How to Prevent Leukemia Cancer

Leukemia is a cancer that first infects a patient's bone marrow, the soft tissues nestled inside the bone's center. Once infected, these cancerous cells then invade the blood, which can carry the infection to other parts of the body. There are no known 100 percent reliable ways to prevent leukemia, but healthy lifestyle choices and an understanding of key risk factors can go along way to ensure that you stay cancer-free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection

Understand the Key Risk Factors for Leukemia

1. Educate yourself about the potential triggers for leukemia. It is suspected that certain environmental factors can cause the formation of leukemia, including exposure to herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals.
2. Study your family's medical history. If you have any primary relatives (parents, siblings or children) that have suffered from leukemia, your chances of contracting the illness are also increased.
3. Pay attention to any sudden or dramatic changes in your health, including weight loss or gain. If you're concerned about any current symptoms, ask your doctor for a diagnosis.

Help Prevent Leukemia Through Positive Lifestyle Choices

4. Accept that there are no known preventable measures you can take against leukemia, but don't let this discourage you from living a healthy, well-balanced life.
5. Exercise regularly, as studies show that active people are far less likely to develop cancer.
6. Avoid regular exposure to herbicides and insecticides.
7. Talk to your doctor about your specific health condition and seek his or her advice on whether or not you are at a higher risk for contracting leukemia.

Tips & Warnings

• If you ever receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's advisable that you exercise your right to a second opinion. Confirmation of serious ailments by a specialist is critical to determining the next course of action.
• Talk to your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions that may put you at a higher risk of contracting leukemia. These usually involve disorders of the blood.
• Leukemia is rarely diagnosed in the very early stages. It is therefore critical that you alert your doctor to any abnormal symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, dizziness, severe pain or fainting spells.
• Dealing with health issues of any kind is a challenging process. Consider seeking the advice of a counselor or psychologist if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the stresses involved.

Who Can Help: