The National Cancer Institute defines cancer prevention as action taken to lower the chances of getting cancer. While prevention of any type of cancer cannot be guaranteed, steps can be taken to reduce a person's risk factors for developing cancer. These include controllable factors, such as lifestyle choices. The Mayo Clinic adds that often, this subject results in conflicting reports--what one person suggests, another is against. In the end, it may just be a matter of making small changes to everyday life.
Step 1
Quit using tobacco. Tobacco comes in many forms--cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff and chew. The Mayo Clinic says a variety of cancers stem from tobacco use and these include, but are not limited to, cancers of the lung, throat, esophagus, mouth, cervix, kidney and bladder. To prevent this, begin a smoking cessation program. Many products are available over-the-counter, as well as prescription medications that a doctor may give to patients who are willing.
Step 2
Consume more foods from plant-based sources. Consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day reduces the risk of lung, stomach, larynx and esophageal cancer, according to Dr. Ben Kim. This is due to the antioxidants found in these foods. Kim adds that the most powerful cancer-fighting vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens and cauliflower.
Step 3
Reduce alcohol consumption. The Mayo Clinic explains that the risk of mouth, esophagus, liver, throat, kidney and breast cancer increases depending on the amount of alcohol you consume. This risk increases with the length of time you have been drinking regularly and how much you drink. The Mayo Clinic adds that to prevent these cancers, men should have no more than two drinks per day, while women should have no more than one.
Step 4
Maintain a healthy weight. Both the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Kim agree that maintaining a healthy weight plays a role in cancer prevention. Those who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing cancer of the breast, esophagus, kidneys, uterus, colon and stomach. For those who need to lose weight, making small changes, such as swapping fruits for potato chips as a snack, can help a person lose weight gradually. Those who simply need to maintain their current weight can do so by continuing to eat healthy and monitoring their weight on a weekly basis.
Step 5
Use protection against sunlight. One of the most common yet most preventable cancers is skin cancer, and the most common cause is exposure to the sun. Therefore, to prevent skin cancer, try to minimize time spent outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.--this is when the radiation from the sun's ultraviolet rays is strongest. When outside during these or any other times of the day, cover any exposed areas with sunscreen. The Mayo Clinic suggests the sunscreen's SPF be a minimum of 15. Finally, avoid tanning beds or booths, as the ultraviolet rays they emit are as damaging to the skin as those from the sun.
