Cancer Studies > Cancer Basic > Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention is easier than you think. With a few simple changes in lifestyle, you can drastically reduce your risk of many cancers. Many factors play a role in the development of cancer, but the good news is that most can be avoided.
1. Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke
Smoking is the major risk factor for cancer that we can reduce. It is responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to stop smoking or never start. Once you quit, and it is never too late, your body reaps the benefits of tobacco-free.
Avoiding passive smoking is also a way to prevent cancer. Passive smoking is the smoke exhaled by a smoker or a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe. This smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens. These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development. This interference is what ignites the development of cancer.
2. Practice sun safety and recognize when skin changes occur
Did you know that more than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in men and women, and it accounts for about half of all cancer diagnoses. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
The first step in preventing skin cancer is to prevent exposure to UV radiation. We can do this by wearing sunscreen, avoiding midday sun; wear protective clothing when outdoors, and staying away from tanning beds. Here are some tips to help you get started:
3. Eat your fruits and vegetables
A balanced diet is a benefit for many reasons. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of cancer and many other conditions.
Fruit and vegetables contain anti-oxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits like blueberries and grapes are also anti-cancer properties.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower seem to pack a powerful punch in the prevention of cancer, according to numerous studies. Other cruciferous vegetables are bok choy, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
4. Limit Red Meat and animal fats
Numerous studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for various cancers, especially bowel cancer. Red meat contains more fat than poultry and fish, thus reducing the amount of red meat in your diet can help prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.
5. Limit your alcohol consumption
Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.
6. Exercise for Cancer
Did you know that when you exercise, you reduce your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 minutes or, at least 5 days per week for cancer prevention. Exercise does not mean the gym to lift weights. There are many ways to practice in your day.
7. Know your personal and family history
Knowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancer, including breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types may be hereditary.
If you know that a certain form of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together you can determine an appropriate screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic testing and counseling is available and can be recommended based on medical history of your family.
8. Know what you are exposed to in your work environment
Chemicals in the workplace can increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you’re exposed to smoke, dust, chemicals, etc. in the workplace, you have a legal right to know what you are exposed. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogenic and can be found in some work environments. Talk to your employer about limiting exposure.
9. Practice Safe Sex
You may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. Unsafe sex can lead to infection of human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. A vaccine, Gardasil, to prevent HPV was approved by the FDA in 2006 and protects against four strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer and other species. HIV / AIDS is also associated with some forms of cancer.
10. Get Screened for Cancer regularly
Cancer screening tests can not only be helpful in detecting cancer, but also help prevent. Screening tests such as colonoscopy and Pap smear can detect abnormal cell changes before cancer again. The key to their effectiveness, however, is that they regularly made.
Other cancer screening tests are available and may be useful for early detection, but not necessarily cancer. Prostate cancer screening using digital rectal exams and PSA tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Mammograms and other imaging tools are also recommended to detect breast cancer in women.
Related posts:
- Causes and Risk Factors for Cancer
- HPV Symptoms
- Gastric Cancer Symptoms
- Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
- Early Detection of Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer Symptoms
- What Causes Skin Cancer?
- Breast Cancer Facts
- What Is Cancer Term?
- Cancer Types
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