Which Cancers Can Be Prevented?

While genes play a role in whether or not a person develops cancer, other factors can also contribute. According to the American Cancer Society, it is likely that over half of cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented if Americans did their part to make sure that they stayed healthy. For example, eating poorly, not exercising, and not getting screened for dangerous cancers can all contribute to cancer while making healthier choices can help reduce a person's chances of getting certain preventable forms.

Breast Cancer

• The Mayo Clinic says that a person's risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and limiting the amount of fat in the diet. However, breast cancer can still arise even if these precautions are taken. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the five-year survival rate for someone with breast cancer is 98 percent, assuming it gets detected and treated early. Get screened every year in order to increase your chances of being diagnosed early.

Cervical Cancer

• Some factors make a woman more likely to develop cervical cancer. If you smoke (or have smoked), had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, had more than seven children, or have used oral contraceptives for five or more years, you're at a higher risk. Get an annual Pap smear and pelvic exam to help reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

• Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is less likely to affect you if you exercise regularly, eat well, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, avoid smoking, and gets screened regularly after age 40. Getting screened can identify pre-cancerous polyps and a doctor can remove them before they are cancerous.

Lung cancer

• According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, more people die of lung cancer each year than of colon, prostate and breast cancers combined. However, there are ways to help reduce chances of developing lung cancer. The primary risk factor is tobacco use. Do not smoke (or stop smoking), and stay away from secondhand smoke when possible. Also exercise, eat well, reduce alcohol consumption, and do your best to avoid toxic chemical exposure.

Oral Cancer

• People who chew or smoke tobacco, have HPV, or have suppressed immunity are at higher risk of developing oral cancer, Also at risk are people who eat poorly, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and are in the sun for long periods. Some oral cancers and pre-cancers can be caught early so get screened regularly at the dentist to help protect you.

Skin Cancer

• The Prevent Cancer Foundation says that skin cancer is the most common, yet most preventable form of cancer. Most skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. To avoid getting too much exposure, cover your skin by wearing a shirt and hat, wear sunglasses to cover your eyes, and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Prostate and Testicular Cancer

• Men over age 50 and African-American men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, but this does not mean that other men should not take some extra precautions. For example, a diet full of animal fat, dairy and calcium may make a man more likely to get prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that more studies need to be done to confirm more risk factors for prostate cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 35. It is treatable and often curable if it is found early. You should learn how to perform regular testicle self-examinations so that you may notice any irregularities and discuss them with a doctor.