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What You Can Do to Prevent Cancer and
Why It Works
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Ditch the Smokes
Every puff of tobacco is
packed with 250 harmful chemicals. Nearly 70 of them cause cancer. And it's
more than just lung cancer. Cigarettes are linked to 12 other kinds, including
stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, and throat. The sooner you stop, the better.
Ask your doctor for advice on quit-smoking methods.
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Eat More Broccoli
Fruits and veggies pack
an anti-cancer punch because they're high in nutrients and fiber, and low in
fat. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, watercress, or other
cruciferous vegetables. They protect against DNA damage that can turn cells
cancerous. Or eat colorful berries. Studies show they have cancer-fighting
chemicals that ward off damage to cells.
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Trim a Few Pounds
Extra weight around your
middle could add up to a greater chance of having cancer, especially of the
breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, and gallbladder. Researchers say
one reason may be that fat cells release substances that encourage cancer cells
to grow.
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Go Easy on Alcohol
Tip back too many
martinis each day, and your odds of cancer go up. Alcohol is linked to cancers
of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, and others. The more you drink, the
higher your risk. If you drink, do it in moderation. Women should stick to one
drink a day, men up to two.
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Cut Back on Hot Dogs
Think twice before you
throw some on the grill. Studies show that processed meats, like hot dogs,
bacon, and sausage, have chemicals called nitrites and nitrates that may be
linked to cancer. And research suggests too much red meat like steak and
burgers could be a long-term risk for colorectal cancer. Choose safer
alternatives for your backyard cookout, like chicken breast or fish.
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Get Off the Couch
Do you spend too much
time lounging around? Cancer prevention is one more reason to get moving.
Exercise fights obesity and lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and
insulin, which have been linked to cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic
exercise -- the kind that gets your heart pumping -- on most days of the week.
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Put on Sunscreen
Baking in the sun might
give you a healthy-looking glow, but under the surface, UV rays cause skin
damage that could lead to cancer. Because you can burn in just 15 minutes, rub
on sunscreen before you go outside. Pick a broad-spectrum product with an SPF
of 30 or higher. Reapply whenever you sweat or swim. And when you're out in the
sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.
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Practice Safer Sex
Sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) aren't your only worry during unprotected sex. Some of these
infections also increase your odds of having cancer. About 70% of cervical
cancers start with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Some types of
hepatitis can cause liver cancer. To stay safe, use a latex condom every time
you have sex.
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Get Vaccinated
When it comes to
vaccines, think beyond your annual flu shot. Some can protect against cancer,
too. Certain HPV vaccines prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and
anus. The time to get vaccinated is between ages 9 and 26. The hepatitis B
vaccine wards off the virus that causes liver cancer. It's part of the
childhood vaccination schedule.
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Avoid Toxic Chemicals
Chemicals called
carcinogens damage DNA in your cells and raise your chance of having cancer if
you touch, eat, or breathe them in. Asbestos, radon, and benzene are a few that
some people come into contact with at work or home. Chemicals in weedkillers, plastics,
and some home products may also be risky. You can't avoid every chemical, but
know which ones are in products you use and switch to safer options if you can.
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Know Your Family History
You inherited more than
your mother's eyes or your father's grin. They may also have shared their
chances for having diseases like cancer. Some genes that parents pass down to
their kids have flaws. They don't repair damaged DNA the way they should, which
lets cells turn into cancer. Learn about your family's medical history and ask
your doctor if a genetic test is a good idea for you.
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Stay Up to Date With Screenings
Screening tests catch
cancer early -- sometimes even before it starts. A colonoscopy often finds
polyps in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer. The Pap test
locates pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in a
woman's cervix. Mammograms and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) look for
early breast and lung cancers. Ask your doctor when to start getting these
tests, and how often you need them.
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Take Meds if You Need Them
Some drugs lower your
odds of getting certain cancers. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene
(Evista) can reduce breast cancer risk but may have serious side effects.
Aspirin may protect against colorectal and prostate cancers. Be wary, though, of
supplements that promise to keep you cancer-free. Many haven't been proven, and
some have side effects.
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Be Cautious About Hormone Therapy
It can ease menopause
symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue, and protect your bones. But hormone
therapy may raise your chances of breast cancer and make cancer harder to
detect. Ask your doctor about your risks before you try this treatment.
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