Health Tips for October 30

Health Tip: Screening for Cancer

The best way to get a good prognosis when it comes to cancer is to get diagnosed as early as possible -- and that's where cancer screening tests come in. Here are some of the cancer screening tests that are currently available and the type of cancers that they screen for, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mammogram to help detect breast cancer. Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to help detect colon cancer. Chest X-ray, CT scan or sputum cytology (microscopic examination of phlegm to screen for cancer cells) for lung cancer. Health Tip: Your Diet After Cancer Treatment Once you've completed treatment for cancer, it's not the time to stop planning healthy meals. The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet after cancer treatment: Ask you doctor if there are any foods that you should avoid. Work with a dietitian to develop a healthy and nutritious meal plan. Continue to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Each time you shop, select a fruit or veggie that you haven't had before. Eat whole grain breads and cereals, which are high in fiber. Bake or broil, instead of frying. Stay away from smoked, pickled and salt-cured foods. Select low-fat milk and dairy products. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.