Top 15 Things You Can Do Today To Prevent Cancer From Striking Tomorrow

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10. Get Smart about the Sun

Americans are so afraid of the sun, estimates show that 80 to 90 percent of us are deficient in vitamin D. Our bodies turn sunshine into vitamin D. Study after study has shown that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D in their blood tend to have the highest risk of developing cancer. This isn’t to say that you should spend all day, every day, sunbathing. Moderation is the key here. You need to avoid most of the damaging UV rays of the sun, but at the same time, you do need some exposure to sunlight. If possible, get about 30 minutes of early morning sunlight on your bare skin. This will get you the vitamin D your body needs to fight cancer. However, to avoid skin cancer, avoid the harsh, midday sunlight and avoid getting more than an hour of sunlight each day. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. If you live in an area with little sunlight or with very long winters, opt for indoor tanning beds that do not use UV lights. If you cannot get natural sunlight, consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Speak with your doctor about the proper dosage for your unique situation.

11. Consider Vaccination

Although some people may not like this, the truth is that certain viral infections have been shown to increase the risk of developing certain types of very aggressive cancers. Several studies, including one in 2012, published by Cancer Prevention Research, showed that vaccinations for hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be quite effective in reducing certain types of cancer. Hepatitis B increases the risk of developing cancer of the liver. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and other types of genital cancers. Vaccinations do come with certain risks, so only you and your doctor are the best qualified persons to decide whether these types of vaccinations are right for you. Speak with your doctor.

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