🛡 Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
🌱 1. Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Choices Matter
You can reduce your cancer risk by making healthy decisions in everyday life. While not all cancers are preventable, up to 40% of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle factors.
✅ Healthy Habits for Prevention
- Avoid Tobacco: The leading preventable cause of cancer (especially lung, mouth, throat, and bladder).
- Eat a Healthy Diet:
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit processed meats and red meats.
- Reduce sugar and salt intake.
- Stay Physically Active:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation, if at all.
- Sun Safety:
- Use sunscreen SPF 30+.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Avoid tanning beds.
🦠 2. Avoid Carcinogens and Risk Factors
- Get Vaccinated:
- HPV vaccine to prevent cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
- Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce liver cancer risk.
- Minimize Exposure to Harmful Substances: Radon, asbestos, industrial chemicals, and secondhand smoke.
- Practice Safe Sex: Reduces HPV and HIV transmission.
- Avoid Unnecessary Radiation Exposure: Only undergo imaging tests when necessary.
🔍 3. Early Detection Saves Lives
Finding cancer early, before it spreads, greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.
| Cancer Type |
Recommended Screening |
Age to Begin |
| Breast Cancer | Mammogram | Age 40–50+ (every 1–2 years) |
| Cervical Cancer | Pap test / HPV test | Age 21–65 (every 3–5 years) |
| Colorectal Cancer | Colonoscopy / stool test | Age 45+ |
| Prostate Cancer | PSA blood test | Age 50+ (or 45+ if high-risk) |
| Lung Cancer | Low-dose CT scan | Age 50–80 (for smokers/ex-smokers) |
| Skin Cancer | Regular skin checks | All ages, especially high-risk groups |
👨⚕️ Talk to your doctor about screening if you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors.
🧬 4. Know the Warning Signs
- A lump or thickening in the body
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Changes in mole or skin
- Difficulty swallowing
- Change in bowel/bladder habits
- Unexplained weight loss
🧠 Final Message
"Prevention is better than cure."
Taking steps now can help protect you and your loved ones from cancer.
