Cancer Prevention: What Not to Do

There are fundamentals lifestyle choices that experts agree can decrease your risk of developing cancer.

For example, according to the CDC, about one third of cancer cases are related to physical inactivity. Approximately 117,000 Texans will be diagnosed with a cancerous condition this year and this incidence could be reduced.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by both internal factors, like genetics, and external factors like poor diet, tobacco and alcohol use. You cannot change your pool genes, but you can take steps to lower your chances of developing the disease.

1) No smoking: Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of 15 major types of tumors, including 49,000 deaths due to secondhand smoke. It’s a no brainer that smoking it’s bad for you and for those around you. Visit the American Cancer Society for tips on how to quit smoking.

2) Skipping Screenings: Some forms of cancerous tumors can be found before they cause noticeable symptoms. Cancer therapy is more effective when the disease is detected early. Mammograms and Pap smear are a well example of this. If you can get a manicure or pedicure, you can get these preventive tests.

3) Inactivity: The world cancer research estimates that up to one third of the cancer cases in the USA are due to lack of physical activity. Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) is an example of this. Obese or overweight patients have been linked to endometrial cancer. Even moderate exercise 75-150 min per week can help decrease cancer risk.

4) Unhealthy diet: Following a sensible, nutritious diet has many health benefits including reducing cancer risk. Easting less sugar and fats, limiting alcohol and adding foods that boost your immune system (fruits and vegetables) can help prevent cancer. Drinking plenty of water should be part of your daily health program.

5) UV exposure: Skin cancer, the most common tumor in the world, is caused by UV light exposure, by way of the sun or tanning salons. By applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, wearing hats and when possible long sleeves can reduce this risk. Checking your skin on a monthly basis it’s an easy cancer screening method.

6) Self Breast Exam: Breast self-awareness, which for many patients also may include performing breast self exams, is recommended. The patient should immediately report changes in her breast to her physician. Based on available evidence, the OBGYN College, ACS, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend that a clinical breast examination be performed annually in women aged 40 years and older. In women aged 20–39 years, the College, ACS, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network continue to recommend a clinical breast examination every 1–3 years.

7) Cervical pap smear screening ( pap smear) : Following guidelines for gynecologic pap smear screening will help you avoid getting this preventable disease. Check out my other blog about Cervical Cancer

Hereditary Cancer Quiz

Cancer and Obstetrics & Gynecology

Pink Women’s Center is a board certified OBGYN group located in Katy Tx and west Houston Texas. We care for normal and high risk pregnancies, gynecologic and menopausal problems, including abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal pap smear, stress incontinence, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, endometriosis and much more. We are a certified menopause OBGYN group, the only one in Houston Texas.

Joel Rivera MD OBGYN Katy Texas Pregnancy, Infertility, Natural menopause Katy west Houston.

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