Helping your child or teen form healthy habits now can lower their risk of developing cancer as an adult.
- Eat a healthy, mostly plant-based diet: Choose a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit red and processed meat.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Cut down on sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and juice, which are high in sugar and calories.
- Do not smoke or vape: Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking and vaping. Visit teen.smokefree.gov for tips.
- Move every day: Take trips to the playground, go for walks in your neighborhood, or play a sport.
- Be sun-safe: Find shade and wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants. Always use sunscreen.
- Avoid too much screen time: Outside of schoolwork, try to limit time on phones, computers, and tablets.
- Get the HPV vaccine: Girls and boys should be vaccinated against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) between the ages of 9 and 12. Teens and young adults can also get the vaccine.
- Make sleep a priority: Put away electronics and avoid physical activity or large meals right before bedtime. Additionally, try to keep a regular sleep schedule.
For more cancer prevention tips, visit 8ways.washu.edu.
For more information about Siteman Cancer Center, visit siteman.washu.edu.
