PREVENT ION STARTS WITH YOU

The World Cancer Research Fund estimates 20 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are the result of excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption and poor nutrition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of new cancer cases and the number of people who die from cancer can be reduced by adopting healthy behaviors and following the appropriate screening recommendations.

Screenings for cervical, colorectal and breast cancers help find these diseases at an early stage when treatments are highly effective. And vaccinations for the human papillomavirus (HPV) help prevent most cervical cancers. The hepatitis B vaccine can lower the risk of liver cancer.

But one of the biggest ways you can reduce your risk of cancer - and a host of other health problems from heart disease to diabetes - is by making healthy choices. Don't smoke. Limit your use of alcohol. Protect your skin. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

AVOID TOBACCO

Lung cancer causes the most cancer related deaths in both men and women, and the culprit in almost all cases is cigarette smoke. The American Cancer Society estimates 155,870 people will die of lung or bronchus cancers in the U.S. in 2017.

Smoking is attributed to 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Cancers of the mouth and throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, larynx, trachea, bronchus, kidney, bladder, and cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia all can result from cigarette smoking.

Adults exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer by about 20 to 30 percent.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Preventing skin cancer comes down to avoiding tanning beds and protecting your skin when spending time outside. Don't just take precautions on sunny summer days - sun's rays can damage skin on cloudy days and it can reflect off surfaces, such as water, sand and snow.

CDC recommends staying in the shade, especially during midday hours; wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs; wearing a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck; wearing sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays; and using sunscreen with sun protection factor of 15 or higher, as well as UVA and UVB protection.

LIMIT ALCOHOL USE

A number of studies have found evidence alcohol consumption is a risk factor in primary liver cancer and studies have linked it to an increased risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed by the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. It is metabolized by the liver but the liver can only handle small amounts at a time, leaving excess alcohol to circulate through the body.

Other problems associated with alcohol consumptions include liver cirrhosis; pancreatitis; cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders.

Dietary guidelines definite moderate alcohol consumption to be one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Being overweight or obese substantially raises the risk of endometrial, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. An overweight person has a body mass index of 25 to 29, and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.

Maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can keep weight in check and help reduce the risk of these types of cancers and host of other diseases.

A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. It includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Eating healthy also means staying within your daily caloric needs.

Regular physical activity is important for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. And routine physical activity helps reduce blood pressure; the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer; arthritis pain, as well as the risk for osteoporosis and falls; and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

GET TESTED FOR HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver often caused by a virus. Over time, a chronic Hepatitis C infection can lead to liver problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. CDC recommends anyone born between 1945 and 1965 get tested for Hepatitis C.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society.