Cancer Prevention
A number of risk factors contribute to the formation of cancer. Although there are many risk factors for cancer you cannot control, there are changes you can make to your lifestyle to decrease your risk of cancer. Factors such as genetics cannot be controlled; others, like cigarette smoking, can be. Both your lifestyle and environment may affect your chances of developing certain types of cancer.
All cancers are different, so they have different causes. A factor that may contribute to lung cancer may not contribute to cervical cancer. Knowing the risk factors for different cancer types can give you the power to prevent certain cancers from ever forming.
It can be difficult to determine the cause of cancer. Multiple risk factors work together to contribute to its development. The following are some actions that can help prevent different types of cancer:
- Quit smoking to reduce the chances of getting lung cancer
- Reduce alcohol intake to avoid esophageal cancer
- Eat well-balanced and nutritious meals to inhibit the formation of colon cancer
- Exercise and stay active to reduce the likelihood of developing colon or breast cancer
- Get vaccinated
- A vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV) can help protect from the development of cervical cancer. Practicing safe sex (limiting the number of partners and always using a condom) will also help prevent exposure to HPV
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, a virus that can cause liver cancer
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use sunscreen to prevent melanomas and skin cancer
- Be aware of your environment. Avoid hazardous jobs that expose you to radiation or other carcinogenic substances
While there may be no sure way of preventing a person from getting cancer, following these guidelines—as well as a healthy lifestyle—is a great way to help reduce your risk.
