How to Reduce The Risk of Cancer in 7 Steps

Cancer prevention can be a confusing issue at times, what is highly recommended in one report is strongly discouraged in another. What everyone can agree on is that changing your lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing cancer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The Will to change

1. 

   No tobacco! We have all heard that smoking can increase your risk of lung cancer but chewing tobacco and snuff have been linked throat, kidney, pancreatic and many other types of cancer.
   
   Bottom line, choosing not to use any tobacco products is one of the most important parts of reducing your risk of cancer.

2. 

   Get active. Being obese or overweight can increase your risk for breast cancer, stomach cancer and/or colon cancer. By getting physically active you will be able to control your weight and reduce your risk for many different cancers.
   
   An exercise program can include anything from a brisk walk to raking the yard. Talk to your doctor about developing an appropriate exercise program for you.

3. 

   Make healthy meal choices. Eating plenty of plant based foods, limiting fat and drinking alcohol in moderation have all been linked to reducing many different types of cancers.
   
   Choosing healthier foods can also help with maintaining your weight or even help you lose weight.

4. 

   Limit your exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, but it is also one of the most common.
   
   Try to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Also avoid tanning beds and tanning lights, they will damage your skin.

5. 

   Stay up to date with your immunizations. Many types of cancers have been associated with viral infection and can be prevented with immunization.

6. Reduce or avoid risky behaviors. Risky behaviors can lead to infections such as Hepatitis B and C and contracting of viruses such as HPV and HIV that may increase the risk of many different cancers.

7. 

   Have regular check ups and cancer screenings. Regular screens may not be able to prevent cancer, but it can increase the chance of detecting cancer early, which can lead to successful treatment.

[starlet67]

on 6/21/2009 Helpful tips for reducing Cancer!

[janni]

on 6/21/2009 Hi my dear friend, thanks for such very important info on this illness.

[athome]

on 6/11/2009 I do think diet has a lot to do with cancer risks. 5*

[shasha10]

on 6/4/2009 Excellent article on reducing ones risk of getting cancer. Appreciate your research.

[betterbody]

on 6/4/2009 5 *s for the reminders on reducing the risk of cancer.