BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCancer prevention: take charge of your lifestyleLifestyle modification - cancerLike any illness or disease, cancer can occur without warning. Many factors that increase your cancer risk are beyond your control, such as your family history and your genes. Others, such as whether you smoke or get regular cancer screenings, are within your control. CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changing certain habits can give you a powerful tool to help prevent cancer. It all starts with your lifestyle.Quit Smoking and Using TobaccoQuitting smoking has a direct and strong positive effect on your risk for cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage your cells and may cause cancer. Harming your lungs is not the only concern. Smoking and tobacco use cause many types of cancer, such as:Lung Throat Mouth Esophagus Bladder Kidney Pancreatic Certain leukemias Stomach Colon Rectum CervixTobacco leaves and the chemicals added to them are not safe. Smoking tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, or chewing tobacco can all give you cancer.If you smoke, talk with your health care provider today about ways to quit smoking and all tobacco use. Quit smokingThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Protect Yourself from UV RaysThe ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause changes to your skin. The sun's rays (UVA and UVB) damage skin cells. These harmful rays are also found in tanning beds and sunlamps. Sunburns and many years of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.It is unclear whether avoiding the sun or using sunscreen can prevent all skin cancers. Still, you are better off protecting yourself from UV rays:Stay in the shade. Cover up with protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours if you will be swimming, sweating, or outside in direct sun for a long time. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Maintain a Healthy WeightCarrying a lot of extra weight creates changes in your hormones. These changes can trigger cancer growth. Being overweight or having obesity puts you at higher risk for:Breast cancer (after menopause) Breast cancerBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain cancer Colon cancer Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancerEndometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancerPancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Esophageal cancer Esophageal cancerEsophageal cancer is cancer that starts in the esophagus. This is the tube through which food moves from the mouth to the stomach.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancerThyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver cancer Kidney cancer Gallbladder cancer Your risk is higher if your body mass index (BMI) is high enough to be considered obese. You can use an online tool to calculate your BMI at www.cdc.gov/bmi/index.html. You can also measure your waist to see where you stand. In general, a woman with a waist over 35 inches (in) or 89 centimeters (cm) or a man with a waist over 40 in (102 cm) is at increased risk for health problems from obesity.Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods to keep your weight in check. Ask your provider for advice on how to lose weight safely.Get Regular ExerciseExercise is healthy for all, for many reasons. Studies have shown that people who exercise seem to have a lower risk for certain cancers. Exercise can help you keep your weight down. Staying active may help protect you against colon, breast, lung, and endometrial cancers. According to national guidelines, you should exercise for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week for health benefits. That is 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. Doing more is even better for your health.Eat Healthy FoodsGood food choices can build up your immune system and may help protect you from cancer. Take these steps:Eat more plant-based foods like fruits, beans, legumes, and green vegetables Drink water and low-sugar drinks Avoid processed foods from boxes and cans Avoid processed meats like hotdogs, bacon, and deli meats Choose lean proteins such as fish and chicken; limit red meat Eat whole grain cereals, pasta, crackers, and breads Limit high-calorie fattening foods, such as French fries, doughnuts, and fast foods Limit candy, baked goods, and other sweets Consume smaller portions of foods and drinks Prepare most of your own foods at home, rather than buying pre-made or eating out Prepare foods by baking rather than broiling or grilling; avoid heavy sauces and creams Stay informed. The chemicals and added sweeteners in certain foods are being looked at for their possible links to cancer.Limit AlcoholWhen you drink alcohol, your body has to break it down. During this process, a chemical byproduct is left in the body that can damage cells. Too much alcohol may also get in the way of healthy nutrients your body needs.Drinking too much alcohol is linked to the following cancers:Oral cancer Esophageal cancer Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver cancerLimit your alcohol to at most 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Better yet, don't drink alcohol at all.Have Regular Check-upsYour provider can help you assess your risk for cancer and steps you can take. Visit your provider for a checkup. That way you stay on top of what cancer screenings you should have. Screening can help to detect cancer early and improve your chance of recovery. Provider for a checkupEven if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some infections can also cause cancer. Talk with your provider about whether you should have these vaccinations:Human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus increases the risk for cancers of the cervix, penis, vagina, vulvar, anus, and throat. Human papillomavirusAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Va...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver cancer. When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You have questions or concerns about your cancer risk and what you can do You are due for a cancer screening test Open ReferencesReferencesBasen-Engquist K, Brown P, Coletta AM, Savage M, Maresso KC, Hawk E. Lifestyle and cancer prevention. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.Moore SC, Lee IM, Weiderpass E, et al. Association of leisure-time physical activity with risk of 26 types of cancer in 1.44 million adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(6):816-825. PMID: 27183032 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27183032/.National Cancer Institute website. Alcohol and cancer risk. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet. Updated July 14, 2021. Accessed September 12, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Harms of cigarette smoking and health benefits of quitting. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-sheet. Updated December 19, 2017. Accessed September 12, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Obesity and cancer. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed September 12, 2024.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf. Accessed September 12, 2024.AllVideoImagesTogExercise 30 minutes a day - illustration You get the most benefit from exercise if you do it for at least 30 minutes a day for 5 to 6 days a week. But you do not have to do 30 minutes in a row. Recent studies suggest that you get the same benefits if you work out for 10 minutes 3 times a day that you do during a longer session.Exercise 30 minutes a dayillustrationSun protection - illustration Clothing which blocks or screens the harmful rays of the sun (UVA and UVB), in combination with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, are all helpful in preventing damage to the eyes and skin. Any one of these by itself, even the sunscreen, may not be enough to prevent sun damage.Sun protectionillustrationExercise 30 minutes a day - illustration You get the most benefit from exercise if you do it for at least 30 minutes a day for 5 to 6 days a week. But you do not have to do 30 minutes in a row. Recent studies suggest that you get the same benefits if you work out for 10 minutes 3 times a day that you do during a longer session.Exercise 30 minutes a dayillustrationSun protection - illustration Clothing which blocks or screens the harmful rays of the sun (UVA and UVB), in combination with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, are all helpful in preventing damage to the eyes and skin. Any one of these by itself, even the sunscreen, may not be enough to prevent sun damage.Sun protectionillustrationRelated Information Review Date: 9/6/2024 Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Cancer prevention: take charge of your lifestyleLifestyle modification - cancerLike any illness or disease, cancer can occur without warning. Many factors that increase your cancer risk are beyond your control, such as your family history and your genes. Others, such as whether you smoke or get regular cancer screenings, are within your control. CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changing certain habits can give you a powerful tool to help prevent cancer. It all starts with your lifestyle.Quit Smoking and Using TobaccoQuitting smoking has a direct and strong positive effect on your risk for cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage your cells and may cause cancer. Harming your lungs is not the only concern. Smoking and tobacco use cause many types of cancer, such as:Lung Throat Mouth Esophagus Bladder Kidney Pancreatic Certain leukemias Stomach Colon Rectum CervixTobacco leaves and the chemicals added to them are not safe. Smoking tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, or chewing tobacco can all give you cancer.If you smoke, talk with your health care provider today about ways to quit smoking and all tobacco use. Quit smokingThere are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Protect Yourself from UV RaysThe ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause changes to your skin. The sun's rays (UVA and UVB) damage skin cells. These harmful rays are also found in tanning beds and sunlamps. Sunburns and many years of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.It is unclear whether avoiding the sun or using sunscreen can prevent all skin cancers. Still, you are better off protecting yourself from UV rays:Stay in the shade. Cover up with protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours if you will be swimming, sweating, or outside in direct sun for a long time. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Maintain a Healthy WeightCarrying a lot of extra weight creates changes in your hormones. These changes can trigger cancer growth. Being overweight or having obesity puts you at higher risk for:Breast cancer (after menopause) Breast cancerBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain cancer Colon cancer Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancerEndometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancerPancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Esophageal cancer Esophageal cancerEsophageal cancer is cancer that starts in the esophagus. This is the tube through which food moves from the mouth to the stomach.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancerThyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver cancer Kidney cancer Gallbladder cancer Your risk is higher if your body mass index (BMI) is high enough to be considered obese. You can use an online tool to calculate your BMI at www.cdc.gov/bmi/index.html. You can also measure your waist to see where you stand. In general, a woman with a waist over 35 inches (in) or 89 centimeters (cm) or a man with a waist over 40 in (102 cm) is at increased risk for health problems from obesity.Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods to keep your weight in check. Ask your provider for advice on how to lose weight safely.Get Regular ExerciseExercise is healthy for all, for many reasons. Studies have shown that people who exercise seem to have a lower risk for certain cancers. Exercise can help you keep your weight down. Staying active may help protect you against colon, breast, lung, and endometrial cancers. According to national guidelines, you should exercise for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week for health benefits. That is 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. Doing more is even better for your health.Eat Healthy FoodsGood food choices can build up your immune system and may help protect you from cancer. Take these steps:Eat more plant-based foods like fruits, beans, legumes, and green vegetables Drink water and low-sugar drinks Avoid processed foods from boxes and cans Avoid processed meats like hotdogs, bacon, and deli meats Choose lean proteins such as fish and chicken; limit red meat Eat whole grain cereals, pasta, crackers, and breads Limit high-calorie fattening foods, such as French fries, doughnuts, and fast foods Limit candy, baked goods, and other sweets Consume smaller portions of foods and drinks Prepare most of your own foods at home, rather than buying pre-made or eating out Prepare foods by baking rather than broiling or grilling; avoid heavy sauces and creams Stay informed. The chemicals and added sweeteners in certain foods are being looked at for their possible links to cancer.Limit AlcoholWhen you drink alcohol, your body has to break it down. During this process, a chemical byproduct is left in the body that can damage cells. Too much alcohol may also get in the way of healthy nutrients your body needs.Drinking too much alcohol is linked to the following cancers:Oral cancer Esophageal cancer Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver cancerLimit your alcohol to at most 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Better yet, don't drink alcohol at all.Have Regular Check-upsYour provider can help you assess your risk for cancer and steps you can take. Visit your provider for a checkup. That way you stay on top of what cancer screenings you should have. Screening can help to detect cancer early and improve your chance of recovery. Provider for a checkupEven if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some infections can also cause cancer. Talk with your provider about whether you should have these vaccinations:Human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus increases the risk for cancers of the cervix, penis, vagina, vulvar, anus, and throat. Human papillomavirusAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Va...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B infection increases the risk for liver cancer. When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You have questions or concerns about your cancer risk and what you can do You are due for a cancer screening test Open ReferencesReferencesBasen-Engquist K, Brown P, Coletta AM, Savage M, Maresso KC, Hawk E. Lifestyle and cancer prevention. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.Moore SC, Lee IM, Weiderpass E, et al. Association of leisure-time physical activity with risk of 26 types of cancer in 1.44 million adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(6):816-825. PMID: 27183032 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27183032/.National Cancer Institute website. Alcohol and cancer risk. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet. Updated July 14, 2021. Accessed September 12, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Harms of cigarette smoking and health benefits of quitting. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-sheet. Updated December 19, 2017. Accessed September 12, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Obesity and cancer. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed September 12, 2024.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf. Accessed September 12, 2024.
