Many Cancers can be avoided and those that are found early can be treated if found early.
The following are some of the recommended steps you can take to reduce your cancer risks:
- Avoid tobacco - the use of tobacco products has been linked to many types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, breast, throat, cervical, bladder and mouth cancer. It’s never too late to quit. Non-smokers who exposed to second-hand smoke are also at risk of lung cancer.
- Avoid exposure to the sun - skin cancer is the one of the most common and most preventable cancer. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes most skin cancer. Be sure to use adequate sun protection year-round.
- Eat healthy foods - eat lots of fruits vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Limit red meat and cut out processed meats.
- Limit Alcohol - alcohol can increase your risk of liver, and breast cancers. If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day if you are a man or one drink a day if you are a woman.
- Get active - exercise or at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day can make a big difference in your general health and well-being. It reduces stress, increases energy, boosts your immune system, controls your weight, and reduces your risk for cancer.
- Take regular health screenings or tests – as these will be able to discover early signs of cancer and allow doctors to treat cancers early before they become serious or deadly. They include breast cancer tests for women and prostate tests for men.
Source: www.cancerday.org
SAMWUMED IS CREATING A FUTURE WITHOUT CANCER
Every year we review member cancer benefits because of our commitment to creating a future without cancer. We have the following cancer benefits:
- Mammogram (breast cancer tests) - for women members from age of 45 to 70 every two years
- Prostate tests – for men members between 45 to 70 years every year.
- HPV vaccine – for girls between 9 and 14 years to protect them against sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s) which can increase their risk to cervical cancer.
- Cytology Test - this is a test done to be able to see early signs of diseases such as cancer. One test per beneficiary every three years is allowed.
- Cancer Management Programme – helps members and beneficiaries who have cancer to receive expert treatment that allows them to manage the disease. Click here.
