Question 

My mother is currently living with the last stages of breast cancer at 82 years of age. My father died from lung cancer at 75, a lifelong smoker. 

I feel like I am a marked individual because both of my parents are dying or already dead from cancer. It is very hard not to worry when this is your history. Every time I visit my mother the worry starts up again in full force. I am female in my 50s which compounds the worry. 

I am a one week a month caregiver which is stressful all by itself. I am also now a worrier. I cannot seem to shake the thought that I will be getting cancer at some point in time. Do you have any thoughts on how to manage? 

Answer 

You have a legitimate reason to have cancer on your mind. It does stare you in the face every month when caring for your mother. Worry is a common response to concern, though action would be more useful to your long-term prospects to remain cancer free. 

There are things you can do to find out your risk level, scans to catch cancer early, and preventive measures you can take to lessen your chances of getting cancer. 

Starting with your risk level. I would reach out to your mother’s oncologist. If you can, find out if your mother has had any genetic testing. Due to her age, it is not likely that she has had testing, though it does not hurt to ask. With that information in hand, speak with your doctor about it. Let your doctor know your concern and have a dialogue about genetic testing.  

I am certain that your doctor will recommend that you have an annual mammogram without fail. Finding cancer when it is still small is the most relevant factor in long-term survival and treatment success. There is no viable excuse that I can think of for skipping this simple scan for you and your sisters, if you have them. 

If you are a smoker, quit now. Smoking is widely accepted to be carcinogenic and a leading factor in lung cancer. Yes, some people can smoke their entire lives and not get lung cancer. Far too many become victims of their vice. Don’t smoke. 

Lastly, do some research on habits that contribute to long life and cancer prevention. One widely known statistic is that obese women post menopause have a higher incidence of breast cancer. With your history, this will be an important factor. 

Exercise is another consideration in preventing many types of cancer. This is one of those things not to just think about, but to do. Schedule exercise and do not let the multitude of excuses we can come up with interfere with your plan. It matters to your health. 

Diet can be a significant factor in many cancers. Dive into the latest research on what foods are cancer causing and which ones are cancer preventing. I recommend accessing multiple reputable resources on the internet for information. Avoid falling into the trap of individuals selling magic pills or frankly selling anything. Get your information from medical schools and actual researchers.  

Back to your worry. You have every right to be concerned for your health. Now it is time to focus that concern into preventive actions. Once you are doing everything that you can to take care of your health you should feel more confident. Do talk to your doctor and share what you are doing and ask if there is anything else to consider.