Cancer Prevention

Reduce the risk of certain cancers may be through changes in diet and other lifestyle. How risk can be reduces depending on the specifics of cancer. Tobacco use is directly linked to one third of all cancers. Not smoking and avoiding contact with tobacco smoke can greatly reduce the risk of lung cancer, kidney, bladder, and head and neck. Avoiding the use of smokeless tobacco (sniffing, chewing) to reduce the risk of cancer of the mouth and tongue.

Other lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of some cancers. Reducing alcohol intake may reduce the risk of head and neck cancer, liver, and esophagus. Reduce intake of fat in the diet appears to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer. Avoiding sun exposure (especially during the day) can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Protect exposed skin and use protective sun lotion with high sun protection factor (SPF) against UV rays also help the risk of skin cancer. Using aspirin and drugs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces colorectal cancer risk. Test Papanicolaou (PAP) can help prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous changes in cervical cells.

Vaccination can prevent certain types of cancer that is caused by a virus. Cervical cancer is caused by infection with certain of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Vaccination against HPV before any sexual relationship can be really prevent cervical cancer. HPV infection can also increase the risk of anal cancer and some forms of head and neck cancer, vaccination against hepatitis B virus may help prevent this type of cancer.

Early detection of cancer or precancerous growth can save lives. For women aged 40 years or more, doing annual mammograms can help detect breast cancer when they still can be treated. For people aged 50 years or more, to undergo colonoscopy (inspection of the colon through a flexible tube) to see every few years can be detect polyps and early cancer of the intestine.

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