April is Cancer Awareness Month and research shows that as many as 80% of all cancer cases could be prevented.
While researchers continue to break down cancer to discover a cure, taking steps to prevent cancer is the best defense.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research in Bethesda, Maryland has put together practical tips on how your personal habits can help to reduce your cancer risk.
Walk your Way to Wellness - By keeping your body healthy and active, walking can help you improve your mood, boost your energy, lose weight, control your blood pressure, reduce stress, prevent bone loss, and decrease the risks of many diseases, including cancer.
Seek Shade, Not Sun - A tan is a sign of skin damage!
It is proven scientific fact that overexposure to the sun damages skin, causing cumulative, permanent, irreversible harm, including (but not limited to) skin cancer.
Scientists and dermatologists suggest a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and staying away from tanning booths and lamps.
The sun does provide important levels of Vitamin E but your body should only be exposed to limited amounts.
The Facts About Fat - Everyone needs fats.
Problems arise only when we get too much fat.
Fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease as well as an increased exposure to certain forms of cancer including breast, prostate, endometrium and colon cancer.
It has also been suggested that a high-fat diet may contribute to cancer of the pancreas and ovaries.
Current government guidelines call for Americans to get no more than 30 percent of their daily calories from fat.
The Vital Veggies- Choose Crucifers - Science has shown that some foods may protect against cancer, and high on the list are a group of vegetables known as the crucifers, named for their flowery petals that are shaped like a cross.
Crucifers include cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, many greens such as Chinese cabbage and turnip greens, and more.
Crucifers are low in calories, and high in vitamins A and C, fibers, enzymes, calcium and iron.
Weigh Less, Live Longer -Being overweight seems to play a role in cancers of the breast, colon and endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
Cancers of the prostate occur more often in obese men and cancers of the gall bladder, bile passages and ovaries occur more often in obese women.
If you're too heavy or just want to maintain a healthy weight, here are some recommendations from experts.
Eat More: vegetables, fruit, fish, grains, legumes, lean meat, poultry (without skin), low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Eat less: fatty meats, candy, fried foods, pies, cookies, and other baked goods, ice cream, cheese, high-fat dairy products.
Finding Fiber - Research has shown that eating more foods containing fiber can lower your risk of two fairly common, potentially fatal cancers: colon and prostate cancer.
Because foods with fiber are naturally low in fat, they also protect you against other types of cancer to which a high-fat diet may contribute.
You'll find fiber in plant foods-fruits, vegetables and grains.
Oatmeal and high grain breads are excellent sources of fiber.
NFCR recommends that you eat a healthy diet and schedule your annual appointment with your physician during Cancer Awareness Month.
Since its founding in 1973, The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) has provided more than $176 million to fund research focused on understanding how and why cells become cancerous. Our worldwide "laboratory without walls" assembles the intellectual power to achieve one of medicine's greatest goals-the end of cancer. We believe that prevention, treatment, and cure depend on understanding cancer's genetic origins and environmental influences as well as the "individual" nature of the disease.
NFCR's research discoveries are now on the threshold of being translated into therapies and potential cures for cancer patients. For more information, visit the website at www.researchforacure.com or call (800) 321-CURE.
For more information, or to contact National Foundation for Cancer Research, see their website at: www.researchforacure.com
