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Category FAQs Search : Health

Question: Cancer Prevention

Answer: Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies. The cancer burden can also be reduced through early detection of cancer and management of patients who develop cancer. Prevention also offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer.

Modifying or avoiding the following key risk factors can help prevent cancer:

avoid tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
maintain a healthy weight
eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
exercise regularly
limit alcohol use
practice safe sex
get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV)
reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ionizing radiation (occupational or medical diagnostic imaging)
avoid urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels
get regular medical care
some chronic infections are also risk factors for cancer. People in low- and middle-income countries are more likely to develop cancer through chronic infections.

(Source: World Health Organization, 27 Jan 2021)

Source Link: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_2