Some pretty basic suggestions for avoiding cancer

According to the 10 January 2015 Economist, a study done in the United Kingdom found that 42% of all cancers are tied to factors within an individual’s control.

These factors include smoking (which, because of the carcinogenic chemicals it creates, causes 29% of pancreatic cancer, 37% of bladder cancer, 65% of esophageal cancer, and 86% of lung cancer), poor diet (which is linked with 51% of stomach cancer and 56% of head and neck cancer), overexposure to sunlight (which is associated with 86% of malignant melanomas), and infection with human papilloma virus (which is linked with almost 100% of cervical cancer).  Other factors include obesity, alcohol, and lack of exercise.

So the guidelines are quite obvious:  Don’t smoke.  Eat and drink well.  Be careful about sunlight and tanning salons.  Lose weight, if you need to.  Exercise regularly.  And, if you’re a young woman, get an anti-papilloma vaccination.

Isn’t such practical advice as this why you come to Sic et Non?

Have a healthy and happy 2015!  There’s still time to save your resolutions for the New Year.  Don’t give up!