Whether you have a history of cancer in your family or just want to lower your odds of getting it, there are certainly steps you can take towards cancer prevention. For most, keeping yourself cancer free starts with everything you might expect, such as a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and maintaining your recommended body mass index. Of course, do not smoke, stop if you have been smoking and limit your contact with second-hand smoke. Beyond carcinogens from cigarettes, there are many other cancer-causing agents of which you may not be aware.

A body of evidence is beginning to suggest that many ordinary things we come in contact with everyday in the course of modern living can contribute to cancer. Unfortunately, a convoluted system of regulation keeps many of these products on the market or in our air and water supply. That does not mean you should be paranoid, but it does suggest that you may want to do your own research when deciding what is safe for you and your family.

Take aspartame, for instance. This is the chemical commonly used to sweeten diet soda consumed by millions daily. A recent study conducted by a neutral research group in Italy found that mice exposed to moderate levels of aspartame over the course of three years had a much greater chance of developing cancer than mice that did not receive aspartame. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration rejected aspartame for years before it was allowed to go forward without rigorous scientific study in early 1981. Unfortunately, there has not been enough study to prove conclusively that aspartame causes cancer in humans. For those serious about cancer prevention, however, it is best avoided. If you must drink soda, regular is less dangerous. Better yet, drink sodas that are sweetened with natural cane sugar or simply avoid sodas entirely.

Cleaning products with harsh chemicals are another source of possible danger. Just think of all the cleansers you use to disinfect bathrooms and kitchens, the ones that are extremely harmful if swallowed. But, what happens as you inhale the product while cleaning with it? What happens when it is absorbed through your skin? Certainly, the harmful effects from one-time use is small. It is the cumulative effect after years and years of use that leads to the problem. The effect on children, who are more susceptible to any cancer-causing agent, can be huge. Consider cleaning with more natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda. These two products, combined with hot water, can clean just about anything, and the smell will not give you a headache.

When it comes to cancer prevention, the most important factor may not be purely what is in your environment but rather what is also in your food. Over the years, many have gambled on synthetic foods that are low-fat and promise quick weight-loss. But again, there has been little research about the long term consequences of putting so many chemicals into our bodies. Choose organic whenever possible since organic foods are not made with harmful chemicals. Organic produce is grown with natural fertilizers, and organic meats and eggs are produced from animals that have been raised on healthy, chemical-free diets. Remember, any chemical that was used to make your food becomes a part of you. Being conscious of this fact will greatly help cancer prevention.