Cancer.

The word carries heavy meaning on its six letters. It is truly life- changing for anyone diagnosed with it.

The National Cancer Institute lists some common ways to prevent getting cancer, but it is one of those things we think happens to other people . . . not us.

The truth is it can strike anyone at any time, so one of the most successful ways to beat cancer is early detection.

Ladies — although it is a pain, get the regular mammogram and Pap smear.

Men — don’t be afraid of the word, “exam.”

These tests are meant to save those in the long run.

Nearly everyone knows someone effected by cancer. It is a scary road to go down and no one wants to walk it alone.

So if a loved one gets the news, be there for them. Just listen to their concerns and fears without judgment, and in some cases, input.

If your family history has a line of cancer running through it, take extra precaution and drag your siblings, kicking and screaming if necessary, to the doctor.

The only thing that is guaranteed to not cure cancer is ignoring the problem.

A problem like cancer does not just go away. It only gets bigger over time.