If you’re concerned about cancer prevention,
take comfort in the fact that some simple
lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Consider these seven cancer prevention tips.
1. Don’t use tobacco
Using any type of tobacco puts you on a
collision course with cancer. Smoking has
been linked to various types of cancer —
including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix
and kidney. And chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and
pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco,
exposure to secondhand smoke might
increase your risk of lung cancer.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Although making healthy selections at the
grocery store and at mealtime can’t guarantee
cancer prevention, it might help reduce your
risk. Consider these guidelines: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your
diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from
plant sources — such as whole grains and
beans. Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing
fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from
animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be
higher in calories and might increase the risk
of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn,
increase cancer risk. Avoid alcohol.
3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically
active
Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the
risk of various types of cancer, including
cancer of the chest, prostate, lung, colon and
kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to
helping you control your weight, physical
activity on its own might lower the risk of
chest cancer and colon cancer.
4. Protect yourself from the sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds
of cancer — and one of the most preventable.
Try these tips: Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s
rays are strongest. Stay in the shade. When you’re outdoors, stay
in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses
and a broad-rimmed hat help, too. Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven,
loosefitting clothing that covers as much of
your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark
colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation
than pastels or bleached cotton. Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Use generous
amounts of sunscreen when you’re outdoors,
and reapply often.
5. Get immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from
certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor
about immunization against: Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of
developing liver cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually
transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and
other private part cancers as well as squamous
cell cancers of the head and neck.
6. Avoid risky behaviors
Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to
avoid risky behaviors that can lead to
infections that, in turn, might increase the risk
of cancer. For example: Practice safe s*x. The more s*xual partners
you have in your lifetime, the more likely you
are to contract a sexually transmitted infection
— such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or
AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus,
liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase
the risk of cancer of the anus, man-hood,
throat, vulva and v**ina. Don’t share needles. Sharing needles with an
infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as
hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can
increase the risk of liver cancer. If you’re
concerned about drug abuse or addiction,
seek professional help.
7. Get regular medical care
Regular self-exams and screenings for various
types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin,
colon, prostate, cervix and chest — can
increase your chances of discovering cancer
early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best
cancer screening schedule for you. Take cancer prevention into your own hands,
starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.
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