When something needs to be fixed, we often turn to our dads. They usually have the right tool for the job. 

While Dad is the first to volunteer for handyman duty, he may be ducking out on regular trips to the doctor. You can nudge him to invest time and energy to maintain his health. 

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing many cancers. Sometimes a little encouragement from someone we love can help us prioritize our health.

• Avoid tobacco. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate smoking causes 20% of all cancers and 30% of all cancer deaths. Quitting can be tough, but it can have a major impact on your dad’s cancer risk.
• Increase physical activity. The goal is to reach 30 minutes, five days a week. Not only is exercise good for your heart, it reduces the risk of cancers like bladder, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, kidney and stomach.
• Focus on a diet low in processed foods. When you are grocery shopping, check nutrition labels. Foods that have three or fewer ingredients are generally considered less processed. Choose more whole fruits and vegetables. Ultra processed foods appear to play a role in colorectal cancer. 
• Limit alcohol. Research has increasingly connected alcohol use with several types of cancer. While heavy consumption has a bigger impact, even moderate consumption – one or two drinks a day – does have an impact on your risk. Cancers that are influenced by alcohol consumption include mouth, throat, esophagus, colorectal and liver. 
• Use sun protection. The skin is your body’s biggest organ, and limiting sun exposure reduces the risk of skin cancer. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, wide brim hats and protective clothing can guard against the rays that cause cancer.

Screening

Because there are no 100% foolproof ways to prevent cancer, it’s important to stay up to date on recommended cancer screenings. Early detection of cancer provides the best opportunity to treat and beat the disease. 

Routine checkups allow your health care team to tailor screening to your personal risks based on your own health history and family health history. 

For men of average risk, cancer screening guidelines include:

• Colorectal cancer: Screening should start at age 45. You have screening options, but colonoscopy is the only one that can check for polyps and remove them in the same procedure. 
• Lung cancer: Recommended ages 50-80 for those who have at least a 20 pack-year history and are either still smoking or have quit in the last 15 years.
• Prostate cancer: Men ages 55 to 69 should discuss screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with their health care provider. 
• Skin cancer: Routinely look for skin changes. Report any unusual, large or changing moles.

If you have a family history of cancer, especially if a close family member was diagnosed before age 50 or multiple family members with cancers, you may want to consider genetic counseling. Your primary care doctor can help you take the first steps. 

Encourage your dad to reduce his cancer risk with healthy habits and screening so you can continue to build memories together for years to come.