Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, following heart disease.

However, there is good news: many types of cancer can be prevented or treated if caught early.

By making healthy lifestyle choices and getting the right screenings, you can decrease your risk of developing cancer or increase your chances of survival if you are diagnosed with the disease. In this article, we’ll take a look at the seven most common types of cancer and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with about one in eight women developing the disease in their lifetime. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue.

While some risk factors, such as age and family history, are out of your control, there are several lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

These include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular physical activity. Additionally, women should perform regular breast self-exams and receive periodic clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by their doctor.

2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer accounts for approximately 25% of all cancer deaths in the United States.

It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lungs, typically as a result of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as other environmental factors such as air pollution and radon exposure.

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. If you are a current smoker, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.

Additionally, reducing your exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and radon can also help lower your risk.

3. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with about one in nine men developing this disease in their lifetime. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder in men.

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain risk factors such as age, family history, and race may increase your chances of developing the disease.

However, making healthy choices such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity may help lower your risk. Additionally, men should receive periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings as recommended by their doctor.

4. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the colon or rectum.

There are several lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your consumption of red and processed meats, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Additionally, both men and women should receive periodic colonoscopies starting at age 50 to screen for colorectal cancer.

5. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the skin, typically as a result of exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun. Wear protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves, seek shade during peak hours, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Additionally, be aware of any changes in your skin and report them to your doctor immediately.

6. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It is more common in men than women and typically affects people over the age of 55.

While the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, certain lifestyle choices such as smoking and exposure to certain chemicals and toxins may increase your risk.

To reduce your risk, avoid smoking and exposure to toxins, and drink plenty of fluids to help flush your bladder regularly. Additionally, be aware of any changes in your urinary habits, such as frequent urination or pain during urination, and report them to your doctor immediately.

7. Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is the most common cancer in children and second most common cancer in adults.

While the exact cause of leukemia is unknown, certain risk factors such as exposure to radiation and certain chemicals may increase your risk. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to toxins can help lower your risk.

Additionally, early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of survival if you are diagnosed with leukemia.

Conclusion

Cancer is a serious and often deadly disease, but there are many things you can do to reduce your risk or increase your chances of survival.

By making healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding exposure to toxins, you can help protect yourself against cancer. Additionally, getting the right screenings and seeking medical attention if you notice any abnormal changes in your body can help catch cancer early and improve your chances of survival.