HJBR Mar/Apr 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  MAR / APR 2025 49 Burke J. Brooks, MD, FACP Section Chief, Hematology/Oncology Ochsner Baton Rouge and set goals. Dietitians and nutritionists bring expertise in creating eating plans that are both tailored and actionable. Orthopedic providers can play a crucial role in connecting obesity with joint health, framing weight loss as a path toward overall physical well-being. Cardiologists can emphasize the car- diovascular benefits associated with even modest weight reduction, providing addi- tional incentive for patients to make life- style changes. And as mounting research demonstrates, the importance of moderating alcohol con- sumption cannot be overstated. Alcohol use is a modifiable factor linked to increased cancer risk, particularly for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon. This is another topic that potentially spans numerous specialties. Family doc- tors, OB-GYNs, and pediatricians often have opportunities to discuss alcohol use in the broader context of lifestyle habits. Mental health specialists working with patients who face addiction can take alcohol use conversations a step further, creating ac- cess to counseling, resources, or programs aimed at curbing dependency. The priority is not necessarily abstinence but informed decisions. Using evidence- based guidelines such as the recommenda- tion of one drink per day for women and two for men, medical professionals can guide their patients toward moderation, signifi- cantly reducing cancer risk in the process. Researchers estimate that 13% of all new cancers worldwide are due to infections. Vi- ruses like human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C, HIV, along with several others can increase cancer risk through cellular trans- formation, disruption of cell cycle control, increased cell turnover rates, and immune suppression— all of whichmake discussions of screenings and appropriate vaccinations ever more crucial. United front Cancer certainly is the focus of the on- cology community. But cancer prevention works best as a collective effort that involves every healthcare professional, regardless of specialty. We all have a part to play in reducing cancer risk and improving patient outcomes. We often tell patients that lifestyle chang- es begin with small steps and attainable goals. The same can be said for medical professionals with a unified effort of can- cer prevention through holistic treatment. Small but consistent interventions have been shown to save lives and inspire pa- tients to take control of their health before illness occurs. The medical community’s strength lies in collaboration. Together, we can create a healthier future. n BurkeJ.Brooks,MD, is amedical oncology specialist at Ochsner Cancer Center –Baton Rouge.He earned a medical degree from LSU School of Medicine and completed both a residency at Charity Hospital in NewOrleans and a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.Board-certified in internal medicine and on- cology,Brooks joined Ochsner in 1987,specializing in lung cancer,breast cancer,and cancer genetics.His leadership positions at Ochsner Health have included chief of medicine,chief of medical subspecialties,and research committee chairman. Tried and true While molecular medicine lies on the leading edge of healthcare, let’s not ignore the tried-and-true tools of cancer preven- tion, namely lifestyle changes. Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of cancer worldwide. This is not an is- sue limited to pulmonologists or respiratory specialists. Research shows a simple con- versation about the health risks of tobacco, paired with cessation resources or referrals, significantly increases the likelihood that a patient will quit. Pharmacists have a unique opportunity to recommend nicotine replacement therapies and medications like varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban). Mental health profes- sionals can screen for nicotine dependence while addressing underlying psychologi- cal triggers that drive this habit. Creat- ing touchpoints during routine check-ups, dental cleanings, or even emergency visits to screen for smoking behavior and offer resources can have a measurable impact. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for several types of cancers, including breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers. With more than 42% of American adults classified as obese — and Louisiana residents among the highest rates in the country — weight management initiatives must extend beyond specialties like endocrinology or bariatrics. Primary care physicians play an instru- mental role in identifying patients at risk and initiating conversations about sustainable weight loss strategies. Through tools such as BMI calculators and waist circumference measurements, providers can assess risks