Cancer Prevention

The number of new cancer cases can be reduced, and many cancer deaths can be prevented. A person's cancer risk can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco use, getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, increasing physical activity, achieving and maintaining optimal weight, improving nutrition, and avoiding sun exposure.

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

You can reduce your risk for many types of cancer in other ways such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, limiting your alcohol intake, and protecting your skin from the sun.