Prevent Cancer in Women
A cancer diagnosis is frightening. And while many people survive the illness, others aren't as fortunate and they lose the battle. Cancers common to women include lung, breast, melanoma, ovarian, colon and cervical cancer. If the cancer is caught early, many women make a full recovery. Although there isn't a surefire way to prevent these cancers, there are ways to lower your chances of developing the illness.
Instructions
1. Know your personal risk. Having a family history of cancer puts you at greater risk for developing the disease. If you have a family history of cancer, get early screenings and investigate unusual symptoms.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise lowers your risk of developing a variety of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Work out for a minimum of 90 minutes a week.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage and lowers your chances of developing certain cancers such as colon cancer. Also, consuming 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber a day can reduce your chances of developing colon cancer.
4. Schedule annual pap smears. This medical procedure examines the cervix and looks for abnormal cell growth. This test can also detect HPV, which is the virus that causes some types of cervical cancer.
5. Get yearly mammograms. Women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. However, women with a family history of breast cancer may have to start their screenings before the age of 40. Conduct a monthly breast examination and check your breasts for lumps.
6. Give up cigarettes. According to The National Cancer Institute, smoking cigarettes contributes to approximately 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. To lower your risks, make every effort to stop smoking. Aside from lung cancer, smoking can cause esophageal and oral cancer.
7. Protect your skin. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors in the summertime. If you're swimming, purchase waterproof sunscreen and re-apply every two hours. This lowers your chances of developing skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carinoma and melanoma).
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