THE 10 COMMANDMENTS FOR CANCER PREVENTION

Don’t use tobacco: smoking is responsible for an estimated 30% of all cancer deaths. It also causes about 85% of lung cancer cases. Every cigarette you smoke can take years off your life. ■ Exercise regularly to reduce risk of breast and possibly reproductive cancers, colon and prostate cancer. Cancers such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular that can be prevented through lifestyle changes. ■ Obesity increases the risk of many forms of cancer. . Stay lean. Reduce your consumption of saturated fat and red meatand avoid deep- fried foods. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ingest high- fiber diets. Eat fish- two to three times a week to reduce colon and prostate cancers. ■ Excess alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, larynx ( voice box), esophagus ( food pipe), liver, and colon. ■ Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation to avoid lung cancer and ultraviolet radiation in sunlight to avoid melanomas and other skin cancers. ■ Avoid exposure to industrial and environmental toxins. ■ Avoid infections that contribute to cancer, including hepatitis viruses, HIV, and the human papillomavirus. ■ Consider taking low- dose aspirin if you are at risk. Men who take aspirin appear to have a lower risk of colon cancer and possibly prostate cancer. ■ Get enough vitamin D. Many experts now recommend 800 to 1,000 IU a day. ■ Get immunized — Vaccine for Hepatitis B: This vaccine prevents hepatitis B virus ( HBV) infection. Long- lasting infection with HBV can cause liver cancer.