How Can Cancer Be Prevented

Cancers that closely resemble certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. Choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer, like lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer. Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians say diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are good. Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers.

Many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of its relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer. Some preventions are based on systematic screening in order to find small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.