Safe sex, sun safety, smoking
Some important things to know
Get to know your body
All of our bodies are different and there are lumps and bumps that come and go and some that are just part of you. Getting to know your body means that if you notice something new or unusual you can get it checked out straight away. Taking care of your body can help you reduce your risk of cancer.
Smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of lung cancer and lots of other types including cancer of the mouth, bladder, cervix, and stomach.
Being safe in the sun
Getting sunburnt is one of the main causes of skin cancer. It's the damage done to your skin when you're young that increases your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. So it's vital to wear a high factor suncream, cover up, wear sunglasses and seek shade on hot days. Remember, the sun can damage your skin in the UK too, so it's not only when you're on holiday that you need to take care not to burn.
Safe sex
Being sexually active at an early age can not only put you at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but also certain types of cancer. Always use a condom and keep your number of partners to a minimum to avoid increasing your risk.
Exercise and eating healthily
Being active is good for all parts of your body. By getting exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and keeping a healthy weight you can reduce your risk of bowel, breast, mouth, liver and other types of cancer.
Have a voice
If you're ever worried about anything to do with your body, speak to someone. Whoever it is, make sure they listen and if they don't then speak to someone else, or make an appointment to see your doctor or GP.
Fake it
Tips on how to get the perfect tan
- Exfoliate for at least two days before you apply the tan, so your skin is smooth
- Wear loose clothes and no bra on the day to avoid white lines
- Different skin tones require different tanning products: gradual tanners for fair skin; spray or mousse for medium skins; lotion for darker skins
- Before you get started, put some talcum powder on your armpits and under your breasts, to prevent lines of sweat. Also rub moisturiser on your knees; elbows, knuckles and the sides of your feet to dilute the tan
- When applying the tan, use tanning mitts, to prevent orange palms. Work from your feet upwards
- To avoid the combination of white hands with brown arms, don't wash your hands for at least four hours afterwards
- Moisturise every day after you apply the tan to help it fade evenly. Only start exfoiliating again after four days.
