A New Year's Resolution That Could Save Your Life

A Hackensack Meridian Health cancer expert shares some tips

Brick, N.J. - December 22, 2025 - As we plan for the New Year, we often think about the resolutions we'll make, including commitments to health. As Madhurima Anne, M.D., director of hematology/oncology at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center shares, one resolution that can truly save your life is scheduling preventative cancer screenings.

It happens every year. We start off with good intent to better take care of ourselves, but busy schedules often keep us from getting those routine appointments on the calendar. Just know that a cancer screening is one of the most powerful, proactive steps you can take for your well-being. The simple truth is that screenings can detect cancer before you even experience any symptoms. When cancer is found at its earliest, most treatable stages, the chances for better outcomes are significantly higher. Some screenings can stop cancer before it even starts. A colonoscopy, for example, allows for the removal of precancerous polyps, preventing them from developing into colorectal cancer.

Navigating screening recommendations can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, your doctor can help you understand your individual risk factors and create a plan that's right for you. For an average-risk adult, screening recommendations are as follows:  

• Breast Cancer: It is recommended that women begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health.
• Cervical Cancer: The Pap test is recommended for women starting at age 21. Beginning at age 30, you have the option to combine the Pap test with an HPV test every five years.
• Colorectal Cancer: Regular screening for both men and women should begin at age 45. There are several options available, from stool-based tests to visual exams like a colonoscopy.
• Lung Cancer: A yearly low-dose CT scan is recommended for adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
• Prostate Cancer: Men should begin a conversation with their doctor about the pros and cons of testing starting at age 50. This discussion should start earlier, at age 45, for Black men or those with a first-degree relative (father or brother) who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.
• Skin Cancer: Get into the habit of regularly checking your skin for any new or changing moles or freckles. It's also important to see a dermatologist for a formal skin scan once a year.

While screenings are crucial, a healthy lifestyle is another key factor in reducing your cancer risk – this includes the food you eat. Organizations like the American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend adding high-fiber foods to your diet. These foods are often rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that aid in cancer prevention. And eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans is also a plus. Try to limit excess sugar and fat, as these extra calories can lead to weight gain, as can oversized portions. 

If you use tobacco, quitting is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make. Nicotine withdrawal can be challenging, but there are tools to help you succeed. There are a number of FDA-approved medications to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms including a nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray. Talk to your healthcare team or a specialized quit service to find the right aids for you and learn how to use them effectively.

This New Year, I encourage you to resolve to take control of your health. By scheduling your preventative screenings, making nutritious food choices, and quitting tobacco, you are giving yourself the gift of a healthier future.

To schedule a screening or find a doctor, visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/cancer.

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