The Best Ways to Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a disease that affects many people. Many cancer-causing agents have been
identified by researchers. Most forms of cancer can be prevented by making some basic lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating healthy, avoiding sun exposure and refraining from tobacco use. Smoking is a bad habit.

Avoid Tobacco
1. Tobacco, in the forms of cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff, is the most common cause of cancer deaths in developing countries (30 percent), according to the Mayo Clinic's website (see References below). Second-hand smoke also can increase your risk of lung cancer, so avoid exposure.




Stay Active
2. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of certain types of cancer, experts at the Mayo Clinic warn (see References below). Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk of certain cancers.

Eating Healthy
3. Although the foods you eat won't prevent you from getting cancer, eating healthy has been proven to drastically decrease the risk. Limit your fat intake since high-fat, high-calorie diets tend to lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of cancer. Instead, fill your diet with fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day). These will help you lose and maintain your weight. If you do decide to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Beware of the Sun
4. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and exposure to the sun is the primary cause. However, it's also one of the most preventable types of cancer. The Mayo Clinic (see References) suggests that you avoid going outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., peak hours for radiation exposure. When you do go outside, stay in the shade, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 15), and wear clothing and hats to protect your arms, legs, face and ears. Don't use indoor tanning beds or sun lamps.

Immunize and Avoid High-Risk Behaviors
5. There are some viral infections linked with cancers that can be easily prevented by immunizing. The World Health Organization (see References) warns that certain infections are passed on through risky behavior (mainly sexually or through sharing contaminated needles), which will increase chances of cancer. This includes Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, and Human Papillomavirus (or HPV).

Regular Screening and Self-Examination

6. Experts at the Mayo Clinic (see References) say that, while doing this won't prevent cancer, it will increase the likelihood of cancer being detected early on, which will increase the chances of successful treatment. Be aware of changes to your body, and see your doctor if you notice any.

By Sarah Jackson
eHow Contributing Writer
More information please visit: ehow.com

How to prevent breast cancer?

Dr. Ben Kim on September 15, 2006 in Women's Health wrote about how to prevent breast cancer. He found that food and lifestyle choices are very important to prevent breast cancer. One of the keys to treating and preventing breast cancer naturally is to avoid estrogen dominance and reducing stress.

 It’s essential to consistently make healthy food choices that ensure regular intake of natural vitamin, minerals, and antioxidants. Although there are no guarantees, you can take some steps to help prevent breast cancer:

* Please do not smoke because smoking is a really bad habit for you and gives a bad impact to other people surround you? Smoking is very dangerous.

* Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible.Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Manage your weight wisely.
* Exercise regularly such as jogging and other low impact sports. Exercise and sport is a great way as an investment for you in the future.
* Limit your use of alcohol. If you do drink, you may be able to decrease your risk of breast cancer by taking a folate supplement. Stop drinks any alcohol products it’s much better to prevent yourself from breast cancer and other bad effect to your daily life.
* Follow a healthy diet low in fat and high in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, strawberry juice, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower).
* Have your doctor examine your breasts every three years if you are under age 40 and every year if you are over 40.
* Have regular mammograms. Mammograms can detect breast cancer two to five years before a tumor becomes large enough to be felt as a lump. Women who believe they may be at especially high risk of hereditary breast cancer should consult with a genetic counselor before testing.

*   Consider taking the aromatize inhibitor exemestane.  The results of a study released earlier this year showed that the drug exemestane reduced the risk of breast cancer by 65 percent in high-risk, postmenopausal women. Talk to your doctor about whether this may benefit you.

* Holiday to the place that can reduce stress.

Remember to call your doctor immediately if you find a lump or abnormal thickening in your breast. Call your doctor if you notice a nipple is inverted, discharge from a nipple, a swelling in your breast or a change in breast contour, or redness or dimpling of breast skin.
Your life style and food choices are very important to prevent breast cancer and other healthy problem in the future. Don’t worry. Have a good life.