Cancer Prevention: What You Need To Know
Cancer Prevention:
A Summary
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer
Center Staff
Creation Date: 1996
Last Revision Date: February 2007
Cancer Prevention is a dynamic field where scientists are learning more every day. It is estimated that most men and women can reduce their odds of getting cancer by half. Primary prevention involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. Secondary prevention is working with your doctor to diagnose a cancer or precancerous growth while it is still curable through the use of screening examinations. Here are steps you and your physician can take to reduce your cancer risk.
Primary Prevention
- Control your calorie intake to reach or stay at your ideal body weight.
- Follow a low fat (30% of calories), high fiber (20-30 gm/day) diet.
- Eat 5-9 fruits and vegetables a day.
- Eat charcoal grilled meats only occasionally, if at all. Marinating lean meats in citrus or olive oil lowers the formation of cancer-causing substances, thus making grilling healthier.
- Exercise 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Do not go into enclosed areas where there is second hand smoke.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (1 drink/day for females; 2 drinks/day for males).
- Practice safe sex.
- Check your home for cancer causing agents, such as asbestos and radon.
- Use protective clothing during exposure to possible harmful substances, such as lawn chemicals.
- Avoid exposure to cancer causing chemicals and materials such as solvents (benzene).
- Do not go in the sun without protective clothing and sunscreen.
Secondary Prevention
Regular screening tests and examinations, called secondary prevention, can help detect cancers in the early stages of development when they may be easier to cure. Early treatment of cancer can be simpler, making it easier to go about daily life. Some individuals may need to have certain tests more often, depending upon their medical history or if they have a family member who has had cancer. The screening guidelines recommended by several national organizations are outline in Part Two of this booklet. Below are listed the screening tests that are available. Your doctor can tell you which tests are appropriate for you and how frequently you should complete them.
Prostate (Men)
- Digital rectal exam
- Prostatic specific antigen blood test
Colon/Rectum (Men and Women)
- Digital rectal exam
- Stool blood test
- Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema
Skin (Men and Women)
- Skin exam by a health care provider as part of health maintenance
Oral (Men and Women)
Breast (Women)
- Breast self examination (optional)
- Breast exam by a health care provider
- Mammogram
Cervical/Uterine (Women)
- Pelvic examination
- Pap test
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