1. Healthy Living Habits

Stop Tobacco Use

• Smoking causes cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, and more.
• Quitting at any age lowers risk—seek help with nicotine replacement or counseling.

Eat Smart

• Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant proteins.
• Limit processed meats, red meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.

Stay Active & Maintain a Healthy Weight

• At least 150 min of moderate activity (like brisk walking) per week.
• Maintaining a healthy weight helps lower risks for breast, colon, and other cancers.

Limit Alcohol

• Even small amounts increase risk for several cancers (especially breast and liver).
• If you drink, do so in moderation or consider avoiding alcohol entirely.

Protect Your Skin

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
• Seek shade, wear hats/sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds.

2. Vaccinations That Prevent Cancer

• HPV vaccine: Prevents most cervical, anal, and many head & neck cancers.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Protects against chronic HBV infection that can cause liver cancer.

Ask your doctor if you or your child are up to date with both HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines.

3. Environmental & Workplace Protection

• Test homes for radon and fix if elevated.
• Limit exposure to asbestos, diesel fumes, and toxic chemicals.
• Follow safety regulations and use protective equipment on the job.

4. Regular Screening Tests

Screening finds precancerous changes or early cancers—before symptoms appear.

Breast

• Mammogram every 1–2 years for women 40–74 (or as advised).

Cervical

• Start at age 21 (Pap test every 3 years) or Pap + HPV test every 5 years (age 30–65).
• HPV vaccination reduces need for future interventions.

Colorectal

• Begin at age 45 (if average risk). Methods: colonoscopy, FIT (stool test), or FIT-DNA.

Lung

• Annual low-dose CT scan for adults 50–80 with 20-pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within 15 years.

Prostate

• Men 50+ (45 for high-risk) should discuss PSA screening pros and cons with a clinician.

Skin

• Check your skin monthly; see a dermatologist for new or changing moles or spots.

Talk with your healthcare provider about screening frequency, risks, and benefits based on your personal and family history.

5. Know Your Family History

• Ask relatives about cancers on both sides of the family.
• Share this information with your doctor; consider genetic counseling if there are multiple or early-age cancers.

6. Regular Checkups & Awareness

• Annual wellness visits catch risk factors and encourage healthy habits.
• Be aware of warning signs: unexplained weight loss, lumps, persistent pain, or bleeding.
• See your doctor promptly for new or unusual symptoms.