Priorities
Prevention
Over half of all cancers are preventable, and lifestyle factors impact cancer risk. Cancer prevention are actions taken by individuals and communities to promote healthy lifestyles through behavior changes, policies and environments.
Studies over the past decade have demonstrated that over half of all cancers are preventable and that lifestyle factors impact cancer risk. Cancer prevention can be defined as those actions taken by individuals and communities to promote healthy lifestyles through behavior changes, policies and environments. Current recommendations include reducing tobacco use, increasing physical activity, controlling weight, improving diet, limiting alcohol, utilizing safer sex practices, and avoiding excessive sun exposure (Figure 5). Many of these cancer prevention strategies not only reduce the risk of multiple cancers but also significantly reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
Figure 5: Cancer Risk Reduction Benefits
Source: Modifiable Risk Factors of Cancer.
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