7 STEPS TO PREVENT SKIN CANCEL

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

Skin cancer is the most common and most preventable cancer in the United States. More than 96,400 people are diagnosed with melanoma annually. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes most skin cancer. Be sure to use adequate sun protection year-round. Never use indoor tanning beds.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Limit red meat and cut out processed meats. For healthy recipe ideas, visit our blog. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption because alcohol can increase your risk for liver, colorectal and breast cancers. If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day if you are a man or one drink a day if you are a woman.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT AND BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day can make a big difference in your general health and well-being. Inactivity and obesity have been linked to breast and colorectal cancer, and there is also some evidence of a link to lung and pancreatic cancer. Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk for cancer.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX AND AVOID RISKY BEHAVIORS

Many strains of the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, are spread through skin to skin contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. High-risk strains of HPV have increasingly been found to cause many types of cancer. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can also be spread from person to person through unprotected sex. It can cause long-term liver infections that can increase a person’s chance of developing liver cancer.

GET IMMUNIZED (HPV & HEPATITIS VACCINES)

Certain viruses have been linked to cancer, but are preventable through vaccination. Talk to your health care professional about the age recommendations for HPV vaccines. In the U.S., approximately one-third of liver cancers are linked to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus(HCV). An HBV vaccination is available and is recommended for babies, older children who were not vaccinated earlier and adults who are at risk for HBV infection.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY AND GET REGULAR CANCER SCREENINGS

Talk to your health care professional about cancer screening. Some tests can help detect cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful, and some can also detect precancerous conditions before they become cancer. While screening has been proven to save lives, screening guidelines aren’t always “one size fits all.”