Health official estimates 11,530 new cancer cases in Nebraska, gives tips to cut risk

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1.9 million new cancer cases in the U.S. this year.

Those numbers break down to about 11,530 new cases in Nebraska with an estimated 3,540 cancer-related deaths.

While those numbers may sound staggering, there are preventative measures to lower the risk.

The American Cancer Society Director of Healthy Eating and Active Living Colleen Doyle says you can decrease your risk by 40% if you incorporate a few lifestyle changes into your daily routine.

“First and foremost don’t smoke, that is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths,” Doyle said. “And for the majority of people who don’t smoke in this country, the most important things they can do are to eat right and be more active to reduce their risk.”

Doyle also says it’s important to debunk myths about cancer. One she routinely hears is that sugar feeds cancer.

Also, there is no one superfood that’s a foolproof preventative measure.

You should also know that nothing can completely eliminate the risk of cancer.

Someone could not smoke, eat healthily, and exercise, and still get cancer. Genetics can increase or decrease cancer-related illnesses as well.