7 Steps to Help Prevent Cancer
 
  1. Don't smoke or chew tobacco and avoid second-hand smoke
    Smoking has been linked to cancer of the bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidney, lung, mouth, pancreas, throat and voice box

  2. Eat healthy and drink alcohol in moderation
    The American Cancer Society recommends that you eat an abundance of foods from plant-based resources, including five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Also include whole grains and beans in your diet. Limit high fat foods and drink alcohol in moderation. A diet high in fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of cancers of the colon, esophagus, lung and stomach. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, kidney, liver and breast.

  3. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
    Regular activity can help you avoid obesity by controlling your weight, and may also lower your risk of cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and uterus.

  4. Protect your skin from sun exposure
    Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Nearly all skin cancer is treatable if you detect it early, but it's better to prevent it in the first place. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. If you do go outside, stay in the shade, cover exposed hours wearing light-colored, loose fitting clothing. Be sure to put on sunscreen with a SPF factor of at least 15. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps that can damage your skin.

  5. Get immunized
    Certain cancers have been linked to viral infections that can be prevented with immunizations. Talk to your primary care provider about the Hepatitis B and Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver cancer and HPV is a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

  6. Avoid unsafe behaviors
    Reduce your risk of certain cancers by avoiding behaviors that can lead to infections and increase your risk of cancer. Viruses transmitted sexually or by sharing contaminated needles include HPV, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

  7. Take advantage of cancer screenings
    Regular screening and self-examination for specific cancers may not prevent them, but it can increase your chances of discovering cancer early — when treatment can be more successful. Screening should include your skin, mouth, colon and rectum. Men should also have prostate and testes screenings and women should include cervix and breast cancer screening on their list.