Know if You Are at Risk

• Knowing whether or not you are at a higher risk for developing rectal cancer is the first step in prevention. Certain risk factors, such as family history, social practices and tobacco use, may put someone at a higher risk for developing rectal cancer than another individual. There are some risk factors, which cannot be controlled, but you can learn the signs to look for and make sure you visit your doctor annually for a checkup. If you find that you are at risk for rectal cancer, you can make additional lifestyle changes to further your preventative measures.
  
  

Avoiding HPV Infection

• According to NYU Medical Center, HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus Infection, can contribute to rectal cancer. Avoidance of anal sex all together is the surefire way to prevent rectal cancer from occurring, but if you must participate in anal sex, make sure to always use a condom. Condoms can help prevent against HIV and HPV, both of which are viruses, which are spread by skin contact. HPV can be present in an individual for many years without showing any signs or symptoms.
  
  

Quitting Smoking

• According to the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, smoking increases your risk of developing several different types of cancers, not just lung and smoking-related cancers. On that list of cancers is anal cancer. Also quitting smoking can help reduce other health risks commonly caused by smoking. According to an article on the National Cancer Institute website, quitting smoking can substantially reduce an individual's risk for developing and dying from cancer. Not to mention that there are many other health conditions and problems that can occur as a result of smoking tobacco cigarettes. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the human body and eventually diminishes a person's overall health. Additionally, smoking has been known to cause heart disease, stroke, lung disease, hip fractures and cataracts. Pregnant women who smoke are at a higher risk for delivering a baby too early and for delivering babies with low birth weights. Smoking after pregnancy also increases an infant's risk of death from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).