Cancer Risk Reduction Tips

While there is no absolute way to prevent cancer, you can be proactive in reducing certain risk factors. It is much easier to treat a cancer while it is still small and has not spread far, so visit your doctor regularly.

General Risk Reduction Advice

Exercising regularly and eating well is good for your entire body, helping to control conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as providing a source of natural stress relief. In addition to a healthier body, caring for your health may help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Caring for yourself and being familiar with your body will help you notice unusual lumps or changes that your doctor may need to look at. Report any unusual changes in your health to your doctor, and get screened regularly.

Risk Factors for Brain Cancers

For most cancers, risk factors generally lead to damage to the genes, such as carcinogens and certain chemicals. The brain is well protected from many of these common risk factors.

At this time, it is not known what causes brain tumors except for exposure to radiation. There is currently no known way to protect against brain tumors.

Reducing Risks for Breast Cancer

• Limit exposure to carcinogens – that is, substances known to cause cancer
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Perform regular self-exams

Reducing Risks for Gynecologic Cancers

• Have the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against types of HPV that cause gynecologic cancers
• Be screened for cervical cancer once per year with a Pap test and/or HPV test
• Be aware of warning signs of gynecologic cancers, and visit your doctors if you notice symptoms. The CDC features this Gynecologic Cancers Symptoms chart for easy reference.

Reducing Risks for Lung Cancer

• Stop smoking
• If you don’t smoke, then don’t start
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Have your home tested for Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas

Reducing Risks for Prostate Cancer

• Limit exposure to carcinogens – that is, substances known to cause cancer
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Have regular checkups to catch potential problems early

Reducing Risks for Skin Cancer

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Using sunscreen that features both UVA and UVB protection
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long amounts of time
• Avoid tanning beds
• Stay in the shade when possible
• Wear a hat with a brim that protects the neck, face, and ears
• Wear sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays