7 Things You Can Do Right Now to Prevent Cancer

on February 4, 2012 at 8:00 AM

Cancer Saturday, if you didn't know, is World Cancer Day, a day health care organizations pull together to raise international awareness about cancer and help fight the disease. This year's event will focus primarily on preventing cancer deaths through better lifestyle and diet choices.

You don't need to wave a flag at a parade to celebrate World Cancer Day. Here are a few things you can do right now to help lower your risk for cancer:

1. Stop smoking: Tobacco use ups your risk not only for lung cancer, but also other types of cancer as well. If you or someone you know smokes, it's not too late to stop to benefit your health.

2. Snack healthily: Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and other properties that can reduce your risk of cancer. And they're tasty and good for you in other ways, too!

3.    Stay out of the sun: Prevent skin cancer by avoiding the sun's UV rays. Wear protective clothing, avoid the midday sun, slather on the sunscreen, and swear off tanning beds. Pale skin can be beautiful.

4.    Get some exercise: The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise or 75 minutes of vigorously intense exercise each week.

5.    Cut down on red meat: A diet high in animal fat can heighten your risk for some kinds of cancer, including colon cancer, so skip the steak and order the swordfish instead. Yum.

6.    Don't go crazy on the cocktails: Studies have shown that women who drink alcoholic beverages every day have a higher risk for developing some kinds of cancer.

7.    Pay attention to warning signs: That spot on your skin that looks funny? That weird lump? Don't go into denial mode. Get it checked out by a doctor right away. Early detection and prompt treatment could save your life.

Comments (18)

Nonmember comment from MamaL

on Feb 4, 2012 at 10:52 AM

Breastfeed! Breastfeeding reduces your risk of multiple forms of cancers including breast cancer (for both mother AND child) and Leukemia.

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Nonmember comment from Karla

on Feb 4, 2012 at 11:20 AM

Breastfeeding! Duh!! And no pale skin can be gross. You don't have to stay away from the sun. sunscreen has its own risks too. People need vitamin D you know? Just avoid long term exposure to sun.

xredstarsx

on Feb 4, 2012 at 12:03 PM

Thank you previous posters. That's exactly what I was thinking. Breastfeeding is the best!

Nonmember comment from Jane

on Feb 4, 2012 at 1:39 PM

Eat less animal product in general, stop wearing makeup, READ INGREDIENTS, cut out msg, eat organic, eat raw...

Also vitamin D is essential to bone and mental health. I wear (organic, carcenogen free) sunscreen when it's cloudy or i'm planning to be in the sun all day.

lisdautomne

on Feb 4, 2012 at 1:47 PM

If you're going to stay out of the sun, take Vitamin D supplements. Otherwise, you'll be at risk for bone problems later one. Especially if you're a woman. And pregnant women can pass on D deficiencies to their babies who can end up with brittle bones.

Disney17

on Feb 4, 2012 at 2:43 PM

Everything gives you cancer. I'll take basic precautions, but I won't live in fear.

mummajenni

on Feb 4, 2012 at 4:37 PM

I'm sure these things help. They are all fairly obvious keys to health.

The last 4 people I know who died of cancer were healthy eaters, non-smokers, regular exercisers, and either non- or extremely moderate drinkers. Their cancers were tied to environmental exposures--pesticides primarily. Legally used lethal junk that kills people, even young people, is all around us.

melindathompson

on Feb 4, 2012 at 8:52 PM

This was short and sweet--really helpfu. Most of it we all know, but it was a timely reminder. I love a list!

GlowWorm889

on Feb 4, 2012 at 9:14 PM

I'm with Disney17. If you listen to the latest research, everything causes cancer. I'm going to live my life and not worry about it. Even with every precaution, you can still get cancer. That's just the way it is. I'm not going to deny myself the pleasures of life (but not in excess) because I'm paranoid about elusive and ever-changing "cancer causers." Except smoking. That one I'll avoid like the plague just because it's disgusting. That and I'm sure my asthma would not appreciate it.

SicTransitGlori

on Feb 5, 2012 at 12:15 AM

These are things that can may prevent cancer. We don't know the causes (we have some good ideas, but not enough to scientifically prove a causal relationship). Just sayin'... :)