Cancer is cheaper to prevent than it is to cure, as well as being easier to prevent than it is to recover from and protecting yourself against cancer might be easier than you think!
Dr. Anderson, a cancer expert at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has some helpful tips for you:
1. Make sure your children (including teenagers) have at least one hour of physical exercise a day. This could be walking, cycling, swimming or some other type of high activity sport. Get them to play soccer in the yard instead of playing it on the games console. For yourself and other adults, make sure you get at least half an hour to 45 minutes of physical exercise a day. Catch the bus to work instead of taking your car – you will have more walking to do.
2. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables as these contain vital vitamins and minerals which destroy free radicals and help prevent cancer and a whole host of other diseases. You might think it is difficult to have five portions of fruit and vegetable a day, but this includes fresh juices so it isn’t actually that difficult. Preferably have organic, as pesticides have been linked to cancers, but if you can’t afford it, any fruit and vegetable is better than none.
3. Quit smoking! Smoking causes a staggering 169,000 cancer deaths every year in the USA. Don’t be part of the statistic. If you are addicted and need help quitting, the American Cancer Society run a special course to assist you in giving up your cigarettes.
4. Be sensible in the sun. Ultra-violet rays are good for you in moderation and can prevent cancer, but they are bad for you if you have too much exposure. If you sunbathe until you are burnt, you are risking skin cancer. Only stay in direct heat for short periods of time, wear loose clothing to prevent burning and think about using a sun screen. Again, choose one which is organic with the least ingredients in it as this will be better for your skin.
5. If you find a lump or have other health concerns, don’t delay in seeing a doctor, as cancer is harder to treat when it is more advanced. If you are sexually active, use a condom, as this will not only prevent sexually transmitted infections but also cervical cancer in you or your partner.
If you are on a low income, you can receive government assistance with getting healthy foods. See www.fns.usda.gov for more details.
For help quitting smoking, see www.yesquit.com
Source: MD Anderson News Release, 08/04/09.
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.