Cancer Prevention

Cancer patients are some of the highest users of blood products. Some forms of cancer are preventable. Listed below are some tips that may help you lessen the risk of developing cancer.

Sun Protection
  • Cover up with shirts and pants that protect as much skin as possible.
  • Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
  • Wear a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block UV rays.
  • Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are strongest and limit your total sun exposure.
Nutrition
  • Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
  • Choose whole grains rather than refined grains and sugars.
  • Limit your consumption of red meats, especially those high in fat.
  • Choose foods that are low in fat, calories and sugar and avoid large portions.
Physical Activity
  • Engage in moderate activity for 20 minutes or more on five or more days of the week.
  • 45 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity on five or more days per week may further reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Ways to be more active:

  • Use the stairs rather than the elevator
  • Walk or bike to your destination
  • Exercise at lunch with your workmates, family or friends
  • Take a 10-minute exercise break at work to stretch or take a quick walk
  • Walk to visit co-workers instead of sending an e-mail
  • Go dancing with your spouse or friends
  • Plan active vacations rather than only driving trips
  • Wear a pedometer every day and watch your daily steps increase
  • Join a sports team
  • Use a stationary bicycle while watching TV
  • Plan your exercise routine to gradually increase the days per week and minutes per session
Alcohol Consumption
  • Limit your intake to no more than two drinks per day if you are male and one drink per day if you are female
Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
  • Stop smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Limit your exposure to second hand smoke