CAUSATIVE AGENTS OF CANCER
Cancer is not disease which has one known causative agent, but a complex disease whose causative agents are unknown. What is known are solely the risk factors which contribute to its occurrence, such as, e.g., certain hormones, disorders of the immune (defense) system of the body, genetic causes (hereditary mutations of genes), but the most important ones are those resulting from unhealthy living environment and life style.

GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Personal or family history of a certain type of cancer or a cancer of connected organs.
Diet rich in cholesterol and fats of animal origin, as well as red meat.
Diet with low content of fibers, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Inactive life style, lacking physical activity.
Obesity (the illness of modern times).
Smoking.
Excessive consumption of alcohol.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (sunbathing without protective preparations), especially for those with a pale complexion and very sensitive skin.
Long-lasting stress.
Life in an industrialized environment.
Certain viruses and bacteria may be aiding causative agents for certain types of cancer.

GENERAL WARNING SIGNS
A solidification or a node present in a certain part of the body.
Considerable changes in the functioning of the system of digestive organs or the urinary and reproductive system, which occur without any perceptible cause and last for more than ten days.
Permanent difficulties in swallowing and digesting food.
A wound which constantly fails to heal up.
Unusual secretion or bleeding.
A change in the shape and color of warts and moles on the skin.
Persistent cough, a change of the character of cough and lingering hoarseness.

GENERAL FACTORS OF PREVENTION
Physical activity.
Correct diet (eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in A and C vitamins; consume food with more vegetable fibers, and reduce the consumption of vegetable and animal fats; reduce the consumption of smoked food and food preserved by nitrate (saltpeter); avoid the consumption of alcohol; be moderate in consuming food and drinks)

Click here to become familiar with World Cancer day on 4th February and cancer ribbon chart in order to recognize cancer prevention events.

Adopting a healthy (certain physicians use the wording "correct") life style and a healthy (correct) attitude towards health you can improve your general health status and prevent occurrence of cancer.

HEALTHY (CORRECT) LIFE STYLE
Do not smoke. If you smoke, stop smoking. If you cannot stop smoking, then do not smoke in the presence of children and other non-smokers.
Strive not to be obese.
Do physical exercises every day in a state of good humor.
Increase daily consumption of different types of fruit and vegetables. Eat at least 5 times.
Decrease consumption of food containing a lot of animal fats (certain physicians consider that this statement refers also to the fats of herbal origin).
Drink alcohol moderately, regardless of whether it is wine, beer or strong drinks.
Avoid excessive exposure to sun rays. This implies particularly to children and teenagers.
Adhere strictly to medical instructions and rules aimed at prevention of exposure to substances for which it is unfailingly known to induce cancer.

HEALTHY (CORRECT) ATTITUDE TOWARDS ONE'S HEALTH
After the age of 25, women should participate in the programmes intended for early detection of cervix cancer.
After the age of 50, women should participate in the programmes intended for early detection of breast cancer.
After the age of 50, both men and women should participate in the programmes intended for early detection of the colon and rectum cancer.
Participate in programmes of vaccination against B hepatitis in order to prevent occurrence of liver cancer.