Chapter 3 Reducing Your Cancer Risk: Cancer
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Chapter 3: Reducing your cancer risk
There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, but you can reduce your chances of getting it by changing those aspects of your lifestyle that may put you at risk - what scientists call "modifiable risk factors." Modifiable risk factors include your weight, diet, and level of physical activity. Other risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed but can serve as warnings that you may be at extra risk for a particular cancer and should take steps to protect yourself. Fortunately, the most important risk behaviors for cancer are within your control and can be changed. In fact, almost two-thirds of cancer deaths in the United States are related to four major risk factors: tobacco, poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise.
| Last updated: | May 01, 2008 |
|---|
Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
