Cancer prevention refers to measures taken to reduce the chances of developing cancer. By reducing the incidence of cancer through these measures, cancer-related deaths will also be reduced.
To reduce the incidence of cancer, scientists have worked to explore cancer risk factors and protective factors. Cancer risk factors are factors that can increase the chance of developing cancer; cancer protective factors are factors that can decrease the chance of developing cancer.
Some risk factors are avoidable, but many are unavoidable. For example, smoking and genetic factors are both risk factors for some cancers, but smoking alone can be avoided. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are protective factors for some cancers. Avoiding risk factors and enhancing protective factors can reduce the risk of developing cancer, but it does not necessarily mean that you will not develop cancer.
The following are preventive measures for cancer: