancer risk is influenced by a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. Here's what to know:Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes damages lung tissue and significantly increases your risk over time. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can raise lung cancer risk.Pack-year history (e.g., 1 pack a day for 20 years = 20 pack-years) is used to measure long-term exposure.Former smokers are still at risk, especially within the first 15 years of quitting.Secondhand smoke also increases risk, particularly with long-term exposure.Environmental exposure to radon gas (a naturally occurring radioactive gas) is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.Occupational exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and silica dust can raise risk, especially in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.Radiation therapy to the chest, often for previous cancers (like breast or lymphoma), can slightly increase risk over time.Family history of lung cancer may signal inherited genetic susceptibility.Certain dietary supplements, like beta carotene taken in high doses by smokers or former smokers, have actually been shown to increase lung cancer risk.Chronic lung conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis can also elevate risk.Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you will get cancer, but it does mean screening might be worth discussing with your doctor.The Role of Screening in Lung CancerLung cancer screening means finding disease before symptoms appear, when it's most treatable. The only recommended test for early detection is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which uses lower levels of radiation than a standard CT scan to create detailed images of the lungs.LDCT can detect small nodules or abnormalities before they grow or spread. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed that LDCT reduces lung cancer deaths by about 20% compared to chest X-rays.Who Should Be Screened?The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends annual LDCT lung cancer screening if you meet all of the following:You're between 50 and 80 years oldYou have a 20 pack-year or more smoking historyYou currently smoke or quit within the last 15 yearsYou are in relatively good health and would be eligible for treatment if cancer is foundIf you don't meet all of these criteria, talk to your provider, especially if you have other risk factors, such as occupational or environmental exposures.Benefits of LDCT ScreeningCatches lung cancer at an early, more treatable stageReduces the risk of dying from lung cancerOffers peace of mind when results are normalThe decision to screen should be made together with your care team, based on your full medical history and personal values.Taking the Next StepIf you think you may qualify for lung cancer screening or you're unsure, start by:Talking with your doctor about your smoking history and risk factorsRequesting a risk assessment to see if LDCT is recommendedFinding a high-quality screening center that follows national guidelinesMaking a quit plan. If you're still smoking, stopping now can dramatically lower your risk. TCCBD offers tobacco cessation support, including counseling, resources, and personalized plans through our tobacco cessation program to help you quit for good.Committing to yearly follow-up if screening is recommendedEven if you've quit smoking, your lungs deserve regular attention. Screening is about giving yourself the best chance at early detection and better outcomes.The Bottom LineLung cancer screening isn't right for everyone, but for those at higher risk, it could save your life. If you're unsure, a simple conversation with your provider is a good first step. You don't have to face your risk alone; your care team is here to help.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat, but increased awareness, earlier diagnosis, and new treatment advances are giving patients more options than ever. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or someone you love, it helps to understand the signs, risks, and developments in care.Why Pancreatic Cancer is Often Diagnosed LateThe pancreas is located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach and plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Because of its location, pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms until it is more advanced.Most cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts. Less common types include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.Symptoms to Watch ForSymptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle or confused with other conditions. Common warning signs include:Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Unexplained weight lossLoss of appetiteAbdominal or back painFatigue or weaknessDark colored urine or itchingGreasy, light-colored, or foul-smelling stoolsNew-onset diabetes, particularly in older adultsIf you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, speak with your healthcare provider.Who Is at Risk for Pancreatic Cancer?Some risk factors for pancreatic cancer are outside of your control, while others can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Key risk factors include:Age over 60SmokingFamily history of pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancerInherited gene mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or Lynch syndromeChronic pancreatitisType 2 diabetes, especially if recently diagnosedObesityA diet high in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetablesExcessive alcohol use, especially when linked to chronic pancreatitisExposure to certain workplace chemicals used in metalworking and dry cleaningIf you have multiple risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier monitoring or genetic counseling.How Pancreatic Cancer is DiagnosedDiagnosis typically starts after symptoms arise. Since there is no standard screening test for the general population, doctors rely on imaging and laboratory testing to evaluate symptoms. This may include:CT or MRI scans to locate tumorsEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or ERCP to examine or biopsy the pancreasCA 19-9 blood test, which may indicate cancer activityGenetic and tumor testing to guide personalized treatmentIndividuals with a strong family history may be candidates for high-risk surveillance programs.Treatment Options and What's NewPancreatic cancer treatment depends on several factors including cancer stage, location, and a patient's overall health. Options include:Surgery such as the Whipple procedure when the cancer is caught early and localizedChemotherapy either before or after surgery, or as a primary treatmentRadiation therapy to help shrink tumors or treat symptomsTargeted therapy for patients with specific genetic mutationsImmunotherapy in select cases, such as tumors with mismatch repair deficiency or microsatellite instabilityRecent advancements include:Increased use of molecular profiling to guide treatment decisionsAccess to clinical trials exploring new drug combinations and immunotherapyBetter imaging technology to identify cancer earlier and more accuratelySupport Through Every StepPancreatic cancer is not just a physical challenge. Emotional, nutritional, and practical support are equally important. Patients and caregivers may benefit from nutrition guidance, palliative care to manage symptoms, genetic counseling, support groups or one-on-one emotional support, or survivorship planning.We are committed to supporting every part of the journey, not just the medical treatment.What You Can Do to Lower RiskThere is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, but you can reduce your risk by:Not smokingMaintaining a healthy weightEating more whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grainsLimiting red and processed meatsAvoiding excessive alcoholManaging chronic conditions such as diabetes or pancreatitisIf you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, ask your doctor whether genetic counseling or early detection testing is right for you.