Prevent Cancer Foundation

10/21/2026

Dr. Mitchell Kang diagnosis and treats people with liver cancer for a living, and most of the patients he sees are unfamiliar with the disease and its causes until they come to him. That’s why he’s spreading the word about liver cancer now, so people can understand their risk before they get a diagnosis.

People who develop chronic liver disease are at increased risk for liver cancer, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, avoiding to***co, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. All adults should be tested for hepatitis B and C at least once, two viruses that can also significantly increase your risk of liver cancer.

Learn more about liver cancer and how you can protect yourself at the link in the comments.

10/20/2026

You’ve scheduled your mammogram. Now what?

It’s normal to have questions about what happens before, during and after a routine cancer screening. That's why breast radiologist Anjali Malik, M.D., is answering some of your most commonly asked mammogram questions to help you know what to expect and feel more prepared for your appointment

Whether you’re getting your first mammogram or you’ve been screened before, get the answers you need at the link in the comments.

10/19/2026

Real talk: How well do you know your breasts? Knowing what your breasts normally look and feel like is called being breast self-aware, and it’s an important practice for anyone with breasts.

It’s never too late to become familiar with your breasts so you can take notice of any differences or changes that may occur. If you do notice a new quality, like a change in the size or shape of your breast, skin or ni**le irritation, unexpected pain, or a new or changing lump, talk with your health care provider right away.

Learn more about how getting to know your breasts can help you potentially catch breast cancer early at the link in the comments.

10/19/2026

Getting diagnosed with cancer was not in Barb Neal’s retirement plans. But after an annual mammogram revealed a small mass, she was officially diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.

Like Barb, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. In fact, contrary to popular belief, only 5%-10% of cancers are hereditary. Barb is now on track to make a full recovery and continues spreading the word that early detection is key.

“Now, it’s my turn to support other women through their cancer treatments, and to remind friends—and you—to keep up with routine breast cancer screening.” Read more on Barb’s story at the link in the comments.

10/16/2026

In 2023, actor Olivia Munn was diagnosed with breast cancer after having no symptoms, no known family history and no warning signs. What led to her diagnosis? The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT)—a tool used to help health care providers and patients determine someone’s lifetime breast cancer risk.

After Munn was diagnosed with stage one bilateral breast cancer, she was outspoken about making sure everyone is aware of the test so they can take action for themselves. The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Program honored Munn at the 2025 Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon for raising awareness about breast cancer early detection.

Munn credits this test with saving not only her own life, but also her mother’s, who was diagnosed shortly after Munn urged her to evaluate her own risk with the BCRAT. Read more about Munn’s journey with breast cancer at the link in the comments.

Photo by Emma Beiles Howie

10/14/2026

Pope Leo XIV's recent lung cancer diagnosis and surgery is focusing attention on a disease that’s often stigmatized—and has the lowest rates of any routine cancer screening. Here's everything you need to know to give yourself the best chance at a healthy future.

Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Here's symptoms, risk factors and everything you need to know.

10/13/2026

When Loni Paulsen was just 39 years old, she began experiencing persistent symptoms: bloating, stomach pain, blood in her stool, extreme exhaustion and weakness. Even after months of being told these were simply signs of bad gut health, she continued advocating for herself and searching for answers.

A close friend urged her to get a colonoscopy, followed by a re**al ultrasound. After both procedures, she woke up to life-changing news: Loni was diagnosed with stage 3 re**al cancer.

Loni says her entire cancer journey has been difficult, but the healing process has been the hardest part—learning, growing and recovering more each day. Today, she uses her experience to encourage others to prioritize their health and listen to their bodies, even when it’s hard to put yourself first.

“My purpose is teaching others what I’ve learned: Be proactive, advocate, prevent cancer and save lives!”

Read Loni’s full story at the link in the comments.

10/09/2026

Did you know that more than one third of U.S. adults are affected by fatty liver disease? It increases the risk for liver cancer, and cases are rising—especially for one of its two main types, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Because fatty liver disease has no routine screening test or early warning signs, understanding the risk factors is essential. Obesity, diabetes and other metabolic conditions are the strongest drivers, and healthy lifestyle choices (maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity and a healthy weight) play a key role in prevention.

Symptoms often don’t appear until later stages, but if you notice unusual abdominal pain, jaundice or persistent fatigue, it’s important to talk with a health care provider right away.

Learn more about fatty liver disease and how to reduce your risk of liver cancer at the link in the comments.

10/08/2026

When Ali Rogin was a junior in college, her parents told her she might have inherited a BRCA1 genetic mutation—just like Ali’s dad. When Ali got genetic testing done, she found out she also carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which markedly increased her risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

Just before her college graduation, Ali decided to have a prophylactic double mastectomy (surgical removal of both breasts), which significantly reduced her risk of breast cancer. By testing positive for the BRCA1 mutation, Ali is at an increased risk of ovarian cancer, too.

“This choice may not be for everyone, but it remains one of the best decisions of my life,” Ali said. Read more about Ali’s decision and how BRCA mutations can affect your cancer risk at the link in the comments.

10/07/2026

GLP-1 medications are surging in popularity for their benefits related to weight-loss and other weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But what about their effects on cancer?

GLP-1 medications mimic your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, hunger and digestion. Recent research shows GLP-1 medications can reverse cancer risk associated with excess weight, and they also seem to have anti-inflammatory effects that help suppress tumors.

Because obesity increases the risk of at least 13 cancer types, weight loss can play an important role in cancer prevention. But, today, they are only recommended for people who need them to manage diabetes or support weight loss for medical reasons.

What we do know is that understanding the steps you can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle and staying informed about ways to reduce your cancer risk can support your long‑term health. Head to the link in comments to learn more.