What can I do to prevent cancer?
There's no way to be sure you'll never get cancer. However, some things can lower the risk of certain cancers:
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Don't smoke and avoid being around smoke: Lung, kidney, bladder, head, neck, mouth, and tongue cancer
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Don't use smokeless tobacco (snuff or chew): Head, neck, mouth, and tongue cancer
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Don't drink too much alcohol: Head, neck, liver, and esophageal (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach) cancer
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Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen: Skin cancer
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Be careful at work so you don't come in contact with chemicals that can cause cancer: Various cancers
Get vaccines that can prevent types of cancer that are caused by viruses:
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HPV vaccine to prevent cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, throat, and anal cancer
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Hepatitis B vaccine to prevent liver cancer
Not everyone needs the vaccines, so talk to your doctor about whether you do.
Screening tests to find cancer early aren't really prevention. However, cancer treatment works best when started early. Talk to your doctor about whether you should have screening tests such as the following:
Other tests may be appropriate if you have increased risk of certain cancers (for example, a cancer that runs in your family).
