EAT A PLANT-BASED

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Study found that three servings of vegetables (not starchy ones, like potatoes) and two of fruit (not juice) every day resulted in a 10% lower risk of death from cancer. Limit red meat and foods high in salt and cut out processed meats. Avoid drinks with added sugar.

STOP USING TOBACCO

It’s best stop using tobacco, but if you do use tobacco products, it’s never too late to quit. Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, hookah, chewing tobacco and more) has been linked to many types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, breast, throat, cervical, bladder, mouth and esophageal cancers. It is one of the major causes of death and disease in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year. India is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco. Passive are also at risk for cancer of the lungs and other sites, as well as other diseases.

LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Consuming alcohol is lead to increased risk of several cancers, including liver cancers, Oral, esophageal breast and colorectal. Even small amounts of alcohol might increase your risk of cancer.

AVOID SUN EXPOSURE

Be sure to use adequate sun protection year-round. Skin cancer is the most common—and the most preventable— cancer diagnosis. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes most skin cancers. Never use indoor tanning beds.

HEALTHY WEIGHT AND BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Obesity is one of the leading cause of many cancers, including those of the endometrium, liver, kidney, pancreas, colon, breast (especially in post-menopausal women) and more. Make it a priority to move more and sit less. If you spend most of your time at work sitting at a desk, for example, find a way to get up and move around every hour. Physical activity is linked to a lower risk of colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and there is some evidence that also links it to reducing the risk of other cancers. Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk of cancer.

SAFER SEX EDUCATION AND AVOID RISKY BEHAVIORS

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) and at least four other types of cancer. Because HPV is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex, using a male contraceptive like condom the right way every time you have sex can help protect you, but it is not 100% protection. The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses can be spread from person to person through sex or blood (for example, by sharing needles and syringes for injection drug use). The hepatitis B or C viruses can cause long-term liver infection that can increase your chance of developing liver cancer. Avoid risky behaviors and practice safer sex to decrease your risk of hepatitis B or C and liver cancer.

VACCINATION AGAINST HPV AND HEPATITIS B

Vaccination at right age can protect you from certain viral infection that are linked to certain cancers. One of these viruses is HPV. All children should get vaccinated against HPV between ages 9-12 and older teens and young adults (ages 13 to 26) who have not been vaccinated can get a “catch-up” vaccination series. While there is no vaccine at this time for hepatitis C, a hepatitis B vaccine is available and is recommended for all children and adults up to age 59, as well as adults age 60 and over who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection.