Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. If not treated, it can result in serious illness or death. There are many types of cancer, and they can develop in virtually any part of the body.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within cells. These changes can disrupt the normal functioning of genes that regulate cell growth and repair. Some of the common causes and risk factors for cancer include:
Genetic Mutations:
Inherited genetic predispositions, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can increase cancer risk.
Acquired mutations from lifestyle factors or environmental exposures.
Lifestyle Factors:
Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco use are leading causes of cancers like lung, mouth, and throat cancer.
Diet and Obesity: Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are linked to various cancers.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise can increase cancer risk.
Environmental Exposures:
Exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, or carcinogens like asbestos can cause mutations leading to cancer.
Infections:
Certain viruses, like HPV (human papillomavirus), Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus, can increase cancer risk.
Bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori are linked to stomach cancer.
Aging:
The risk of cancer increases with age due to a longer exposure to potential risk factors and decreased ability to repair DNA damage.
How Is Cancer Treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and location of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:
Surgery:
Removal of cancerous tissue or tumours, often used for localized cancers.
Radiation Therapy:
Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours.
Chemotherapy:
It involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It may be systemic (affecting the whole body) or targeted to specific areas.
Immunotherapy:
Boosts or modifies the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy:
Focuses on specific molecules or genetic changes in cancer cells to inhibit their growth.
Hormone Therapy:
Used for cancers like breast and prostate cancer that are driven by hormones, blocking the body's ability to produce certain hormones.
Stem Cell Transplant:
Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, often used after high-dose chemotherapy.
Palliative Care:
Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
Prevention and early detection:
Lifestyle Changes:
Quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
Vaccination:
Vaccines like HPV and Hepatitis B can reduce cancer risk.
Regular Screenings:
Screenings for cancers like breast, cervical, colon, and prostate can lead to early detection, improving treatment outcomes.
Avoid Environmental Risks:
Minimize exposure to harmful substances like UV radiation and industrial carcinogens.
Early detection and advances in medical treatments have significantly improved cancer survival rates. Consulting with healthcare professionals for regular check-ups and understanding individual risk factors is crucial.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid in men. Here are some key points about it:
Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer often doesn't cause symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Painful urination
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors
As mentioned earlier, risk factors include:
Age: Most common in men over 50.
Family history: Higher risk if close relatives have had prostate cancer.
Ethnicity: More common in African American men.
Genetic factors: Certain gene mutations can increase risk.
Diet and lifestyle: Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as obesity.
Diagnosis
Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through:
PSA Test: A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen levels.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination to check for abnormalities.
Biopsy: Taking a small sample of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health:
Active Surveillance: Monitoring the cancer closely if it's not causing symptoms.
Surgery: Removing the prostate gland (prostatectomy).
Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: Reducing levels of male hormones that can fuel cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells, usually for advanced cancer.
Immunotherapy: Helping the immune system fight cancer.
Prognosis
The prognosis varies widely based on the cancer's stage, grade, and the patient's overall health. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and can be managed effectively, especially if detected early.
If you have specific concerns or questions about prostate cancer, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can stealthily
seep into buildings, particularly those with basements, from the soil and rock
beneath them. It's odourless, tasteless, and invisible, rendering it
undetectable without specialised equipment. This stealthiness underscores the
importance of vigilance and regular testing for radon levels in our living and
working spaces.
When radon is inhaled, its radioactive particles can damage
the cells lining the lungs. Over time, this damage can lead to the development
of lung cancer. Radon is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer
after smoking and is estimated to be responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer
deaths each year in the United States alone.
Testing for radon levels in homes and workplaces is crucial
for identifying and mitigating exposure risks. Simple radon test kits are
available, and if elevated levels are detected, mitigation measures such as
sealing cracks in the foundation, improving ventilation, or installing radon
mitigation systems can be implemented to reduce exposure.
For individuals concerned about radon exposure, especially in regions with higher concentrations, testing their living spaces
and taking appropriate measures if levels are high can help mitigate the risk
of developing lung cancer.
It's crucial to note that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Conventional treatments have been extensively researched and proven effective in many cases. However, some people explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside traditional therapies to manage symptoms, improve well-being, and enhance their quality of life. It's important to discuss any alternative therapies with your healthcare team to ensure they are safe and do not interfere with your primary cancer treatment.
Several alternative approaches may be considered, but their effectiveness varies, and scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for treating cancer is often limited. Some alternative therapies that have been explored include:
Mind-Body Practices:
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques: These practices aim to reduce stress and promote well-being.
Yoga: Some cancer patients find yoga helpful for managing stress, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall well-being.
Diet and Nutrition:
Dietary Supplements: Some cancer patients consider supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any supplements, as some may interact with cancer treatments or have harmful effects.
Acupuncture:
Some cancer patients explore acupuncture to manage symptoms like pain and nausea. However, its effectiveness is still under investigation, and results vary.
Herbal Medicine:
Some herbs, such as mistletoe and turmeric, have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy.
Hyperthermia:
Hyperthermia involves raising the temperature of a part of the body to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy. It is sometimes used as a complementary approach.
Cannabis and Cannabinoids:
Some cancer patients use medical marijuana or cannabinoids to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Research is ongoing to understand their potential benefits and risks.
It's crucial to emphasise that while some alternative therapies may offer relief from certain symptoms or improve quality of life, they should not be used as a primary treatment for cancer. Always consult with your oncologist before incorporating any alternative medicine into your cancer care plan. This ensures that your treatment approach is comprehensive, evidence-based, and safe.
Triphala is a traditional herbal remedy in Ayurvedic
medicine, an ancient system of medicine originating in India. It is a
combination of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki
(Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Triphala is known
for its potential health benefits and has been used for various purposes,
although scientific evidence supporting its role in cancer treatment is
limited.
While some studies and preclinical research have suggested
that certain compounds found in the individual components of Triphala may
possess anti-cancer properties, it's important to note that these findings are
preliminary. More research is needed to establish Triphala's efficacy in cancer
treatment. Additionally, the use of Triphala or any other alternative therapies
should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare
professional.
It's crucial to emphasize that cancer treatment should be
based on evidence-based medical practices and guidelines. Suppose you or
someone you know is considering using Triphala or any other alternative therapy
as part of cancer treatment. In that case, consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to ensure that it complements and does not
interfere with conventional cancer treatments. Integrative and complementary
therapies should be discussed with your oncologist to ensure they are safe and
appropriate for your situation.
A cancer risk factor increases a person’s chance of getting cancer. Yet most risk factors do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer. And others with no known risk factors do.
Knowing your risk factors and discussing them with your healthcare team is essential. It will help you make better lifestyle choices to improve your health. This information could also help your doctor decide if you need genetic testing and counselling (see below).
General risk factors for cancer include:
Older age
A personal or family history of cancer
Using tobacco
Obesity
Alcohol
Some types of viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV)
Specific chemicals
Exposure to radiation, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun
You can avoid some risk factors by stopping risky behaviours. These include using tobacco and alcohol, being overweight, and getting multiple sunburns. Other risk factors cannot be avoided, such as getting older. Learn about the risk factors for certain types of cancer.
Risk factors and cancer screening
Understanding your risk for cancer can help your doctor decide whether you could benefit from the following:
A cancer screening test, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy
A screening test at an earlier age and more often than routine screening
Surgery or medication to lower your cancer risk
For example, a woman whose mother had breast cancer is at least twice as likely to have breast cancer than a woman who does not have the same family history. Some women have strong family histories or genetic mutations linked to breast cancer. Since they are at a very high risk of breast cancer, they may remove their breasts to prevent cancer. This surgery appears to lower the risk of breast cancer by at least 95%. Also, these women may take medicine to lower the risk of breast cancer.
People with a strong family history of cancer may consider genetic testing. Your doctor or genetic counsellor can discuss getting specific genetic tests. They can tell you your risk of getting cancer based on your family history and other factors.
Understanding the difference between absolute and relative risk
Doctors use absolute and relative risk to assess if a person's risk is higher or lower than that of the general population or a specific group.
Absolute risk is the chance of a person developing a disease during a given time. This identifies how many people are at risk for disease in the general population.
For instance, consider the statement, “1 out of 8 women (12.5%) will get breast cancer in her lifetime.” This describes the absolute risk for the general population of women. It cannot identify the risk for a certain person or group. For example, absolute risk cannot show if a group of older women has a higher risk of breast cancer than younger women.
Relative risk compares the risk of disease between two groups of people. It resembles one group with a specific risk factor for a disease to another group’s threat.
For instance, imagine you are comparing the risk of breast cancer among 2 groups of 100 women. But only the women in 1 group have a particular risk factor for breast cancer. The other group of women does not have this risk factor. Researchers track how many people from each group develop cancer over time. Let’s say they find that 2 women with the same risk factor get cancer. But only 1 woman without this risk factor gets cancer. Then those in the first group have 2 times the risk of the second group. This is a 100% increase in relative risk. However, the absolute risk would be 2% or 2 out of 100 people.
Patients can use risk measurements to make better lifestyle choices or cancer screening choices. It is also important to know the difference between absolute and relative risk. For instance, the relative risk in the last example might sound high. It identified a person’s relative risk of developing cancer by 100%. But look at the absolute risk to get a more complete picture. That is, 1 person in 100 compared to 2 people in 100. If you want to compare the research you hear about in the news to your own situation, ensure you find the absolute risk. Most research studies report relative risks. This can make the risk sound higher than it actually is.
An experimental cancer drug appears to have cured every single patient in a small clinical trial conducted in the US.
All 12 patients, who had been diagnosed with rectal cancer, entered into remission after taking dostarlimab for over six months, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dosage Forms & Strengths
injectable solution
50mg/mL (10 mL, single-dose vials)
Mismatch Repair–Deficient (dMMR) Tumors
Indicated for adults with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed on or following a prior platinum-containing regimen
Also indicated for adults with dMMR recurrent or advanced solid tumours who have progressed on or following previous treatment and have no satisfactory therapeutic options.
Doses 1-4: 500 mg IV q3Weeks, THEN
Dose 5 and thereafter (start 3 weeks after Dose 4): 1,000 mg IV q6Weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Dosage Modifications
No dose reductions are recommended
Pneumonitis
Grade 2: Withhold therapy; resume when complete or partial resolution occurs (Grade <1) after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if there is no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of starting steroids.
Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2: Permanently discontinue
Colitis
Grade 2 or 3: Withhold therapy; resume when complete or partial resolution occurs (Grade <1) after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
Grade 4: Permanently discontinue
Hepatitis with no tumor involvement of the liver
AST or ALT increases to >3 and ≤8x ULN or total bilirubin [TB] increases to >1.5 and <3x ULN: Withhold therapy; resume when complete or partial resolution (Grade <1) occurs after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
AST or ALT increases to >8x ULN or TB increases to >3x ULN: Permanently discontinue
Hepatitis with tumour involvement of the liver
Withhold therapy
Baseline AST or ALT >1 and ≤3x ULN and increases to >5 and ≤10x ULN
Baseline AST or ALT >3 and ≤5x ULN and increases to >8 and ≤10x ULN
Resume when complete or partial resolution occurs (Grade <1) after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids
Permanently discontinue
AST or ALT increases >10x ULN or TB increases to >3x ULN
Endocrinopathies
Grade 2, 3, or 4: Withhold until clinically stable or permanently discontinue depending on the severity
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution (Grade <1) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of starting steroids.
Nephritis with renal dysfunction
Grade 2 or 3 increased blood creatinine: Withhold therapy; resume when complete or partial resolution occurs (Grade <1) after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of starting steroids.
Suspected Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome: Withhold therapy
Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
Confirmed SJS, TEN, or DRESS syndrome: Permanently discontinue
Myocarditis
Grade 2, 3, or 4: Permanently discontinue
Neurologic toxicities
Grade 2: Withhold therapy; resume when complete or partial resolution occurs (Grade <1) after corticosteroid taper
Permanently discontinue if there is no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone ≤10 mg/day (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
Grade 3 or 4: Permanently discontinue
Infusion-related reactions
Grade 1 or 2: Interrupt or slow infusion rate
Grade 3 or 4: Permanently discontinue
Renal or hepatic impairment
Mild-severe and end-stage renal disease: No dosage adjustment necessary
Hepatic impairment
Mild-to-moderate (TB ≤3x ULN and any AST): No dose adjustment is recommended
Severe: Not studied
Dosing Considerations
Females of reproductive potential: Verify pregnancy status before initiation
Recurrent or advanced dMMR endometrial cancer or solid tumours
Select patients based on the presence of dMMR in tumour specimens
அவர்கள் இந்த பருப்பை `மகிழ்ச்சியான பருப்பு’ என்று அழைக்கிறார்கள்.
பிஸ்தா பருப்பின் வடிவத்தை வைத்தே, அதாவது அதுவாய் திறந்து பல்தெரிய சிரிப்பதுபோல் காணபடுவதால் இந்த பெயரை அவர்கள் அதற்கு சூட்டியுள்ளனர்.
சீனர்கள் ஒவ்வொரு புத்தாண்டையும் கொண்டாடும்போது, இந்த பிஸ்தா பருப்புகளை அனைவருக்கும் வழங்கி மகிழ்கிறார்கள்.
ஆரோக்கியம், சந்தோஷம், ராசியான எதிர்காலம் ஆகியவற்றின் சின்னமாக அவர்கள் பிஸ்தாவை கருதுவதுதான் இதற்கு காரணம்.
கலிபோர்னியாவில் அதிக அளவில் பிஸ்தா உற்பத்தி செய்யபட்டாலும், அதை அதிக அளவில் சாப்பிடுபவர்களின் பட்டியலில் நம்பர் ஒன் இடத்தில் இருப்பவர்கள் சீனர்கள் தான்.
தனி நபராக எந்த நாட்டினர் அதிக அளவில் பிஸ்தா சாப்பிடுகிறார்கள் என்று கணக்கெடுத்தால்,
அதில் முதலிடம் பிடிப்பவர்கள் இஸ்ரேலியர்.
இவர்களது நொறுக்குத் தீனிகளில் பிஸ்தாவும் முக்கிய இடம்பெறுகிறது.
இந்தியாவில் உஷ்ண பொருளாக பிஸ்தாவை பார்ப்பதால், அதை பயன்படுத்துபவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை மற்ற நாடுகளுடன் ஒப்பிடும்போது குறைவுதான்.
இந்தியாவில் பிஸ்தாவை அப்படியே சாப்பிடாவிட்டாலும், கேசர் பிஸ்தா சர்பத், ஐஸ் கிரீம், பிஸ்தா குல்பி ஆகியவற்றில் பிஸ்தா பயன்படுத்தபட்டு, இந்தியர்களால் சாப்பிடபடுகிறது.
ரஷ்ய நாட்டினர் கோடைகாலத்தில் பீர் குடிக்கும்போது, அதற்கு சைடு டிஷ் ஆக பிஸ்தா உட்கொள்வதை வழக்கமாக கொண்டுள்ளனர்.
பிரான்ஸ் நாட்டினர், சாப்பிடுவதற்கு முன்பு பசியை அதிகரித்துக் கொள்வதற்காக மதுபானத்துடன் சிறிதளவு பிஸ்தாவையும் எடுத்துக்கொள்கிறார்கள்.
பிஸ்தா சாப்பிடுவதால் கிடைக்கும் பயன்கள் :
தினமும் பிஸ்தா சாபிட்டு வந்தால் நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய் உள்ளிட்ட பிற புற்றுநோய்கள் வராமல் தடுக்கலாம் என்று அமெரிக்க புற்றுநோய் ஆய்வு சங்கம் அறிவித்துள்ளது.
வெள்ளை ரொட்டியுடன் கையளவு பிஸ்தா உட்கொண்டு வந்தால் ரத்தத்தில் சர்க்கரையின் அளவு அதிகரிப்பு கணிசமாக குறையும்.
மேலும், பசியை தூண்டி விடுகிறது என்றும் ஆய்வாளர்கள் நிருபித்துள்ளனர்.
பிஸ்தாவில் குறைந்த அளவு கலோரி, குறைந்த அளவு கொழுப்புடன் அதிக அளவில் நார்ச்சத்து இருபதால் உடல் எடை அதிகம் கொண்டவர்கள், பிற உணவை குறைத்து அதற்கு பதிலாக பிஸ்தாவை உட்கொள்ளலாம் என்கிறார்கள்.
ஒன்று அல்லது இரண்டு கை நிறைய தினமும்பிஸ்தா சாப்பிட்டு வந்தால் உடலில் உள்ள கெட்ட கொழுப்புகளின் அளவு குறையும் என்கிறது ஒரு ஆய்வு.
Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumour are other common names for cancer.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths, in 2018. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to timely quality diagnosis and treatment. In countries where health systems are strong, survival rates of many types of cancers are improving thanks to accessible early detection, quality treatment and survivorship care.
Screening tests can help detect malignancies in their earliest stages, but you should always be alert for symptoms of the disease. The American Cancer Society developed this simple reminder years ago:
C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
A: A sore that does not heal
U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
T: Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
I: Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O: Obvious change in a wart or mole
N: Nagging cough or hoarseness
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.
1. 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.
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.
2. 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.
Maintain a healthy weight. 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 The 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 the vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.
6. Avoid risky behaviours
Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviours 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 lungs. HPV is 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 drug misuse or addiction, seek professional help.
7. Get regular medical care
Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.
