While less than 20 people out of every 100,000 get brain cancer, finding ways to prevent this disease provides solid motivation for maintaining a healthy body. (See Reference 1) Since the brain controls all of the functions in our bodies, prevention starts with understanding the differences between the two types of brain cancer. The first type, primary brain cancer, occurs within the skull and rarely moves beyond the brain itself. The other form, metastatic brain cancer, or secondary brain cancer, originates from cancer cells that formed in a different part of the body and moved to the brain.

Primary brain cancer

Unfortunately, no proven strategy exists to prevent this form of brain cancer. But people with genetic disorders who may be predisposed to primary brain cancer may be able to reduce the risk with early detection and treatment. Visit your doctor annually for a thorough physical examination, and tell him about any symptoms you're experiencing. Your doctor may also suggest periodic imaging studies to watch for any signs of abnormalities in your brain. Hopefully, ongoing research on this type of brain cancer will lead to ways to prevent it in the future.

Metastatic brain cancer

By preventing cancer in other parts of your body, you increase your chances of preventing metastatic brain cancer. Start with eating a balanced diet: keep an eye on portion sizes and avoid foods high in fat or sugar. Include more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. You also need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight makes your body produce more estrogen and insulin, and this encourages cancer growth. Increased physical activity also helps reduce cancer risk since it helps to strengthen your immune system. Another way to decrease the risk of cancer is to not smoke tobacco. According to the United States Surgeon General, cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the United States. (See Reference 2) If you smoke, consider quitting as soon as possible; the tobacco in cigarettes contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, with 60 known to cause cancer. (See Reference 2) Decreasing your exposure to the sun also helps prevent cancer. Stay in the shade or wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses to protect your skin. Choose clothing that protects your skin from harmful UV rays. And avoid tanning beds, as they prematurely age your skin, increasing the risk for skin cancer.

Source:

Brain Cancer Overview

Cigarette Smoking

Prevention & Early Detection