The last several Medical Minutes focused on skin cancers that are often caused by exposure to sun. Since it is neither practical nor healthy to completely avoid sun exposure (remember sun exposure is needed for adequate Vitamin D level) sunscreen is recommended as one method of cancer prevention.
Here are ten other tips to prevent cancer:
- Avoid tobacco products in all forms, including secondhand smoke.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity is linked to reduced risk of colon cancer, breast, and reproductive cancers.
- Eat a healthy diet. A high-fat, low-fiber diet is linked to many types of cancer. Some studies indicate that eating the following foods may help not only reduce the risk of cancer, but also help fight it: fruits and vegetables, green tea, tomatoes, olive oil, grapes, garlic, onions, and fish.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of 13 types of cancer, which make up 40% of all
cancers diagnosed in the US each year. - Avoid excess alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of six types of cancer: mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon cancers.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation. Check your home for radon which increases the risk of lung cancer. Protect your skin when exposed to sunlight.
- Avoid exposure to industrial and environment toxins such as asbestos, benzene, aromatic amines, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
- Avoid infections that contribute to cancer such as hepatitis viruses, HIV, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Quality sleep is important.
- Get enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D may help reduce the risk of prostate and colon cancers, and other malignancies.
Also, don’t forget to participate in recommended cancer screens. The early cancer is found, the more successful the treatment. As always, FAMC is here to help. If you have concerns about your cancer risk, talk to your healthcare professional today.