New Years resolutions

I wrote this small article about New Years resolutions for our local cancer center newsletter, but I think that it is meaningful to share with my blog family as well. I know there are many families and patients who read this too. And tell me, did I leave anything out that you would recommend to your patients?

It's hard to believe another year has gone by. This has been another busy and promising year in oncology. Most notably, we appear to have made real progress against some of the most common cancers: breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancers with anticipated continued decreases in both incidence and mortality rates during the coming years.

I know that for some who are reading this that is of little comfort, though, if you are fighting any cancer right now or if someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer. You may be asking yourself, what can we do? This desire to make positive change can also be especially prominent this time of year as we think about a new year, new beginnings and new resolutions.

Resolution is defined as "firm determination" and that is an apt description of how my patients frequently approach treating their cancers. If you are thinking of making positive changes in your life for cancer prevention and optimal treatment of cancer, consider making the following changes:

Quit smoking!
Reduce high risk alcohol intake (either binge or high volume drinking)
Get daily exercise