Protecting Yourself From Cancer
Lifestyle habits and
behaviors can increase or decrease the risk of developing cancer.
Here are some tips for
Protecting Yourself From Cancer:
- STOP SMOKING. Cigarette
and cigar smoking and use of chewing tobacco or snuff cause cancer of the lung,
throat, mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Passive smoking, or secondhand smoke,
is the cause of thousands of lung cancer deaths each year.
- LIMIT INTAKE OF HIGH FAT
FOODS, ESPECIALLY FROM ANIMAL SOURCES. Saturated fats are related to colon,
pancreatic, rectal, breast, and prostate cancer. These fats are solid at room
temperature.
- EAT FRESH FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES. The antioxidants in these foods help protect against cancers. Five
servings of fruits and vegetables daily is ideal.
- BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- KEEP YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
DOWN. Excess alcohol intake is related to cancer of the head and neck,
digestive tract, and liver.
- AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE SUN.
Melanoma is a skin cancer that is related to childhood sunburn. Use an
appropriate sunscreen and use a head cover, for example, a hat whenever you go
out into the sun.
- USE JOB PROTECTION
DEVICES. When working around chemicals that can cause cancer, use the required
protective devices such as gloves, protective clothing, and respirators. Follow
container instructions when using chemicals at home or in the yard.
- PROTECT YOURSELF FROM
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED VIRUSES. Some sexually transmitted viruses increase the
risk of cervical and anal cancers. Be sure your partner is free of sexually
transmitted disease. Use barrier methods every time you are sexually active.
Follow all of these
guidelines to decrease your chances of getting cancer and other chronic
diseases.
Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.
To learn more about cancer,
call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer
Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.
Copyright
(c) 1999. HBO & Company (602) 230-7575. All Rights Reserved.
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