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Lower Your Cancer Risk: Cancer Prevention Checklist

EAT RIGHT. Choose foods high in dietary fiber and low in dietary fat. Foods high in dietary fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Cut down on dietary fat by eating lean cuts of beef, lamb, and pork more often than high-fat cuts. Trim away fat from meat before cooking and again before eating.
COOK RIGHT. Stick to baking, broiling, boiling, stir-frying and steaming. Avoid sauteeing and deep-fat frying.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. Obesity is a risk factor in many diseases, including some cancers.
STOP SMOKING. Smoking accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases and plays a role in the development of other cancers, including: cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, bladder, and pancreas.
AVOID HEAVY DRINKING. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so only in moderation, especially if you smoke. Heavy usage of liquor is linked to cancer of the mouth, jaw, cheek, throat, esophagus, tonsils, liver, and pancreas.
MANAGE STRESS. Learn to cope, relax, express emotions and avoid stress. Stress weakens your immune system, lowering your resistance to many diseases.
AVOID TOO MUCH SUN. Stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cover your skin with clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
AVOID HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Exposure to some chemicals can lead to certain types of cancer. Avoid contact with hazardous chemicals, metals, dusts, and fibers. Wear protective clothing and safety equipment. Follow health and safety regulations.
GET EARLY DETECTION SCREENINGS. Regular physical examinations may help detect cancer while still in its early and most curable stages.

SOURCE: The Senior Good Health Journal: DJ 9/97 (V1:N7)

Last Review: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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Lower Your Cancer Risk: Cancer Prevention Checklist