Preventing Cancer Starts With One Woman: You 

Cancer Prevention Tips.

Almost every adult woman knows that breast cancer claims thousands of lives each year around the globe. Sadly, many women do not realize that they are at risk for lung cancer and stomach cancer, too. Until a few years ago, the vast majority of people considered colorectal cancer a disease for men and cervical cancer a woman's disease. However, that is not the case. Although men cannot contract cervical cancer, women are at risk for developing both cervical cancer and colorectal cancers.

Consider some statistical information about cancer

Slightly less than 15% of all global deaths in 2008 were attributed to cancer. Experts have predicted that in 2030 over 11 million people will lose their battle with cancer. While it is true that smoking is blamed for many lung cancer cases, untreated infections play a major role in third-world countries. There are reports that 20% of the cancer-related deaths in poorer countries can be traced back to infections.  Surprisingly, even with medical advancements and new treatments in the more developed prosperous countries, up to 9% of the reported deaths started with an infection.

So how can you protect yourself?
Not all cancers can be treated, but the good news is that over 30% of cancer deaths are preventable. Cancer comes from many sources like genetic factors, smoking, environmental pollution, untreated infections and an unhealthy lifestyle. It is important to realize cancer starts with one tiny cell. If that abnormal cell finds an environment that will allow it to thrive, the cells will multiple and spread. You can protect yourself by creating an environment that is not suitable for cancer cell growth.  The best way to protect yourself is to take an active part in managing your health and your environment.

Change your lifestyle.

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products: Women that smoke have many reasons to stop. You will lower the risk to your family by eliminating the second-hand exposure. Women taking birth control pills risk serious side effect if they smoke.
• Eliminate alcohol or greatly reduce how often and how much you consume.
• Get regular check-ups and pay attention to changes in your body.
• Direct sunlight is harmful for your body: Wear sunscreen, hats with wide brims and protective clothing when you are out in the sun.
• Use cleansers and household compounds that have few chemicals and additives.

 Develop a healthy eating and exercise routine.

If you are overweight, make a decision today to change your eating patterns.

• Adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and eating foods as close to their natural state as possible will give you powerful anti-oxidants to fight free radicals in your body. If possible, eat organic meats and fresh produce.
• Avoid highly processed foods like fast food, smoked or salt-cured meats and pastries.
• Never eat fish from a polluted source.
• Do not reuse the oil used for deep frying.
• Make exercise a habit: You can walk 30 minutes a day and see excellent benefits.

Schedule routine health screening tests.

• Routine mammograms and pap smear examinations save thousands of women’s lives every year.
• Men above 40-45 years should have regular Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings to check for signs of prostate cancer.
• Both men and women above the age of 50 are recommended to do a colonoscopy every 10 years or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

Take responsibility for your sexual activities.

• Avoid multiple-partner relationships to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and family disintegration.
• Consider getting an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) immunization and Hepatitis B vaccination: The HPV virus can lead to cervical cancer and other genital cancers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes lifelong infection, cirrhosis of liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. People with HIV or AIDS are at greater risk for developing cancer of the anus, lung and immune system.

Preventing cancer starts with you. Take charge of your life today.