Healthy cells in the body grow, divide and die. As a person enters adulthood, the reason for cell division is to replace worn-out cells or dying cells needed to help repair bodily injury. The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that while different cancers exist, their causes are all the same--out-of-control growth of abnormal cells. While you may not have the ability to completely prevent cancer, the Mayo Clinic states that you can take steps to help reduce your risks.
Do Not Smoke
The Southwest Medical Center and Mayo Clinic both agree that smoking--whether it is in the form of cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco--is one of the greatest risk factors of multiple cancers. These include lung and throat cancer, cancer of the pancreas, cervical and pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer and cancers of both the colon and rectum (known also as colorectal cancer).
If you already smoke, speak to your doctor about various medications and therapies to help you quit. Parents who smoke should take care to protect their children by not smoking in the home or car. Non-smokers should do their best to avoid secondhand smoke.
Watch Your Weight and Exercise
Being overweight increases your risk of developing colorectal, uterine and breast cancer, according to the Southwest Washington Medical Center. If you are at a healthy weight, do what is necessary to maintain that weight. This includes eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and being as active as possible.
Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your life every day helps reduce your risk of colon cancer and may reduce your risk of breast cancer. The key to sticking with an exercise plan is doing what you enjoy--walking, swimming, jogging or biking.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Changing your eating habits doesn't guarantee you won't get cancer, but it does help reduce the risk, explains the Mayo Clinic. For instance, swapping high-calorie foods with fruits and veggies helps you lose or maintain a healthy weight. In addition, a diet high in both fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of colon, stomach, esophageal and lung cancer.
The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your fat intake as well. The more high-fat foods you consume, the greater your risk for obesity, a risk factor for certain cancers. Choose lean red meats and eat fish or white meat poultry as often as possible.
Watch Those Rays
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also one of the most preventable. While treatable when a doctor detects it early, preventing skin cancer is the goal. This can be done by avoiding peak radiation hours, which are between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outside during these times, stay in the shade or cover any exposed areas of your body. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and finally, avoid tanning booths and beds, which expose you to dangerous UV rays that can damage your skin as much as the sun can.
Go For Exams
Screening tests, such as colorectal exams and mammograms, can save your life. These exams are the key to early detection and treatment of colorectal and breast cancer, just as pap smears are vital in detecting cancer of the cervix. Men should have their prostate and testes examined, and everyone should have a physical at least once a year. The earlier any form of cancer is found, the greater the chances of survival.
