Useful Cancer prevention tips to reduce your risk

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Are you concerned about cancer prevention? Take charge by making changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings.

  1. Don’t use tobacco

Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer.

  1. Eat a healthy diet
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
  • Limit processed meats
  1. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active

Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney.

Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.

  1. Protect yourself from the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

  • Avoid midday sun.
  • Stay in the shade.
  • Cover exposed areas.
  • Don’t skimp on sunscreen.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
  1. Get vaccinated

Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against:

  • Hepatitis B.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV).
  1. Avoid risky behaviors
  • Practice safe sex
  • Don’t share needles.
  1. Get regular medical care

Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.