MAN-TESTED TIPS FOR CANCER PREVENTION
Eat sensibly: A fat-laden diet can fuel cancer, but meals filled with vegetables and fruits and low in animal fat are ideal for risk reduction.
Exercise regularly: Consistent workouts can reduce the risk of several types of cancer.
Monitor prostate health: Starting at age 50, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of testing, or at 45 if you are African American or have family members who had prostate cancer before age 65.
Test for colon cancer: New research shows only one in five doctors in the U.S. follows all the recommended colon cancer screening guidelines. Starting at age 50 (or earlier due to personal or family history), talk with your doctor about test options: colonscopy ever 10 years; flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; annual fecal-occult blood test with flexible sigmoidscopy every five years; or annual fecal-occult blood test.
Avoid sun exposure: With skin cancer rates rising, sunscreen is a year-round must, especially for outdoor works.
Perform monthly testicular exams: If you are under 35, become familiar with your normal anatomy so you’ll notice any changes early.
Practice safe sex: Unprotected sex puts you at risk for developing human papillomavirus, liked to penile and anal cancer in men.
Know your family history: If you know that certain cancers run in your family, talk with your doctor to determine a screening plan or genetic testing, if appropriate.
Don’t smoke: Avoid secondhand smoke. Need help quitting? Consider participating in WebQuit, the Hutchinson Center’s online smoking-cessation study: www.webquit.com
