Lifestyle changes and early detection make a
dierence in your chances of cancer survival.
When it comes to cancer, it's easy to think that genetics is destiny—
if cancer runs in your family, you're destined to have it, and if it
doesn't, then you don't have to worry about it. The truth is that less
than 10 percent of cancers are caused by genetics.
The rest of cancers are caused by a wide range of lifestyle
choices, environmental factors or a combination of the two. There is
no one way to guarantee you won't get cancer, but there are steps
you can take to reduce your risk.
If you don't smoke, don't start. If you already smoke, talk with
your physician about methods for quitting. Excessive alcohol
consumption also increases your risk for cancer. Limit yourself to
no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for
men. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a diet rich
in fruits and vegetables can also decrease your risk for cancer.
Stopping Cancer
Before It Starts
3
