Develop A Personal Protection Program - Chapter 1 Introduction To Preventing Cancer: Cancer

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Develop a personal protection program

Surprisingly, although there are many types of cancer with many different causes, it is possible to make a number of general recommendations for cancer prevention. Moreover, by working with your doctor, you can assess your family medical history and your personal level of risk for each major type of cancer in order to develop a cancer protection plan that is appropriate for you.

Here are seven basic steps to reduce your overall risk of cancer:

1. Don't smoke.

2. Keep your weight at a healthy level.

3. Exercise for at least 45 minutes every day.

4. Eat less red meat and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

5. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women, or two for men.

6. Practice safe sex.

7. Protect your skin from sun exposure.

These steps may seem simple but you may find it challenging to follow them all. One way to approach it is to take one step at a time: quit smoking first, then move on to the next step when you are ready. Another approach is to turn over a new leaf all at once. Some people prefer this because it puts them in a new, healthy frame of mind. Joining a support group to quit smoking, for example, or joining other people in an exercise program can be helpful for those who prefer this kind of social support.

But there is no "right" or "wrong" way to approach change. As the old Chinese proverb put it: "The longest journey begins with a single step." So as you evaluate your own risks for cancer and your own strategy for reducing that risk, don't be discouraged. It's never too late to take that first step.

Last updated:	May 01, 2008