Cancer Prevention Tips

“At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer” (World Health Organization, 2013). 

Tobacco use is the number one cause of cancer – cancers caused by cigarette smoking could be prevented completely (Holtz, 2008).  Poor diet, lack of exercise, and infectious disease are other controllable factors linked to cancer (Holtz, 2008).

              Prevention Tips

     Quit Smoking!

       Eat a healthy diet – high in fruits and vegetables

     Limit alcohol

      Include at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 
     most days of the week (I say daily)

     Maintain a healthy weight

     Protect skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds

     Get immunized

     Avoid risky behaviors (safe sex, don’t share needles

     Early detection (Mayo Clinic, 2010)

Knowing we can take steps to significantly reduce our risk of many cancers empowers us to act!  Everyone knows it is very difficult to quit smoking, but the benefits of quitting are huge and more than worth the temporary discomfort.  No matter how long you have smoked you will see immediate as well as long term benefits! 

 Reference:

Holtz, C. (2008). Global health care: issues and policies. Boston, MA:

     Jones and Bartlett Publishers

Mayo Clinic. (2010). Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk.

     Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-

     prevention/CA00024/NSECTIONGROUP=2

World Health Organization. (2006). Introduction to cancer control series.

     Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/cancer/modules/Early%20

     Detection%20Module%203pdf