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Any recommendation made to reduce cancer occurrence should
not be one which could lead to an increased risk of other
diseases. The recommendations which comprise the revised European
Code Against Cancer should, if followed, also lead to
improvements in other aspects of general health. It is also
important to recognise from the outset that each individual
has choices to make about their lifestyle some of which could
lead to a reduction in their risk of developing cancer. These
choices, and the rationale underlying their recommendation,
are presented below.
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| Many
aspects of general health can be improved, and certain cancers
avoided, if you adopt a healthier lifestyle |
| Do
not smoke; if you smoke, stop doing so. If you fail to stop,
do not smoke in the presence of non-smokers |
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| Avoid
Obesity |
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| Undertake
some brisk, physical activity every day |
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| Increase
your daily intake and variety of vegetables and fruits: eat
at least five servings daily. Limit your intake of foods containing
fats from animal sources |
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| If
you drink alcohol, whether beer, wine or spirits, moderate your
consumption to two drinks per day if you are a man and one drink
per day if you are a woman |
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| Care
must be taken to avoid excessive sun exposure. It is specifically
important to protect children and adolescents. For individuals
who have a tendency to burn in the sun active protective measures
must be taken throughout life |
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| Apply
strictly regulations aimed at preventing any exposure to known
cancercausing substances. Follow all health and safety instructions
on substances which may cause cancer. Follow advice of national
radiation protection offices |
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| There
are public health programmes that could prevent cancers developing
or increase the probability that a cancer may be cured |
| Women
from 25 years of age should participate in cervical screening.This
should be within programmes with quality control procedures
in compliance with European Guidelines for Quality Assurance
in Cervical Screening
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| Women from
50 years of age should
participate in breast screening. This should be
within programmes with quality control
procedures in compliance with European Union
Guidelines for Quality Assurance in
Mammography Screening |
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| Men
and women from 50 years of age should participate in colorectal
screening. This should be within programmes with built-in quality
assurance procedures |
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| Participate
in vaccination programmes against Hepatitis B Virus infection |
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