Cancer Care Center UAE

Health Tips | Cancer Care Center UAE

Healthy Eating Plate
18 Dec
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Healthy Eating Plate

Good Health comes with good healthy food.

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Tips to live healthy life
09 Dec
0

Lifestyle plays a major role in the management of diabetes

Lifestyle plays a major role in the management of diabetes. ▶️Here are 6 tips to help you live a positive and fulfilling life. 1. Eat healthy. 2. Exercise. 3. Get checkups. 4. Manage stress. 5. Stop smoking. 6. Watch your alcohol To book an appointment call 04 378 6666 or visit www.azhd.ae

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09 Oct
0

Did you know that a single shisha smoking session is equivalent to 125 cigarettes?

Did you know that a single shisha smoking session is equivalent to 125 cigarettes? If you are a regular shisha smoker, then you have an increased risk of lung cancer. If you need a FREE 2nd opinion/consultation for lung cancer, Please call +971551010169 / +97143786666 or click https://goo.gl/CEdWTo

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Thyroid And Parathyroid Center In Dubai
25 Apr
0

Hormonal therapy in the breast cancer

Hormone therapy for breast cancer is a treatment for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. The most common forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer work by blocking hormones from attaching to receptors on cancer cells or by decreasing the body’s production of hormones. Hormone therapy is only used for breast cancers that are found to have receptors for the naturally occurring hormones estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy for breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that cancer will return. Hormone therapy for breast cancer may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, making it more likely cancer will be removed completely. If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, hormone therapy for breast cancer may help control it. Why it’s done Hormone therapy for breast cancer is only used to treat cancers that are hormone sensitive (hormone receptor-positive breast cancers). Doctors refer to these cancers as estrogen receptor positive (ER positive) or progesterone receptor positive (PR positive). This means that these breast cancers are fueled by the natural hormones estrogen or progesterone. A doctor who specializes in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologist) determines if your cancer is ER positive or PR positive by analyzing a sample of your cancer cells to see if they have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy for breast cancer can help to: Prevent cancer from coming back Decrease the risk of cancer developing in other breast tissue Slow or stop the growth of cancer that has spread Reduce the size of a tumor prior to surgery Risks Side effects of hormone therapy for breast cancer include: Hot flashes Vaginal discharge Vaginal dryness or irritation Fatigue Nausea Joint and muscle pain Impotence in men with breast cancer Less common, more serious side effects of hormone therapy may include: Blood clots in veins Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer Cataracts Stroke Osteoporosis Heart disease What you can expect There are several approaches to hormone therapy. Medications that block hormones from attaching to cancer cells One approach to hormone therapy is to stop the hormones from attaching to the receptors on the cancer cells. When the hormones can’t access the cancer cells, the tumor growth may slow and the cells may die. Breast cancer medications that have this action include: Tamoxifen is usually taken daily in pill form. It’s often used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. In this situation, it’s typically taken for five to 10 years. Tamoxifen may also be used to treat advanced cancer. Tamoxifen is appropriate for both premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. Toremifene (Fareston).Toremifene is taken as a daily pill. It’s used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Toremifene is approved for use in postmenopausal women. Fulvestrant (Faslodex).Fulvestrant is administered as a shot every month after first getting a dose every two weeks for the first month. It’s used in postmenopausal women to treat advanced breast cancer. Medications that stop the body from making estrogen after menopause Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, depriving breast cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow. Aromatase inhibitors are only used in women who have undergone menopause. They cannot be used unless your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the ovaries. Aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer include: Anastrozole (Arimidex).Anastrozole is used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. It can also be used to treat advanced breast cancer. Exemestane (Aromasin).Exemestane is used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. It’s sometimes used after taking tamoxifen for two or three years. It can also be used to treat advanced breast cancer in women for whom tamoxifen is no longer working. Letrozole (Femara).Letrozole is used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. It can be used alone or given after completing tamoxifen treatment. Letrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are given as pills you take once a day. All three aromatase inhibitors work the same and reduce the production of estrogen in your body. How long you continue aromatase inhibitors depends on your specific situation. Current research suggests that the standard approach would be to take these medications for up to 10 years, but every person is different and you and your doctor should carefully assess how long you should take them. Treatments to stop ovarian function in premenopausal women Women who haven’t undergone menopause — either naturally or as a result of cancer treatment — may opt to undergo treatment to stop their ovaries from producing hormones. Options may include: Surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) Radiation therapy aimed at the ovaries Medications, such as goserelin (Zoladex) Treatments to stop ovarian function may allow premenopausal women to take medications only available to postmenopausal women. Combining targeted therapy with hormone therapies Hormone therapy for cancer that spreads to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) sometimes combines hormone therapies with targeted therapy. Targeted therapy drugs attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells. The combination can make hormone therapy more effective. Medications used in this way include: Abemaciclib (Verzenio) Palbociclib (Ibrance) Ribociclib (Kisqali) Everolimus (Afinitor)   Results You’ll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly for follow-up visits while you’re taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you’re experiencing. Many side effects can be controlled. Hormone therapy following surgery, radiation or chemotherapy has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in people with early-stage hormone-sensitive breast cancers. It can also effectively reduce the risk of metastatic breast cancer growth and progression in people with hormone-sensitive tumors. Depending on your circumstances, you may

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Breast cancer chemoprevention
17 Apr
0

Breast cancer chemoprevention: Medicines that reduce breast cancer risk

Preventive medications (chemoprevention) reduce breast cancer risk in women at high risk of developing the disease. Find out how these medications work plus associated side effects and health risks. If you’re at high risk of breast cancer, you may be able to improve your odds of staying cancer-free by taking certain medicines, an approach known as chemoprevention or preventive therapy. Medications for breast cancer chemoprevention are the subject of much ongoing research. Here’s a look at what’s known about each of these medications, including how they may work to prevent breast cancer and the possible side effects and health risks. Tamoxifen How it works Tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen — a reproductive hormone that influences the growth and development of many breast tumors. Tamoxifen belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and it reduces the effects of estrogen in most areas of the body, including the breast. In the uterus, tamoxifen acts like an estrogen and encourages the growth of the lining of the uterus. Tamoxifen is prescribed as a pill you take once a day by mouth. For breast cancer risk reduction, tamoxifen is typically taken for a total of five years. The risk reduction benefit continues for five additional years after you stop taking tamoxifen, so in total, women receive up to 10 years of benefit. Who it’s for Tamoxifen is used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in high-risk women age 35 and older, whether or not they’ve gone through menopause. Generally speaking, you and your doctor might consider whether chemoprevention with tamoxifen is right for you if: Your Gail Model risk score is greater than 1.7 percent. The Gail model is a tool doctor use to predict future risk of developing breast cancer, based on factors such as your age, reproductive history, and family history. You’re at high risk of developing breast cancer — for instance, you’ve had a breast biopsy that found a precancerous condition such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia or atypical lobular hyperplasia. You have a strong family history of breast cancer. You don’t have a history of blood clots. Common side effects Common side effects of tamoxifen include: Hot flashes Night Sweats Vaginal discharge Vaginal dryness Risks Rarely, taking tamoxifen may cause: Blood clots Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer Cataracts Stroke The risk of uterine cancer for premenopausal women taking tamoxifen is very low, compared with those who have undergone menopause. The benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks in premenopausal women who have an increased risk of breast cancer due to a strong family history of the disease or a personal history of precancerous breast changes. In women who have undergone menopause, the benefits of tamoxifen may outweigh the risks in women who have an increased risk of breast cancer and have also had surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). Raloxifene How it works Raloxifene (Evista) is another drug in the class known as SERMs. It’s also prescribed in pill form, to be taken by mouth once a day for five years. Like tamoxifen, raloxifene works by blocking estrogen’s effects in the breast and other tissues. Unlike tamoxifen, raloxifene doesn’t exert estrogen-like effects on the uterus. Who it’s for Raloxifene is used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in high-risk women who are past menopause (postmenopausal). You’re considered at high risk if you score greater than 1.7 percent on the Gail model. Raloxifene is also used for the prevention and treatment of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Common side effects Common side effects of raloxifene include: Hot flashes Vaginal dryness or irritation Joint and muscle pain Weight gain Risks Health risks associated with raloxifene are similar to those associated with tamoxifen. Both drugs carry an increased risk of blood clots, though the risk may be lower with raloxifene. However, raloxifene may be associated with fewer cases of endometrial and uterine cancers than is tamoxifen. Raloxifene may also be linked to fewer strokes than tamoxifen in women at average risk of heart disease. But if you have heart disease or you have multiple risk factors for heart disease, raloxifene may increase your risk of strokes. Although tamoxifen may be slightly better than raloxifene at reducing the risk of breast cancer, the risk of blood clots and uterine cancer also are lower with raloxifene. For this reason, raloxifene may be a preferred option for women who have undergone menopause and who haven’t undergone a hysterectomy or who have osteoporosis. Aromatase inhibitors Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used to treat breast cancer that’s hormone receptor positive in postmenopausal women. These drugs are also an option for breast cancer chemoprevention. How they work Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, depriving breast cancer cells of the fuel they need to grow and thrive. Three aromatase inhibitors are currently approved for use in the treatment of postmenopausal women with breast cancer: anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin) and letrozole (Femara). These medications are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen- or progesterone-responsive tumors. Who they’re for Aromatase inhibitors have been studied and shown to be effective in postmenopausal women to treat breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Aromatase inhibitors are not intended for preventing breast cancer recurrence in women who still have menstrual cycles. Aromatase inhibitors, specifically exemestane and anastrozole, have been studied to see if they may reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or a history of precancerous breast lesions. Studies have shown promise in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in these high-risk women. Based on these results, some women and their doctors may choose to use aromatase inhibitors to reduce the risk of breast cancer, though these drugs aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this use. Additional studies are underway to determine whether aromatase inhibitors may reduce the

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10 Apr
0

Belching, intestinal gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them

Belching, gas and bloating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here’s what causes these signs and symptoms — and how you can minimize them.     Belching or passing gas (flatus) is natural and common. Excessive belching or flatus, accompanied by bloating, pain or distention, can occasionally interfere with daily activities or cause embarrassment. But these signs and symptoms usually don’t represent any serious underlying condition and are often decreased with simple lifestyle measures. When belching, gas or bloating interfere with your daily activities, there may be something wrong. Find out how to reduce or avoid gas and gas pains, and when you may need to see your doctor. Belching: Getting rid of excess air Belching, or burping, is your body’s way of expelling excess air from your upper digestive tract. Most belching is caused by swallowing excess air. This air most often never even reaches the stomach but accumulates in the esophagus. You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, chew gum or suck on hard candies, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke. Some people swallow air as a nervous habit — even when they’re not eating or drinking. This is called aerophobia. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing. Chronic belching may be related to inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for some stomach ulcers. In these cases, the belching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as heartburn or abdominal pain. You can reduce belching if you: Eat and drink slowly: Taking your time can help you swallow less air. Try to make meals relaxed occasions; eating when you’re stressed or on the run increases the air you swallow. Avoid carbonated drinks and beer: They release carbon dioxide gas. Skip the gum and hard candy: When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you’re swallowing is air. Don’t smoke: When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air. Check your dentures: Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink. Get moving: It may help to take a short walk after eating. Treat Heartburn: For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful. GERD may require prescription-strength medication or other treatments. Flatulence: Gas buildup in the intestines Gas in the small intestine or colon is typically caused by the digestion or fermentation of undigested food, such as plant fiber or certain sugars (carbohydrates), by bacteria found in the colon. Gas can also form when your digestive system doesn’t completely break down certain components in foods, such as gluten or the sugar in dairy products and fruit. Other sources of intestinal gas may include: Food residue in your colon A change in the bacteria in the small intestine Poor absorption of carbohydrates, which can upset the balance of helpful bacteria in your digestive system Constipation, since the longer food waste remains in your colon, the more time it has to ferment A digestive disorder, such as lactose or fructose intolerance or celiac disease To prevent excess gas, it may help to: Eliminate certain foods: Common gas-causing offenders include beans, peas, lentils, cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, whole-grain foods, mushrooms, certain fruits, and beer and other carbonated drinks. Try removing one food at a time to see if your gas improves. Read labels: If dairy products seem to be a problem, you may have some degree of lactose intolerance. Pay attention to what you eat and try low-lactose or lactose-free varieties. Certain indigestible carbohydrates found in sugar-free foods (sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol) also may result in increased gas. Eat fewer fatty foods: Fat slows digestion, giving food more time to ferment. Temporarily cut back on high-fiber foods: Fiber has many benefits, but many high-fiber foods are also great gas producers. After a break, slowly add fiber back to your diet. Try an over-the-counter remedy: Some products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) haven’t been proved to be helpful, but many people feel that these products work. Products such as Beano may decrease the gas produced during the breakdown of certain types of beans. Bloating: Common but incompletely understood Bloating is a sensation of abdominal fullness. Distension is a visible or measurable increase in abdominal size. People often describe abdominal symptoms as bloating, especially if those symptoms don’t seem to be relieved by belching, passing gas or having a bowel movement. The exact connection between intestinal gas and bloating is not fully understood. Many people with bloating symptoms don’t have any more gas in the intestine than do other people. Many people, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety, may have a greater sensitivity to abdominal symptoms and intestinal gas, rather than an excess amount. Nonetheless, bloating may be relieved by the behavioral changes that reduce belching or the dietary changes that reduce flats. When to see your doctor Excessive belching, passing gas and bloating often resolve on their own or with simple changes. If these are the only symptoms you have, they rarely represent any serious underlying condition. Consult your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with simple changes, particularly if you also notice: Diarrhea Persistent or severe abdominal pain Bloody stools Changes in the color or frequency of stools Unintended weight loss Chest discomfort Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly These signs and symptoms could signal an underlying digestive condition. Intestinal symptoms can be embarrassing — but don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help  

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Colon cancer screening
02 Apr
0

Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options

Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options Colon cancer screening can be an important part of routine health care. If you’re not sure which colon cancer screening test is best for you, ask yourself these questions. If your doctor has recommended colon cancer screening, you might be able to choose from various colon cancer screening tests. If you’re reluctant to make a decision, remember that any discomfort or embarrassment from colon cancer screening is temporary — and detecting problems early could save your life. Screening tests are used only if you don’t have bowel symptoms. If you have signs and symptoms — such as abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, bleeding, constipation or diarrhea — then you’ll need other tests to address these problems. If you don’t have bowel symptoms, consider the following questions to help choose the colon cancer screening test that’s best for you. What preparation is involved? Preparing for colon cancer screening can be uncomfortable or inconvenient, but it’s necessary for the test to be effective. As part of your decision, consider your willingness or ability to follow the preparation instructions for specific colon cancer screening tests. This may — to varying degrees — include avoiding solid food the day before the exam, adjusting your medications, and using laxatives or enemas to empty your colon. How convenient is the test? In addition to test preparation, consider: How long the test will take How often you need to repeat the test Whether you’ll need sedation How much follow-up care you’ll need The possible need for follow-up testing to investigate a false-positive finding or to remove tissue What about cost and insurance issues? Find out how much each colon cancer screening test costs, as well as which tests your insurance company covers. Consider whether you’re willing to pay out of pocket if necessary. What is your attitude toward screening tests? The more thorough the colon cancer screening test, the more likely it is to detect any cancer or precancerous polyps. Conversely, a more thorough test might also mean more inconvenient or uncomfortable preparation, a slightly higher risk of serious complications, or both. Ask yourself: Will you feel best if you know you’ve chosen the most thorough screening test possible? Will you worry or doubt the results if you choose a less thorough test? How concerned are you about convenience, preparation or the possibility of serious complications? What is your doctor’s approach to screening tests? Make sure that you’re comfortable with the colon cancer screening test your doctor recommends. If your doctor specializes in a particular test, but you’d rather have another test, express your wishes. Your doctor might offer a referral to someone trained in the test with which you feel most comfortable. What is your risk level? Your risk of colon cancer might influence your choice of screening tests. If you have an increased risk of colon cancer, your doctor might recommend more frequent colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor about your colon cancer risk if you: Have a personal history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps Have a parent, sibling or child who has had colon cancer Carry a gene for a hereditary colon cancer syndrome Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease  

8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
29 Mar
0

8 ways to prevent Breast Cancer

Nearly everyone knows someone touched by the disease. But there is a lot of good news about breast cancer these days. Treatments keep getting better, and we know more than ever about ways to prevent the disease. These eight simple steps can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Not everyone applies to every woman, but together they can have a big impact. Keep Weight in Check It’s easy to tune out because it gets said so often, but maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for everyone. Being overweight can increase the risk of many different cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause. Be Physically Active Exercise is as close to a silver bullet for good health as there is, and women who are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to help keep weight in check. Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables – and Avoid Too Much Alcohol A healthy diet can help lower the risk of breast cancer.  Try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and keep alcohol at moderate levels or lower (a drink a day or under).  While moderate drinking can be good for the heart in older adults, even low levels of intake can increase the risk of breast cancer.  If you don’t drink, don’t feel you need to start. If you drink moderately, there’s likely no reason to stop. But, if you drink more, you should cut down or quit. Don’t Smoke Smokers and non-smokers alike know how unhealthy smoking is.  On top of lowering quality of life and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and at least 15 cancers – including breast cancer – it also causes smelly breath, bad teeth, and wrinkles. Now that’s motivation to stay smoke-free or work to get smoke-free. Breastfeed, If Possible Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (combined for all children) lowers the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child. Avoid Birth Control Pills, Particularly After Age 35 or If You Smoke Birth control pills have both risks and benefits. The younger a woman is, the lower the risks are. While women are taking birth control pills, they have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This risk goes away quickly, though, after stopping the pill. The risk of stroke and heart attack is also increased while on the pill – particularly if a woman smokes. However, long-term use can also have important benefits, like lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and uterine cancer – not to mention unwanted pregnancy – so there’s also a lot in its favor. If you’re very concerned about breast cancer, avoiding birth control pills is one option to lower risk. Avoid Post-Menopausal Hormones Post-menopausal hormones shouldn’t be taken long term to prevent chronic diseases, like osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies show they have a mixed effect on health, increasing the risk of some diseases and lowering the risk of others, and both estrogen-only hormones and estrogen-plus-progestin hormones increase the risk of breast cancer. If women do take post-menopausal hormones, it should be for the shortest time possible. The best person to talk to about the risks and benefits of post-menopausal hormones is your doctor. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene for Women at High Risk Although not commonly thought of as a “healthy behavior,” taking the prescription drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in a woman at high risk of the disease. Approved by the FDA for breast cancer prevention, these powerful drugs can have side effects, so they aren’t right for everyone. If you think you’re at high risk, talk to your doctor to see if tamoxifen or raloxifene may be right for you. Find Out Your Family History Women with a strong family history of cancer can take special steps to protect themselves, so it’s important for women to know their family history. You may be at high risk of breast cancer if you have a mother or sister who developed breast or ovarian cancer (especially at an early age) or if you have multiple family members (including males) who developed breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. A doctor or genetic counselor can help you understand your family history of the disease. Don’t Forget Screening Despite some controversy, studies show that breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. It doesn’t help prevent cancer, but it can help find cancer early when it’s most treatable.  For most women, regular mammograms can begin at age 40, but specific recommendations vary by age and risk. If you are age 40 – 44: You can choose to begin yearly mammograms.  It is important to talk to a doctor about the risk and benefits of mammograms at these ages. If you are age 45 – 54: Mammograms are recommended every year. If you are age 55 or over: Mammograms are recommended every other year. You can choose to continue to have them every year. Clinical breast exams and self-exams are not recommended. But you should be familiar with your breasts and tell a health care provider right away if you notice any changes in how your breasts look or feel. Other Important Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Unfortunately, there are also a number of important breast cancer risk factors that women have no control over. Knowing which ones apply to you can help you understand your risk and do what you can to lower it. If you feel you’re at high risk, talk to a doctor or other health professional. These can increase a woman’s breast cancer risk: Older age, especially 60 years or over A family history of breast cancer First menstrual period (menarche) before age 12 Menopause at age 55 or over First childbirth after age 35 No children Tall height (5’8” or taller) Dense breasts History of benign breast disease (like atypical hyperplasia) Source: https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/take-proactive-control/8-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/

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Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk
29 Mar
0

Cancer Prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk

Concerned about cancer prevention? Take charge by making changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings. You’ve probably heard conflicting reports about cancer prevention. Sometimes a specific cancer-prevention tip recommended in one study is advised against in another. Often, what’s known about cancer prevention is still evolving. However, it’s well-accepted that your chances of developing cancer are affected by the lifestyle choices you make. So if you’re interested in preventing cancer, take comfort in the fact that simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. Consider these cancer-prevention tips. Don’t use tobacco 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, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. 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. Read here to beat Lung Cancer. Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.   Eat a healthy diet Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can’t guarantee cancer prevention, it might reduce your risk. Consider these guidelines: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans. Avoid obesity: Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-calorie foods, including refined sugars and fat from animal sources. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation 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. Limit processed meats: A report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, concluded that eating large amounts of processed meat can slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer. In addition, women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. But for substantial health benefits, strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. You can also do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better. Protect yourself from the sun Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips: Avoid midday sun: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Stay in the shade:  When you’re outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat help, too. Cover exposed areas: Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than do pastels or bleached cotton. Don’t skimp on sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.   Get vaccinated Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against: Hepatitis B.Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults at high risk — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, people who use intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids. Human papillomavirus (HPV).HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.   Avoid risky behaviors Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. For example: Practice safe sex: Limit your number of sexual partners and use a condom when you have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver, and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva, and vagina. Don’t share needles: Sharing needles with people who use intravenous drugs can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you’re concerned about

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