Research has shown that up to two-thirds of cancer deaths are caused by smoking, physical inactivity and poor diet choices. You can significantly reduce your risk for cancer by :
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Improving your diet | |
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Increasing your physical activity | |
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Quitting smoking | |
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Getting recommended screenings | |
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Don’t use tobacco. | |
Tobacco use is by far the worst thing you can do for your health. It is deadly and causes cancers of the lung, throat, mouth and esophagus, in addition to causing heart disease, emphysema and many other smoking related health problems. More than 80 percent of all lung cancer is related to smoking. Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for lung cancer and other respiratory problems. Educating kids and teens about the dangers of smoking is the most effective way to decrease the number of future adults who will suffer from tobacco-related diseases, such as lung cancer. |
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Protect your skin from the sun. | |
Skin cancer is common–and preventable–cancer in India, affecting more than one million people each year. When detected early, skin cancer can be successfully treated. Always wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more. Even on hazy days, no matter what your skin color. Overexposure to the sun is the cause of most skin cancers, including the most deadly type, melanoma. Be certain to protect your children’s skin as well as your own. Most damage occurs in childhood and adolescence when skin cells within all layers are still developing. |
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Practice safer sex. | |
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Cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women with HPV – a sexually transmitted virus – are at an increased risk of getting cervical cancer. When they become sexually active, women should begin regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to detect pre-cancerous or abnormal changes in the cervix. Always use barrier method of contraception, such as a condom. While condoms can't protect against HPV, they can protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. |
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Limit alcohol consumption. | |
Alcohol alone may play a role in 3 percent of cancer deaths. Alcohol and tobacco together can be a deadly combination. If you drink, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks a day. |
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Eat a variety of healthy foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. | |
There is an increasing amount of evidence linking diet to cancer. Some research suggests that one-third of all cancers diagnosed every year may be related to what we eat. Reduce dietary fat intake, especially animal fat, and make your diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains. |
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Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. | |
Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, increase energy, control your weight and reduce your risk for cancer. Even moderate exercise at least three days a week can make a big difference in your health and well-being. Inactivity and obesity have been linked to breast, colorectal, cervical, endometrial, uterine, gallbladder, prostate and pancreatic cancers. |
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Follow cancer-screening guidelines. There are many tests that can help detect cancer early when it's easy to treat and that can detect abnormalities before they become cancer. Ask your health care professional which screening tests you should have and when. Be sure to show them your family history. Find out if you are at higher risk from some cancers because of your family history or your lifestyle. Talk with your health care professional about earlier or more frequent screening, or if there are other steps you can take to protect yourself. |
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Cancer prevention includes being immunized for certain types of cancer. Ask your health care professional about such vaccines. Remember, be your own advocate. These steps are more than a call to action — they're the keys to leading a longer, healthier life. Learn these easy steps and share these messages with family and friends — it's never too late to make simple lifestyle changes that can save your life. |
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