The best ways to avoid cancer

We've hear a lot this month on breast cancer, but obviously cancer takes many other forms too and can attack any part of the body. And although some cancers can be largely prevented and/or successfully treated, it can get so confusing when it comes to remembering what you should and shouldn't be doing to reduce your chances of getting the deadly disease. The following tips simplify things a little by letting us know where to best focus our efforts:

• Get regular check-ups and screenings for early detection.
  
• Protect yourself from the sun.
• Avoid/take precautions with environmental carcinogens (asbestos, radon).
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Don't smoke!
• Drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether.
• Exercise regularly (meaning at least 30 minutes 5 days a week).
• Consider genetic testing if cancer runs in your family.
• If you have many or severe risk factors for cancer, consider having prophylactic surgery.