8 These six tips may help prevent the disease Cancer is a leading cause of death in the U.S. So many of us dread hearing the words “you have cancer.” There are many risk factors for cancer. Some of them we can’t control, such as our age or our family history of the disease. But at the same time, we have the power to help lower our risk of developing many types of cancer. Below are six steps we can take to help prevent cancer. These steps do not guarantee we won’t get cancer. But they can help keep the disease at bay. And that makes trying them worthwhile. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute 6. Get any needed vaccines. Some cancers — such as those of the cervix, penis, vagina, anus, and oropharynx — are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause these cancers. There is also a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B, which can lead to liver disease or cancer. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you need one or both of these vaccines. 5. Protect your skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds can damage the skin and trigger cancer. You can lower your risk by seeking shade from the sun; avoiding tanning beds; applying sunscreen; and wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. 4. Know the risks of alcohol. Drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. 3. Steer clear of tobacco — whether you smoke or not. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Cigarettes cause most cases. Smoking also causes a long list of other cancers. This includes cancers of the mouth and throat, stomach, colon, liver, bladder, and pancreas. Also, adults exposed to secondhand smoke are 20% to 30% more likely to develop lung cancer. 2. Keep moving. Exercise is key to achieving a healthy weight. It can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of intense exercise each week. 1. Maintain a healthy weight. Controlling your weight may decrease the risk of certain cancers like: • Breast cancer in postmenopausal women • Endometrial (uterine) cancer • Kidney, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers One of the main ways being overweight increases cancer risk is that excess weight causes the body to make and circulate estrogen and insulin. These are hormones that can stimulate cancer cells. Take charge of your cancer risk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTI0MzU=