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ICA's recommendations to reduce your risk of cancer - as we approach International Women's Day

06/03/2016 14:46:08

You can reduce your risk of developing cancer!

 
Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Follow guidelines for a healthy life
Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Follow recommendations for early detection
 
Things you should do:

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Be as physically active as possible at any age.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Maintain a healthy body weight and eat healthy foods (follow a high-fiber diet, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water).

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid uncontrolled sun exposure and go outdoors/limit exposure to the sun during safe hours (until 10:00 and not before 16:00), stay in the shade, wearing appropriate protective clothing as well as a hat and sunglasses.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif At any age, and regardless of any health conditions, if you feel a lump or any kind of change in your breast, go get yourself checked and contact your physician to clarify the nature of this lump or change.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Make sure to undergo early detection screenings according to the following recommendations:

bul3 From age 50 and up: to detect breast cancer early, make sure to undergo a mammography screening once every two years. Gene mutation carriers are entitled to an MRI screening as well - and women with a family history should consult their physician.

 

bul3 To detect colorectal cancer early, make sure to undergo a fecal occult blood test once a year, and if you are at high risk, you should undergo a colonoscopy according to your physician's recommendation.

 

bul3 Age 25-65: to detect cervical cancer early, make sure to undergo a pap test once every three years.

 

bul3 To detect skin cancer early, make an appointment with a dermatologist to undergo periodic skin tests.

 

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif If you are at high risk due to family history or a genetic mutation, or if you have developed cancer, you must undergo follow-up care according to your physician's instructions.

 

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif It is also important that you verify whether you have a genetic disposition to breast and ovarian cancer.  The "Family History" questionnaire on the ICA website can help you find out.

 

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Please click here to view the questionnaire. 

Things you shouldn't do:

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid smoking. Smoking causes wrinkles, yellow teeth, stench and cancer diseases, as well as other maladies.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke - don't let people smoke around you!

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid alcohol consumption (if you do drink, limit your intake to one glass a day).

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Reduce your intake of high-fat, processed, smoked, fried, and preserved/pickled foods as well as high sodium foods.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid drinking sweetened beverages and beverages that contain artificial sweeteners.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid a 'sedentary' lifestyle - limit the time you spend sitting.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid excessive weight gain.

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif Avoid exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances such as asbestos, radon, etc.).

Big-Bullet-SQR.gif To receive a free booklet containing additional information - 'Guidelines for a Healthy Life and Recommendations for the Early Detection of Cancer' - you are welcome to contact the Telemeida teleinformation services at: 1-800-599-995.