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continued:

Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk

4. Protect yourself from the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

  • Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
  • Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
  • Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
  • Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get immunized

Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

  • Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.

6. Avoid risky behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

  • Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
  • Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take early detection seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.

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References
  1. Khan N, et al. Lifestyle as risk factor for cancer: Evidence from human studies. Cancer Letters. 2010;293:133.
  2. Demark-Wahnefried W, et al. Lifestyle interventions to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes. American Family Physician. 2008;77:1573.
  3. Ford ES. Healthy living is the best revenge: Findings from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition — Potsdam study. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009;169:1355.
  4. Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/cancer. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  5. Smoking and tobacco use. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/smokeless/smokeless_facts/index.htm. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  6. Health effects of secondhand smoke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/index.htm. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  7. How do I protect myself from UV rays? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1x_Protect_Your_Skin_From_UV.asp. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  8. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/2010/adult-schedule.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  9. What are the risk factors for liver cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_liver_cancer_25.asp. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  10. Human papilloma virus (HPV), cancer, and HPV vaccines — Frequently asked questions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_FAQ_HPV_Vaccines.asp. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  11. Detailed guide: HIV infection and AIDS — Cancers in HIV infection. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4x_AIDS-Related_Cancers_78.asp?sitearea=. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  12. Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2010: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2010;60:99.
CA00024 Sept. 21, 2010

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