Cancer Prevention Facts
December 18, 2014
CANCER PREVENTION FACTS
These are proven ways to lower your cancer risk:
- Stop smoking and using other tobacco products
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet
- Exercise 30 minutes per day
- Get immunized
- Protect your skin from the sun
CANCER PREVENTION MYTHS
According to the NCI, research shows that the following are not likely to cause cancer:
- Cell phones
- Microwaves
- Fluoridated water
- Hair dyes
- Deodorants
- Sugar
- Artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame
- Low-frequency magnetic fields produced by power lines and household electric appliances
Who can you trust?
Misinformation about cancer prevention is rampant with a new miracle drug or easy lifestyle strategy seemingly touted daily.
“Whenever you hear something that supposedly is the cure for cancer, you should ask if the cost of whatever is being recommended is higher than it should be. There are lots of places that sell stuff, like pills or juices, and it’s just too expensive, and that’s your first clue that it’s wrong,” Neuss said.
“The second thing I think should give you pause is if people imply that it’s guaranteed, that it’s a proven thing and works for everybody. Nothing in cancer prevention is 100 percent.”
Neuss recommends these websites for trusted information about cancer prevention:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/prevention
American Society of Clinical Oncology
www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living