Six ways you can reduce risk of cancer

· Cancer has several proven causative agents. These include radiation from the sun, contact with radioactive materials, radicals in the soil and water, unhealthy lifestyle choices like alcoholism and tobacco smoking and unhealthy diet.

· Patients of HIV and AIDS are at a higher risk of developing cancer due to their low immunity.

· A 2017 study published in the journal Carcinogenesis led by a team from University of California, Berkley, confirmed that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing cancer.

· Cervical cancer is caused by HPV. A vaccine against this virus has been developed. Oncologists advise that all women of reproductive age be vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is more effective when administered when girls are young and haven’t been sexually active.

· HPV is greatly associated with multiple sexual partners. Practicing safe sex would be important in avoiding cervical cancer.

· The BRCA 1 and 2 tests, available in Kenya today, can be used to determine a woman’s likelihood of suffering from breast cancer in future. When the tests are positive the woman is often advised to consider mastectomy (removal of breasts) when done with child rearing.