Cancer prevention refers to the precaution or measures taken to reduce the incidence of cancer. Prevention can involve leading a lifestyle or having a diet that reduces the risk of developing any of the many types of cancer. Primary prevention is by people who have not been diagnosed with the disease while secondary prevention aims at reducing the recurrence of the disease.
Many people believe that cancer is a preventable disease. This believe is premised on the fact that several cancer risk factors are mainly lifestyle or environmental-related. Alcohol for example is an avoidable risk that is associated with esophageal, oral and breast cancer. Exercise is another cancer prevention method. Physical inactivity can lead to increased risk of colon and breast cancer. Obese or overweight as well as smoking are other risk factors that can be avoided
Unprotected sex can lead to transmission of the human papilloma virus which is responsible for cervical cancer in women. This can be prevented by use of condoms during a sexual encounter. Another preventive measure is to avoid the use of exogenous hormones as well as limit your exposure to ionizing and ultraviolet radiation. Obesity increases the risk of developing cancer and therefore dietary practices that could lead to obesity should be avoided at all costs.
Chemo prevention is another cancer prevention method where medications are used to keep the disease at bay. Continual daily use of tamoxifen reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Genetic testing for high-risk individuals is also available as a preventive option. Prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic vaccines are still in development and boosts the immune system against cancer.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer genetic testing, cancer in women, cancer prevention method, cancer risk factors, exogenous hormones, human papilloma virus, physical inactivity, secondary prevention, therapeutic vaccines