Healthy ways to prevent cancer in teens!

 

 

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei
Cancers in teens may sound little awkward but yes it's there. And most cancers in teens do not have a known cause, so it's not feasible to prevent all of them. But, by following some steps you can prevent or reduce your risk of getting certain kinds of cancer.
Unlike adults, lifestyle-related and environmental risk factors are not considered to play a major role in cancers in teens.
Young people, as they grow into adults, go through many many changes physically as well as socially, which is good for them as these changes create unique opportunities for them in preventing cancer.
Below are some useful ways to lower the risk of getting cancer in teens:

Fruits and veggies: Eat lots of veggies and fruits (at least five servings a day). Fruits and veggies contain antioxidants, which protects body cells from cancer. They also contain plant chemicals called phytochemicals that fight cancer.

Vaccines: It is believed that some vaccines might lower your risk of cancers. For example, HPV vaccines are given to protect against HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, which viruses are also linked cervical and some other cancers. HPV vaccines work best if they are given before a person becomes sexually active.

Maintain healthy habits: Practice healthy habits early in life like- not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, keeping a healthy weight (try to get about 30 minutes of physical activity every day), and eating a healthy diet. By adopting these healthy habits, you will lower your risk of developing cancer as well as many other health problems later in life.

Limiting exposure to sun: Avoid long time exposure to the sun to prevent skin cancer. Also, use sun-block cream/lotion of at least 15 SPF whenever you step out in the sun.