There are a number of things that contribute to a person’s likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer, including genes, lifestyle and the type of environment you surround yourself with. However, there are ways that you can control some of these factors to help prevent getting cancer.
Avoid tobacco products. Smoking is the cause for approximately 30% of all cancer death in the United States. The use of tobacco is strongly linked to an increased risk for many kinds of cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause for the following types of cancer:
- Oral cavity cancer
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Acute myelogenous leukemia
Get vaccinated. There are certain viruses that can increase a person’s chances of developing cancer. Getting a vaccine to prevent these diseases, like Hepatitis B, can help in avoiding cancer, as Hepatitis B can lead to the development of liver cancer.
Protect yourself from radiation. There are two types of radiation that can increase your chances of getting cancer. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can cause skin cancer. Ionizing radiation from medical procedures, such as x-rays and CT scans, and from radon gas that may be found in your home, can also cause various types of cancer. The risk of cancer after being exposed to radiation is significantly higher for younger people and for women, in general.
Exercise and maintain a healthy diet. As with any illness, and for good health in general, it is important to eat properly and exercise on a regular basis. Make an effort to fill your diet with fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of starchy foods. It is ideal to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily if possible. Keeping your body and muscles active will help boost your immune system and prevent illnesses of any kind.
Limit your alcohol intake. An often consumption of alcohol, especially in large amounts, can harm many of your organs and damage your health. More importantly than that, drinking alcohol has been linked to the following types of cancer:
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Oral cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer