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Cancer Prevention

Cancer Prevention includes steps you can take to lower your chance of getting cancer. Many factors can increase your risk, such as family history, age, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Preventing cancer involves changes to your diet and exercise routine, avoiding known carcinogens, and finding and treating health issues early. You can reduce your risk by making the following changes in your daily routine:

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Protect yourself and your family from the sun’s damaging rays to lower your risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends these tips:

  • Stay in the shade – Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
  • Wear protective clothing – Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Use sunscreen – Broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
  • Be cautious near reflective surfaces – Water, snow, and sand can increase sunburn risk by reflecting sunlight.
  • Avoid tanning – Stay away from tanning beds, sun lamps, and sunbathing.
  • Consider medication side effects – Some medicines can increase sunburn risk. Ask your provider about potential risks.
  • Do monthly skin self-exams – Check for any new, unusual, or non-healing spots, and consult a dermatologist if necessary.

Know Your Family Medical History

Cancer can run in families, so understanding your family’s health history is important. If family members have had cancer, you might be at higher risk. Discuss your family history with your healthcare provider, especially if it changes over time.

Try to gather information about your close family members' cancer history, including parents, siblings, children, and extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Use this ASCO Family Cancer History Questionnaire to get started.

Get Immunized: Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

Certain viruses like HPV and hepatitis B are linked to cancer. Vaccines can protect you from these viruses.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

What is HBV?

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that attacks the liver and spreads through contact with blood or body fluids. Many people don’t show symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to know for sure. Chronic HBV can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. There is a vaccine to prevent HBV, and treatment is available.

What is the Hep B vaccine?

The Hep B vaccine is safe and effective. It's recommended for infants, children under 19, and anyone at risk of HBV infection. For more information, visit this link.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can cause genital warts and several cancers. Anyone who has sex can get HPV.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine protects against 9 types of HPV that cause cancers like cervical cancer. It is recommended for boys and girls ages 9 and older, and for men and women under 26. Learn more about the vaccine:

  • Girls and young women can be protected against cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related cancers.
  • Boys and young men can be protected against genital warts, anal cancer, and other cancers linked to HPV.

Stop or Never Start Using Tobacco

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Parkland offers resources to help you quit. Whether you’re ready or just want to learn more, we encourage you to reach out.

Smoking Cessation Benefits

Smoking Cessation Services at Parkland

  • COPC Adult Smoking Cessation Group Classes: Available in English and Spanish, in-person or virtual. Call 214-266-1235 to speak with counselor Juan Prieto.
  • Parkland Smoking Cessation Clinic: No referral needed. Call 214-590-5691 for more information. Weekly support classes, 1:1 consultation with a provider, and behavioral counseling.

Smoking Cessation Services for All Texans

  • Texas Quitline – Free services for all Texans, including 2 weeks of free patches or gum, and free coaching sessions in English/Spanish. Call 1-800-YES-QUIT (937-7848) or use the web chat service.

Smoking Cessation Services for Parkland Oncology Patients

  • Parkland Cancer Program patients can access 1:1 virtual smoking cessation visits with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Ask your provider for more details.

Eat a Healthy Diet

For recommendations on a healthy diet, visit our Cancer Program Nutrition Page.