Healthy Aging: Be Proactive About Cancer

Patient Care RHMD
Sep 11
2 min read

Healthy Aging Tip: Be Proactive About Cancer—Because Waiting Isn’t a Strategy

If you’re committed to aging well, cancer can’t be an afterthought. You don’t want to wait for symptoms. You want to find it early—or better yet, prevent it entirely. And the good news is—we’re finally getting better tools to do both.

Early Detection: What’s Possible Today

One of the biggest breakthroughs in medicine right now is the multi-cancer early detection blood test, often referred to as a “liquid biopsy.” The Galleri® test from GRAIL is one of the most advanced. With a simple blood draw, this test can detect signals for more than 50 types of cancer—including many that aren’t typically screened for, like pancreatic, ovarian, and liver cancers. It works by identifying fragments of tumor DNA in your bloodstream—long before symptoms appear.

I often explain it to patients this way:

Think of how expectant parents can now learn their baby’s sex from a simple blood test—long before an ultrasound. That’s because fetal DNA circulates in the mother’s blood.

Cancer behaves similarly. Tumor DNA shows up in the bloodstream—and now, we can catch it. I believe tests like Galleri should be part of proactive, personalized aging. I do it myself. I also combine it with a Prenuvo whole-body MRI—which can detect structural issues and masses that might otherwise go unnoticed. Between the two, I’m giving myself the best chance to catch anything early, when intervention is most effective.

But Even Better Than Early Detection… Is Prevention

Prevention isn’t passive. It’s a daily decision. And modern research continues to support clear, actionable strategies:

 Follow a plant-forward, rainbow-rich diet

 Limit processed foods and avoid nitrates

 Keep blood sugar stable—no crashes, no spikes

 Move daily—exercise isn’t optional, it’s essential

 Prioritize deep sleep and manage stress

 Maintain optimal vitamin D levels

 Support gut health with fiber and fermented foods

 And yes—avoid alcohol

There’s no safe amount of alcohol. The evidence is clear. The World Health Organization and our own U.S. Surgeon General now agree: alcohol is a known carcinogen. If you’re serious about lowering your risk, it’s time to reevaluate that evening glass of wine.