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Understanding Cancer

Can Cancer be Prevented?

People can reduce their chances of getting cancer by: not using tobacco products; choosing foods with less fat and eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains; exercising regularly and avoiding obesity; and avoiding the harmful rays of the sun. Although many risk factors can be avoided, some, such as inherited conditions, are unavoidable.

Still, it is helpful to be aware of them. It is also important to keep in mind that not everyone with a particular risk factor for cancer actually gets the disease; in fact, most do not. People who have an increased likelihood of developing cancer can help protect themselves by avoiding risk factors whenever possible and by getting regular checkups so that, if cancer develops, it is likely to be found early.

Treatment is often more effective when cancer is detected early. Screening exams, such as sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, mammography and the Pap test, may also detect precancerous conditions that can be treated before they turn into cancer.

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