Causes and Prevention

Cancer prevention involves taking actions to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Here are some key strategies:

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Avoid tobacco in all forms, including smoking and smokeless tobacco.
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and portion control.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and avoid indoor tanning.

Avoid Exposure to Known Carcinogens

Minimize your exposure to substances that are known to increase the risk of cancer, such as:

• Tobacco smoke
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Hazardous chemicals in the workplace or environment
• Radiation from medical imaging tests (when possible)
• Arsenic in drinking water

Medicines and Vaccines

Certain medicines and vaccines can help prevent specific types of cancer. Consider the following:

• HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers
• Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce the risk of liver cancer
• Tamoxifen or raloxifene for women at high risk of breast cancer
• Aspirin to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (for some individuals)