Today, thanks to advances in cancer research, we know more about how the disease develops and what contributes to cancer risk. We now have better weapons for fighting the disease, including more options for diagnosis and treatment, improved therapies and new technologies for early detection.

American attitudes toward cancer prevention are also changing. As a pioneer in cancer prevention research and education, the Prevent Cancer Foundation spearheads campaigns that empower you to take charge of your health by reducing cancer risks.

You can lower your overall cancer risk following three easy steps; Get Smart, Get Fit and Get Checked.

In addition to regular exercise and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, there are other ways that you can protect yourself against cancer, based on your age, gender and family history of the disease. In an effort to clarify steps you can take on a daily basis to protect against cancer, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has created this guide. It’s never too early—or too late—to make lifestyle changes that may save your life. Consider this Your Prevention Plan! 

Get Smart

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.

Skin cancer is the most common–and preventable–cancer in the United States, 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.

Practice safer sex.   
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. Beginning at age 18 or 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.

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. 

Get Fit

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.   

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. 

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.

Cancer prevention includes being immunized for certain types of cancer. Ask your health care professional about such vaccines.  Remember, be your own advocate.

Article Source:
www.preventcancer.org