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Cancer – it is amazing how a single word can engender so much fear. Cancer doesn't have to be the boogieman that many people think it is. By taking a few basics precautions and making a handful of changes in your life, you can greatly decrease your risk of ever developing cancer.
Prevention
Prevention is the key to decreasing your cancer risk.
Nutritional Prevention
Study after study has proven that what you eat affects your health. By eating a healthy diet, you not only improve your general health but also will help reduce your risk of developing specific cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, one third of all cancer deaths in America can be attributed to dietary factors
Environmental Prevention
Don't smoke – smoking alone accounts for a full third of all cancer deaths in America.
Outdoor and indoor air pollution, including the presence of radon gas, can contribute to the development of cancer. You should also limit your exposure to pesticides and other toxic substances.
Physical Activity
Keeping your body active will also help reduce your cancer risks. The American Cancer Society recommends that people engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
Early Detection
Even with the best preventive measures and healthy lifestyle, there is still the off chance that you may develop cancer. There are many early detection tests for cancer. The earlier a cancer is caught, the better your chances are of surviving. A sampling of available cancer tests include:
Genetics
Some cancers tend to be gender specific. For example breast cancer is a primarily female disease, although there have been instances of men also developing it. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women, after skin cancer. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program has been pivotal in making screening tests readily available to all women.
If you have a family history of cancer, you have a higher risk of developing cancer, than the general public. This is due to genetic conditions that may predispose you to the condition. While this does not mean that you are destined to get cancer, it does mean that you have an added incentive to take care of yourself and to make full use of every early detection tool available.
Genetic Testing as a Prevention Tool
For those with a family history of cancer, the worry over getting cancer may be understandably heightened. There are genetic tests available, which can accurately identify genes associated with specific cancers. However, there is a lot of contention over whether these tests should be offered or not.
Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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