Cancer

Risk Factors

We learn more about cancer each day, both how to treat it as well as how we might avoid it. The risk factors we can recognize, modify, treat, or control include:

• Tobacco Use
  Smoking and smokeless tobacco are the largest causes of cancer death in the U.S. The use of tobacco can cause leukemia and cancer of the lung, mouth, throat (pharynx, voice box), esophagus, pancreas, uterus or cervix, kidney and bladder.
• Unhealthy Diet
  A diet high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans and low in red meats, dairy products and animal fat offers a major defense against cancer.
• Exposure to the Sun
  Don't go out without using a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater. Wear protective clothing, like a sun hat.
• Alcohol
  Limit the amount of alcohol or don't drink alcoholic beverages.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
  Staying active is key to cancer prevention. Exercise at least 30 minutes, three days a week.
• Chemical/Hazardous Material Exposure
  Use the protective safety equipment provided at work and limit your exposure to hazardous materials.