Ten Tips for Preventing Cancer

Review by Jill Horn of article in March 2009 Health Sciences Newsletter written by Dr. Jamie McManus.

Cancer ranks second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death in the US and Canada.  While improvements in detection, diagnosis and treatment have increased the survival rate of those diagnosed with cancer, Dr. McManus encourages doing all you can do to prevent the disease as a core strategy of your prescription for optimal health.  With prevention in mind, here are 10 things we can all do to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
1.  Avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke.
2.  Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
3. Exercise regularly - Be sure to gradually work up to 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day for five or more days per week.
4.  Eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
5.  Fresh foods are best - When it comes to eating most foods, it's generally best to eat fresh rather than salted, cured, or pickled. In general, the less processed the food, the healthier it will be for you.
6. Limit alcohol intake. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, and, aside from carrying too much body weight, alcohol intake is the only other established risk factor for this disease. It's recommended that men who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day, while women should limit their intake to no more than one drink daily.
7.  Practice sun safety and check for changes in your skin.
8.  Reduce exposure to carcinogens.
• Dust and vacuum regularly to rid your home of toxins attracted to dust
• Open windows and use fresh air to freshen and minimize indoor pollution
• Filter your drinking water to remove pollutants
• Switch to green cleaning products that are safe but still powerful
9.  Know your family history and get screened.
10.  Choose your dietary supplements wisely.