Top Cancer Prevention Tips

1. Don’t Use Tobacco

• Avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco.

• Stay away from secondhand smoke.

• Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of cancer.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Aim for a BMI in the healthy range.

• Excess body fat is linked to at least 13 types of cancer.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

• Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes.

• Limit processed meats (like bacon, sausage) and red meats.

• Reduce sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

• Choose healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds).

4. Stay Physically Active

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.

• Activity lowers risk of breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.

5. Limit Alcohol

• The less you drink, the lower your cancer risk.

• Alcohol is linked to breast, liver, colorectal, throat, and other cancers.

6. Protect Your Skin

• Avoid excessive sun exposure.

• Use sunscreen (SPF 30+).

• Avoid tanning beds.

• Wear protective clothing.

7. Get Vaccinated

• HPV vaccine → prevents cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers.

• Hepatitis B vaccine → reduces liver cancer risk.

8. Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens

• Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals at home or work (asbestos, benzene, diesel exhaust).

• Follow safety practices in occupational environments.

9. Practice Safe Sex

• Reduces risk of HPV and HIV.

• Using condoms and limiting number of partners lowers infection-related cancer risks.

10. Get Regular Screening Tests

Screenings catch cancer early—when it’s easier to treat:

• Breast cancer (mammograms)

• Cervical cancer (Pap + HPV tests)

• Colorectal cancer

• Lung cancer (for high-risk smokers)

• Prostate cancer (for some age groups)

11. Manage Chronic Conditions

• Treat inflammation-related diseases (e.g., colitis).

• Manage diabetes and obesity.

• Keep the immune system healthy.

12. Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep indirectly affect cancer risk through hormonal and lifestyle changes.