Preventing Cancer

Know the warning signs of cancer  Change in bowel or bladder habits  A sore that does not heal  Unusual bleeding or discharge  Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere  Indigestion or difficulty swallowing  Obvious change in a wart or mole  Nagging cough or hoarseness

Choose to be tobacco-free  Smoking can be controlled.  Breast cancer is more common in females who smoked as teens.  Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of mouth, gum and throat cancer.

Protect yourself from the sun and avoid tanning booths and lamps.  Malignant melanoma – often fatal form of skin cancer  Sun is most powerful between 10 am and 3 pm  Wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater.  Don’t use tanning booths  Check your skin regularly

Maintain your desirable weight  Overweight people are at a high risk for developing cancer.  Exercise regularly

Eat at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day  Fruits and veggies help to reduce the risk of cancer  They contain antioxidants –substances that protect cells

Eat more high fiber foods.  Foods rich in fiber help protect against colon cancer  Increase your intake of cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts

Reduce your intake of foods containing Nitrates.  Cut down on ham, bacon, bologna and hot dogs.  Nitrates are preservatives that increase cancer risk.

Reduce your intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.  High fat diets are linked to breast, colon and Prostate cancers.

Avoid Alcoholic Beverages  Alcohol increases the risk of mouth, esophagus, larynx and liver cancers.  Chances of cancer are multiplied when combined with smoking cigarettes or marijuana.

Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and airborne fibers.  Wear rubber gloves and a mask when exposed to chemicals like insect sprays or pool sanitizers.  Wear protective clothing if you are exposed to airborne fibers like asbestos.

Avoid air pollutants  Stay away from car exhaust  Have your home tested for radon.