How to Prevent Cancer or Find It Early

Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease, but many diseases. There are more than 100 kinds of cancer. For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute’s What Is Cancer?

A doctor providing results to her patient.

Screening Tests

Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. Lung cancer screening is recommended for some people who are at high risk.

A mother and child with a health care professional, who is giving the child a vaccine.

Vaccines (Shots)

Vaccines (shots) also help lower cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other kinds of cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk.

Healthy Choices

You can reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices like keeping a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and protecting your skin.

Questions about cancer? The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides clear and accurate answers to your questions about cancer and clinical trials free of charge in English and Spanish. Watch this video about NCI’s Cancer Information Service.