Ten ways to reduce cancer risk

SEATTLE, April 8 (UPI) -- Taking anti-cancer medication is one of 10 ways a U.S. health group says people can lessen cancer risks.

Experts at the American Cancer Society suggest several medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene reduce the risk for cancer and those at risk should talk to a doctor about the pros and cons of these medications.

The American Cancer Society also suggests avoiding cancer-causing chemicals and radiation exposures.

"Make sure that any physician who orders an X-ray for you, especially high-dose ones like CT scans, knows how many previous X-rays you have had. If it is not an emergency medical situation, ask whether there is an alternative examination that for you, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, which do not have radiation," a American Cancer Society spokesman said in a statement. "Limiting X-ray exposure is especially important for children and teens."

Four more ways to lessen cancer risk are keeping alcohol consumption low, protecting the skin from sun, limiting the use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy and not using tobacco.

Four pro-active ways to lessen risk are getting tested regularly, eating an anti-cancer diet, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active. Moderate exercise reduces the risk of several cancers by 30 percent to 50 percent.