Ministry of Health shares tips to lower cancer risk

Here's what the Ministry of Health recommends:

• Be physically active and maintain a healthy diet. Smoking, excessive weight, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and insufficient consumption of plant-based foods are causes of a third of cancer cases.
• Quit smoking and alcohol. Alcohol can cause at least 7 types of cancer, and smoking is the cause of every 4th cancer-related death.
• Hepatitis B and papilloma viruses account for up to 25% of cancer cases. Ensure your children are vaccinated against hepatitis B and preferably human papillomavirus.
• Use barrier contraception to avoid infections that increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Limit sun exposure. Avoid tanning in the sun or tanning beds. Ultraviolet radiation causes up to 90% of skin cancer cases and premature skin aging. Use sunscreen and sunglasses all year round.
• Consume more vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains and legumes. Avoid processed meats, limit red meat consumption, and foods high in salt.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in women.
• Follow safety rules at work and at home.
• Regular self-examinations and screenings for different types of cancer increase the chances of early detection of the disease, and thus, better treatment effectiveness.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.