Twelve Things To Do to Reduce the Risk of Cancer

This article was originally published at www.medscape.com titled "What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk for Cancer" by Zosia Chustecka 10/14/14.

The new European Code Against Cancer outlines twelve (12) things that individuals can do to reduce their risk for cancer.  The code was drawn up by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the World Health Organization and with the participation of the European Commission.  This 2014 version updates the last version of the code issued in 2003.

Highlights:

1.  Advice on checking and taking action on high levels of naturally-occurring radon in homes (associated with increased risk of lung cancer) and the avoidance of sunbeds and tanning equipment (risk of skin cancer).

2.  Advice to women that breast-feeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk, so should encouraged and that HRT (hormone-replacement therapy) increases the risk of for certain cancers (breast, endometrial, and ovarian) and so should be limited.  “The scientific evidence is there now to support these recommendations.” – Dr. Schuz

3.  Advice to have girls vaccinated against HPV (human papillomavirus) to prevent cervical cancer; in addition to the advice already in the code to have newborns vaccinated against Hepatitis B (to prevent liver cancer).

4.  Maintain a healthy bodyweight as there is a “gradual relationship between body weight and cancer, where small increases in body weight are associated with a small increase in the risk for cancer, but larger increases are associated with a larger increase in risk.”

“THE MORE OBESE YOU ARE, THE GREATER THE RISK.”

5. Advice on the emphasis on organized screening programs; for colorectal cancer in both men and women and for breast and cervical cancer screening in women.

6.  Dr. Schuz – “BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE IN EVERYDAY LIFE.  LIMIT THE TIME YOU SPEND SITTING.”

EUROPEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER:  12 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CANCER RISK

1.     Do not smoke.  Do not use any form of tobacco.

2.     Make your home smoke free.  Support smoke-free policies in your workplace.

3.     Take action to be in a healthy body weight.

4.     Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting.

5.     Have a healthy diet:

a.    Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

b.    Limit high-calorie food (food high in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary drinks.

c.    Avoid processes meat; limit red meats and food high in salt.

6.     If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake.  Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention.

7.     Avoid too much sun, especially for children.  Use sun protection.  Do not use sunbeds.

8.     In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions.

9.     Find out if you are exposed to radiation from naturally high radon levels in your home.  Take action to reduce high radon levels.

10. For women:

a.    Breast-feeding reduces the mother’s cancer risk.  If you can, breast-feed your baby.

b.    HRT(hormone-replacement therapies) increases the risk of certain cancers.  Limit use of HRT.

11. Ensure your children take part in vaccination programs for:

a.    Hepatitis B for newborns

b.    HPV girls

12. Take part in organized cancer screening programs for:

a.    Bowel cancer (men and women)

b.    Breast cancer (women)

c.    Cervical Cancer (women)

Credits to:

Zosia Chustecka

“What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk for Cancer?”  Medscape. Oct 14, 2014.