Can You Prevent Cancer?

1.  Does stress cause cancer?

     AboutCancer.com: Stress 

2.  Can you prevent cancer by changing your diet?

     A large trial of low fat diet did not lower the risk of breast, colon or any cancer.

3.  Will exercise prevent cancer?

4. How can you detect cancer early? What are the risk factors for different types of cancer? Concerned about cancer because it runs in your family? Frequently exposed to tobacco or environmental hazards? Just want to stay healthy? You can find answers to these questions and more using the following resources:  

5.  What are some steps you can take to prevent cancer?

Avoid tobacco
Be physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated/trans fat
Limit alcohol consumption
Protect against sexually transmitted infections
Avoid excess sun
Get regular screening

6.  Specific factors associated with cancer risk include the following:

The association of dietary fat, fruits, vegetables, and fiber with cancer risk is largely unconfirmed. Red meat consumption may promote colorectal cancer and a high intake of tomatoes probably decreases prostate cancer risk.

Vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal and prostate cancer. Calcium intake, at a minimum of 700 mg/day, may protect against colorectal cancer but high calcium intake (>2000 mg/day) increases risk for prostate cancer.

Folate in diet has been associated with a decreased risk of colon and breast cancer, especially in women who drink alcohol; data on folic acid or multivitamin supplementation are inconsistent.

Alcohol intake, even in moderate quantities, increases the risk for colon, breast, esophageal and oropharyngeal cancer.

Physical activity is inversely related to risk for colon and breast cancer. Excess weight increases the risk of multiple cancers.