How to Prevent Brain Cancer

Introduction

Brain cancer includes many different types of conditions defined by tumors, or abnormal cell growth, in the brain. You may decide to make preventing brain cancer a priority because you are a member of a high-risk group or perhaps because you have had a brain tumor removed and want to avoid another occurrence of the disease. Understanding which are higher-risk categories and speaking to your doctor about modern testing methods are ways to prevent the spread of brain cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Understand Your Risk

Steps

1

Step One

Know that those who have a family history of cancer, those with auto-immune diseases and those who have been exposed to radiation may be at increased risk of brain tumors.

2

Step Two

Know that patients who have had melanoma, lung, breast, colon or kidney cancer are at risk for metastasized, or secondary, brain cancer.

Be Proactive about Preventing Cancer

Steps

1

Step One

Take proactive steps toward preventing brain cancer and other types of cancer by making a commitment to eat healthier, quit smoking, exercise more often and stay informed about your cancer risk. The American Cancer Society (see "Resources" below) stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle for everyone with or without cancer.

2

Step Two

Volunteer in your community to educate people about cancer and how to prevent it. Raising awareness benefits everyone and emphasizes the importance of continuing scientific research.

3

Step Three

Stay on top of medical developments. The more you know, the better prepared you will be if you develop the illness.