5 Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer in 2010

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com

We’re just a few weeks into the new year, and everyone’s working on their resolutions. But instead of promising to get organized or become bikini-beautiful, let’s focus on what really matters: getting and staying healthy. Here, in no particular order of importance, are five resolutions to protect yourself from cancer in 2010.

1. Avoid too much sun exposure. By this, I really do mean too much — it’s actually a good thing to get your 15 minutes’ worth of rays to build up vitamin D. But if you’re going to be out longer than 15 minutes, be sure to lather up the sunscreen, put on a hat, and cover up with long sleeves. Melanoma is much more serious than many people realize; it’s actually the fastest growing type of cancer in the U.S. right now. If you saw a movie over the holidays, you may have had your awareness about melanoma raised; rock singer Bruce Springsteen recently released a public service announcement about the dangers of melanoma after beloved E Street Band member Danny Federici died of the deadly cancer in 2008 at the relatively young age of 58. (Springsteen and other musicians also set up the Danny Fund to benefit the melanoma research foundation.)

2. Get your annual mammogram, colonoscopy, and other screening tests. Yes, the news reports echo with debates about whether mammograms should be yearly or less frequent, but cancer advocates are clear: Your annual mammogram is your best defense against breast cancer. Same for colonoscopies, dermatology skin checks, PSA tests, and other screening methods — they’re tools, but they only work if you use them.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer originally appeared on Caring.com.

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Read more: Cancer, Eating for Health, General Health, Health, Skin Care

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

7:02AM PDT on Oct 4, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

Ann F.

2:04PM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

thanks

Past Member .

10:02PM PDT on May 11, 2011

Thanks for this post and these are the best ways to prevent cancer. Cancer is a disease which must be prevented before it attacks you. "Prevention is better than Cure” applies here. Preventing cancer is not as difficult as people think.

Darling Lewie V.

4:48AM PST on Feb 21, 2011

Great-:)

Gordana R.

7:17AM PST on Jan 23, 2011

really heplful article...thanks...

Tom R.

11:49PM PDT on Aug 16, 2010

A really good post, from food to exercise. Thank you.

Carri K.

1:47PM PDT on May 30, 2010

Make your plate a rainbow - I love this one

Harry F.

7:20AM PDT on May 11, 2010

Very helpful. Thanks for the brilliant article. I usually read articles to prevent cancer on wcrf. They do constant resource and invest heavily for a good cause.

Neil K.

4:04AM PDT on Mar 26, 2010

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune system's natural defenses against cancer, and may have the potential to reduce tumor growth. Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer by as much as a factor of 12!

m3 real

4:05PM PDT on Mar 19, 2010

PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS PETITION DIE OFF: Please forgive me
as this is off the Topic that is being discussed BUT this concerns everyone
on the Care2 Site as YOU COULD BE THE NEXT "VICTIM" of THEIR
SYSTEM. Even though most of these people who rank in ages of 30,50 and
60yrs. of age (but were treated like children) are now back onto the Care2
Site after a 2-3week suspension (please) they were given NO WARNING as
to why they were suspended from the Site or what they did wrong and still
have no idea to this day. This Petition was NOT ABOUT bringing them
back...that was just an added add on to my Petition. It was about HOLDING
Care2 "ACCOUNTABLE" in setting down some guideline of what is
appropriate and what is NOT appropriate behavior on these sites and
making the Care2 Members aware of these rules and regulations and then
carrying them out fairly, justly, and equally for EVERYONE. AFTER
ALL.....THIS IS AN ACTIVIST SITE and they are in violation of
OUR HUMAN RIGHTS! Thank You! Dusty D.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/23/human-rights.