Over time, the percentage of cancer in the world has greatly increased, with a consistent climb among common cancers every year. It’s especially important to prevent and catch cancer early on, by following these recommendations.
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to take care of your general health. This can include exercise, eating a plant based diet, and limiting processed meats. It’s also recommended to drink alcohol in moderation and eliminate tobacco usage. Smoking is the number one way to prevent cancer, with smoking linked to 90% of lung cancers, and 30% of all cancers, according to the TLCR (Translational Lung Cancer Research). This includes all nicotine, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco (such as chewing tobacco and snuff).
More specific measures can include vaccinations against certain viral infections such as HPV and Hepatitis B. Not sharing needles can also reduce the risk of Hepatitis B, along with Hepatitis C and HPV. These measures are easier to implement, with a couple doctor visits potentially saving your life.
One of the best ways to look out for cancer is to stay on top of your health and meet with medical professionals when needed, especially if you notice abnormal growths. Attending regular screenings is also highly recommended. Especially in areas with high UV levels, it’s important to get skin cancer screenings; during these screenings, professionals look for any skin abnormalities that could be cancer or need to be monitored for potential growth. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid strong sun, wear sunscreen, and not use tanning beds.
Lastly, for women, and even some men, it is especially important to protect against breast cancer. While preventative measures aren’t as clear as skin cancer, catching breast cancer early on can greatly increase mortality rates. Breast cancer is best caught by mammograms, which are x-rays of the best. This is the best method to find breast cancer the earliest. In between periods when one isn’t getting a mammogram, it’s important to make sure to conduct self-examinations for any abnormalities.
Overall, despite the prevalence of cancer in society, taking these steps to protect one’s health can greatly reduce the risks of cancer development. Cancer is only expected to grow and further affect the population as time passes, so taking care of these measures now is crucial.