Cancer is a disease that terrifies us all. Nearly everyone knows someone who has battled with cancer.

Although modern medicine has made great strides in treating cancer and increasing survival rates, it’s still critical to take measures to prevent cancer from affecting us in the first place. But how do we do this?.

Here are 14 new ways to protect yourself from cancer.

1. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are good for our health, but their benefits go beyond just vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect our cells from damage that can lead to cancer.

Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens are particularly good sources of antioxidants.

2. Limit Processed and Red Meat Consumption

Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs have been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Red meat, particularly beef and pork, has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

To reduce your risk, limit your consumption of processed and red meats and opt for white meats like chicken and turkey or plant-based proteins like legumes and nuts.

3. Choose Whole Grains

Whole grains, like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread are high in fiber and other nutrients that help to protect against cancer.

They’re also less likely to cause blood sugar spikes and may help to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for certain types of cancer.

4. Get Plenty of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for bone health and may also help to protect against cancer. Our bodies make vitamin D when we’re exposed to sunlight. However, many people don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone.

Consider taking a vitamin D supplement or eating foods that are high in vitamin D like fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.

5. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is important for overall health and also helps to reduce your risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

Related Article Her Latest Tips on Cancer Prevention

6. Stay at a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.

Work with your doctor to determine a healthy weight for your body type and make lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain that weight.

7. Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and can cause cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth, and other parts of the body. Quitting tobacco can be difficult, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your health.

8. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. Aim for no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

9. Protect Your Skin

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma.

To protect your skin, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak UV hours, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

10. Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, like asbestos and lead, can increase your risk of cancer. Limit your exposure to these toxins whenever possible and take safety precautions when you work with chemicals or other harmful substances.

11. Get Screened for Cancer Regularly

Screening tests can help to detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Work with your doctor to determine which screening tests are appropriate for you based on your age, gender, and family history of cancer.

12. Practice Safe Sex

Sexually transmitted infections, like human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase your risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Practice safe sex by always using a condom and getting regular checkups for STIs.

13. Get Vaccinated

Vaccines can help to protect against certain types of cancer, like cervical cancer, by preventing infections that can lead to cancer. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are appropriate for you.

14. Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date on the latest research about cancer prevention and treatment. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your cancer risk, and take steps to reduce that risk.