Cancer Prevention Through Whole-Person Primary Care

With recent news coverage raising awareness of higher rates of cancer in younger people, you may be wondering what this means for you and your healthcare. The adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is a fundamentally true statement, especially when it comes to cancer. Holistic, preventive health is essential for overall well-being, and has positive downstream effects on cancer risks and early detection.

What’s happening with younger people being diagnosed with cancer?

From the Wall Street Journal to the Washington Post, the recent headlines in health have been alarming: cancer rates are rising in adults under the age of 50. In fact, the largest increase in cancer rates is in adults aged 30-39. By comparison, most cancers are found in people aged 65 and older. The types of cancers increasing for younger adults are breast and gastrointestinal cancers. 1 in 5 new cases of colorectal cancer in the U.S. occur in people under the age of 55, a rate that has nearly doubled over the past thirty years. In response to the higher rates of colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society updated its screening guidelines for colorectal cancer and lowered the age for those with “average risk” to 45. There’s a difference between cancer rates in men and women, too: the number of early-onset cancers in women increased by 4.4% during the study period. This may have been driven by cancers of the breast and uterus, but this increase is still jarring. 

Doctors and researchers don’t know why this is. It may have to do with rising rates of obesity, lifestyle, or environmental factors–but the exact causes remain unknown. What many doctors are focused now is how to identify who is at a higher risk, and adjusting screening practices individually. 

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Preventive care should be personalized, including for cancer risks 

Focusing on prevention when possible can be powerful, helping avoid expensive, often invasive procedures or treatments. Recognizing that certain types of cancer are often preventable, or at least detectable at an early, more treatable stage, makes prevention all that much more critical when it comes to medical care. The recent studies showing increased risk for younger adults is a reminder that age alone doesn’t tell the whole story about a person’s health, or risk. 

There are many factors that contribute to cancer risk, many of which are complex: genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. Lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, can have a significant impact on cancer risk reduction. Sleep may also have an effect on cancer risk: one 2021 study showed that participants who rated their sleep quality as “poor” had a higher risk of developing cancer in older age. 

Awareness and mitigation of environmental factors, such as exposure to carcinogens, is also important; this can be addressed through informed decision-making and public health initiatives. For those with a family history of cancer or other risk factors, education, early screenings and precautions can help manage their risk. 

Ethnicity and race may also play a role in an individual’s cancer risk. The same study that showed early-onset cancers are on the rise reported that the biggest increase in cancer were seen in patients of Asian or Pacific Islander or Hispanic descent. The study reported that cases among Black patients declined, but did not show if that decline was meaningful or because those patients are underdiagnosed.

A skilled primary care provider who is trained in whole-person care understands how all these factors affect an individual patient’s health overall, including their risk for cancer. Prevention via whole-person primary care can empower people to take charge of their health, offering them the tools and knowledge needed to make informed choices that can significantly reduce their cancer risks. 

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What is whole-person primary care? 

Whole-person primary care is a comprehensive approach to health care that includes not only the physical aspects of a person but also considers their mental, emotional, and social well-being. In essence, it recognizes an individual's health is interconnected and multifaceted, extending far beyond a specific organ or set of symptoms. Whole-person care is truly personalized: the provider has a full picture of the patient’s unique medical needs. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting overall wellness. 

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and virtual care have undergone a transformative shift when it comes to whole-person primary care. Technology now allows healthcare providers to offer a more holistic approach by delivering medical services remotely. Through virtual consultations and telemedicine platforms, people can access a range of healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, or from virtually anywhere, fostering a patient-centered approach that considers not only immediate medical concerns but also factors in mental and emotional well-being. Virtual care enables healthcare professionals to assess and treat patients comprehensively, incorporating behavioral health, lifestyle management, and preventive care strategies into their practice. When done well, this facilitates a more continuous and personalized patient-provider relationship, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and a more holistic understanding of an individual's health.

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Applying whole-person primary care to cancer prevention & early detection

There are three key areas of whole-person primary care that address cancer risks:

• Regular screenings and check-ups are a pillar of cancer prevention. Think of regular screenings and check-ups as the early warning system, allowing patients and their healthcare providers to catch potential issues before they escalate. Routine medical exams serve as a crucial opportunity for early detection and intervention. When a patient sees the same provider each time, the provider is also better equipped to notice any changes in the patient’s health. The patient may also feel more comfortable sharing embarrassing symptoms (note: at Hello Alpha, we believe there is no such thing as an embarrassing symptom–bodies simply do things that bodies do) with a provider they know. Beyond general check-ups, there are specific cancer screenings tailored to an individual’s risk factors, including mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and pap smears for cervical cancer, among others. These screenings are not just for those experiencing symptoms but are proactive measures to catch potential concerns in their infancy, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery. 

• Nutritional guidance and healthy lifestyle promotion build a defense through diet and activity. A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are proven to reduce the risk of cancer, and they form another integral aspect of whole-person primary care. Picture a well-rounded meal plan as a shield, offering protection against the development of certain cancers. Nutritional guidance helps individuals make informed choices about their diet, where fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are prioritized while minimizing processed foods and excessive sugars. In addition, the importance of physical activity can’t be overstated. Regular exercise not only contributes to overall health but also plays a vital role in cancer prevention by helping to maintain a healthy weight, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms, collectively creating an environment less conducive to the growth of cancer cells. 

• Mental health treatment supports complete well-being. The intricate connection between mental health and overall well-being is a cornerstone of both whole-person primary care and cancer prevention. Stress management and behavioral health support are not luxuries but essential components of a comprehensive healthcare approach. Chronic stress can adversely impact the immune system and contribute to inflammation, potentially fostering an environment conducive to cancer development. As mentioned earlier, sleep quality also plays a role in cancer risk. Integrating mental health support into primary care empowers people with coping strategies to foster resilience. Addressing behavioral patterns that may influence health outcomes can have a long-term impact on someone’s lifespan. 

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Patient education is empowerment

Informed patients are empowered patients, and that is a keystone in primary care and cancer prevention. In partnership with a dedicated healthcare provider, individuals can make proactive health choices, including a comprehensive understanding of cancer risk factors like genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle influences. Proactive health behaviors become a collaborative effort, starting with routine screenings and embracing a cancer-prevention lifestyle like maintaining a balanced diet or engaging in regular physical activity. Healthcare providers should support continued learning to ensure patients have up-to-date information about emerging research, new preventive measures, and evolving healthcare practices. Through education and empowerment, primary care becomes a shared endeavor, empowering people to take an active role in safeguarding their health and minimizing their risk of cancer.

Embracing whole-person primary care can help against the rising rates of cancer by prioritizing prevention through regular screenings, embracing nutritional guidance, fostering mental health support, and empowering patients with education. 

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About Hello Alpha

Hello Alpha is a virtual primary care platform that specializes in inclusive, expert care for all by bridging the gaps in women’s health. With a personalized approach catering to an individual’s unique health goals, Hello Alpha can treat more than 100 conditions ranging from allergies to eczema and diabetes to menopause. Additionally, Alpha providers will proactively help identify and manage underdiagnosed conditions while connecting patients to labs, specialists, and other essential resources. The aim is to ensure that patients feel as healthy and vibrant as possible.

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If you have questions about how Hello Alpha can help with whole-person primary care, please check out some of the following pages: 

• Surprising ways that virtual care with Hello Alpha can save you a trip to the doctor
• Know your numbers: understanding cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and more
• Importance of early screening for cervical cancer
• Women delay care and that’s a problem 
• How Alpha can support nutrition and diet goals with help from a registered dietitian

You can also start a visit right now. 

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational/educational purposes only.  No material on this site is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A patient-client relationship will only be formed after you enter into a written agreement with an Alpha provider. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs before undertaking any new healthcare regimen.