Decrease Your Risk of Cancer: A 7-Step Action Plan

By Laura Turner

You’ve seen them everywhere: people you know, people you love, celebrities, athletes, even children--diagnosed with the dreaded disease: Cancer. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention there are over one million new cases of cancer diagnosed every year. But did you know that in many cases cancer is highly preventable?

Or, when detected early, certain cancers are often curable? So, if that’s the case, you’re wondering, what personal, preventative steps should I be taking to wage war on this terrible disease? If the statistics are enough to scare you, take heart, there is much you can do to prevent cancer; both personally and politically. And this seven-step action plan will get you started. Accept the challenge! Demand better health and a better quality of life for yourself, your children and those you love.

Step One: Get Informed

The first step in your action plan: Inform yourself. Get the big picture. To stay on top of the latest research and prevention recommendations, visit the Cancer Prevention Coalition’s website. Here, you will also find the Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. “The How To Stop Cancer Before It Starts Campaign,” 66-page report. Dr. Epstein is the chairman for the Cancer Prevention Coalition and is dedicated to keeping the public informed on the latest issues.

Step Two: Get Involved

Next, decide what you can contribute. If you have some spare time or some extra money, there is much you can do to spread the word of prevention on a macro level:

• If you are politically inclined, it may be rewarding to get involved by forming a coalition with your Congressman or local Assemblyman. You can find out more about their interests, issues and how you can help by going to the www.vote-smart.org website. Here, you will also be able to locate issue organizations in your area or find out how to start one of your own.
• If you are more interested in volunteering locally, check out your Chamber of Commerce for local non-profit organizations.
• Or, if you have a little extra money in your pocketbook, you may feel inspired to donate to cancer research. The American Association for Cancer Research can let you know what opportunities are available.

If time and money are short, there are many other ways you can contribute to a healthy future on a micro level.

Step Three: Police Your Job

It may take a little effort to keep your workplace honest and hazard free. Here are a couple ideas:

• If you are working in manufacturing, check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Be sure your company complies with all anti-hazard requirements.
• Also, check out the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publications to be sure your company is in compliance.
• All offices and workplaces (especially ones dealing with hazardous substances and volatile chemicals) should aim to create a safety group assembled of employees. If your company doesn’t have one, talk to your supervisor about forming a safety group. Demand excellence and safety in your workplace. Again, review the OSHA standards and aim to comply.
• Also, if you are looking for a job, check out the company track record. Be sure to check up on any health issues or cancer incidences before you accept the position.

Step Four: Police Your Lifestyle

There are several, obvious ways to clean up your own atmosphere and make it safe from cancer causing agents. Here are just a couple lifestyle changes to pay closer attention to:

• If you smoke: Quit, period! If you are finding it difficult to quit, however, employ some extra help. In many states non-smoking laws are helping but, if you’re still having a difficult kicking the habit, check out your local Smoke Enders. Log on to the Smoke Enders website to find a group nearest you.
• If you are a drinker, use alcohol in moderation. Although there is no substantial proof that alcohol causes cancer, heavy drinking can increase your risk.

Step Five: Police Your Diet:

In the same way that moderate drinking is safer than indulging, be aware of your overuse of high fat and high calorie food sources. Most sources suggest a diet low in fat and high in fiber to protect your body against disease. Make small changes: aim to replace high sugar foods with increased portions of beans, grains, fruits and vegetables (Remember: rinse all fruits and vegetables before consumption). Also, decrease large portions of dairy, red meat and animal fat. Replace them with protein sources from fish and poultry. For and excellent, preventative diet program check out “Eat To Beat Cancer,” by J. Robert Hatherill, Ph.D.

Finally, be aware of the water you are drinking. There are some great carbon filtration systems that can be attached to your water source or externally to filter your water. According to Elson M. Haas, M.D., author of “Staying Healthy With Nutrition,” solid carbon block systems are superior.

Step Six: Police What You are Buying

When purchasing products for personal use, here are a few guidelines to consider:

• Drugs - Read package inserts and check for any references to cancer. If you find something questionable, weigh your options; search for alternative methods.
• Cosmetics - Make every effort not buy products with “Warning” messages. If the label says the safety of the product has not been determined, look for products which use natural ingredients and are free from synthetics.
• Consumer Products - Aim to avoid purchasing aerosol sprays; they will often cause you to inhale a higher than normal concentration of chemicals.
• Pesticides - If you use them, be aware that many pesticides are carcinogenic. Ask the retail store or company about biological friendly alternatives.
• Cleaning agents - Always check product labels. If there are “Warnings” listed, opt for something safer. Always check your shopping list against the current edition of the “Safe Shopper’s Bible,” written by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., before making your purchases.

Step Seven: Police Your Family History and Other Sources of Exposure

Does you family have a history of cancer? Early detection methods will often prevent you from big trouble. For women: a yearly pap smear and pelvic exam will often detect early signs of uterine or cervical cancers. Also, aim for a monthly breast self-exam. Men and women: Ask your doctor for recommendations on colon exams, and Men: ask your doctor for recommendations on PSA testing. Always check your skin for any odd looking lesions; make it a habit to take a quick overall scan of your body frequently. Also, aim to avoid UV lamps and over exposure to the sun. As often as possible wear a sunscreen, Dr. Epstein suggests one containing para-aminobenzoic acid. And, if you work outside, be sure to wear zinc oxide on your lips and nose.

With just a few hours of time, and these few simple steps, you could be extending your life. It’s well worth the effort! After all, in the words of Hippocrates himself, “Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.”

About the Author:

Laura M. Turner is a journalist, author and Certified Personal Trainer. Her recently released fitness eBook and online exercise program Brand New Body.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.