hOW TO hElP PrEvENT CaNCEr healthy tips for local communities
introduction Because each cancer type is different in origin, composition, and responsiveness to treatment, reliable prevention techniques are very difficult to identify. However there is evidence that leading an active life and eating healthy can help prevent cancer, Because cancer prevention cannot usually be accomplished by a single event, preventative measures must be taken for many years to give results that can be examned. Give these healthy tips a go, to try and beat cancer.
Contents STOP SMOKING
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Get regular medical care
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Eat a healthy diet
Benefits of exercise
cycling it's great fun
Running improves your health
Protect your skin from sun damage Photographs advertising
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STOP SMOKING
Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney. And chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer. Avoiding tobacco or deciding to stop using it is one of the most important health decisions you can make. It’s also an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.
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Eat a healthy diet
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources such as whole grains and beans. - Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and might increase the risk of overweight or obesity which can, in turn, increase cancer risk. - If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly.
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Get regular medical care Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you. Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime
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Benefits of exercise Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence. This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there’s strong Scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life. People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers. Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,” says Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant.
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cycling it's great fun Cycling, whether it’s a day to day activity, or an occasional adventure, is a great way to help keep you and the rest of the family healthy. Getting on our bikes more often can help us on the way to making the small changes that can bring short and long term benefits to your health, the environment and your purse. Cycling is something that really is so simple. All you need is a roadworthy bike and some basic safety gear and then all it just takes a little bit of practice! Cycling can be enjoyed by most people whatever their age. But, by encouraging kids to cycle from an early age and getting them to take their ‘Bikeability’ test, will equip them with a skill for life.
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Running improves your health One of the biggest benefits of running is that it’s good for your health. Running is an excellent way to strengthen the heart and ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which helps decrease your risk of a heart attack. Exercise, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it’s above normal. If you have high cholesterol, running can also help keep it in check. Running also improves your immune system, so your body functions are more effective and efficient at fighting off germs. Running and other weight-bearing exercises increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.
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Protect your skin from sun damage Taking care in the sun so that you don’t get burned is important for preventing skin cancer. Follow Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart plan to protect yourself: - Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm. - Make sure you never burn. - Cover yourself up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses. - Take care not to let children get burned. - Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
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Prevention is essential for you, your family and your children