LANSING — Michigan residents can help protect themselves and their families against cancer by taking preventative measures and getting screened early. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC) have announced the release of a 2014 annual report that provides a statewide view of cancer. 

“The good news is that a number of cancers can be prevented through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures such as the human papillomavirus or HPV vaccination,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive of MDHHS. “Maintaining a healthy body weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, along with ensuring your children receive the HPV vaccination, are all ways to decrease you and your family’s risk for cancer.”

The report shows that cancer screening rates in Michigan are slightly better than the national average for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. It also highlights that work remains, as evidenced by Michigan having the 16th highest rate of new cancer cases and the 17th highest rate of cancer deaths in the U.S. 

Also, when compared to national rates, slightly more Michigan adults describe themselves as current smokers and as obese.

“There are early-detection tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer,” said Ernesto Drelichman, MD, co-chair of the MCC. “These tests help by detecting cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable and the outcomes are much better.”

In addition, knowing your family history and personal risk for cancer is a key component to prevention and early detection. Michigan residents should talk with their health care provider about their risk and be screened for cancer.