Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can lower your risk of developing cancer.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce your risk of cancer. Avoid processed foods, which can be high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and other additives.
Instead, opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Be Physically Active
Being physically active can help reduce your risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, improving your immune function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, whether it’s walking, jogging, biking, or swimming. You can also try strength training, yoga, or other types of exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and overall health.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking and other tobacco use are major risk factors for many types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix.
If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting is the most important step you can take to reduce your risk of cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting strategies or consider joining a support group to help you quit.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, and colon cancer. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Women should have no more than one drink per day, and men should have no more than two drinks per day.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, and stay in the shade during peak sun hours.
Get Screened
Getting screened for cancer can help detect the disease early, when it’s most treatable. Depending on your age, sex, and family history, your healthcare provider may recommend screenings for breast, cervical, colon, or prostate cancer.
Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about which screenings are right for you.
Know Your Family History
Knowing your family history of cancer can help you understand your risk of developing the disease. If you have a family history of cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease.
You may need to start screenings earlier or have more frequent screenings to detect cancer early.
Reduce Exposure to Toxins
Reducing your exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, chemicals, and pollutants, can help reduce your risk of cancer. Use non-toxic products in your home and work environment, eat organic foods, and avoid smoking and vaping.
If you work in a job that exposes you to chemicals or pollutants, make sure to follow proper safety protocols to reduce your exposure.
Stay Informed
Staying informed about the latest research on cancer prevention and treatment can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Talk to your healthcare provider, read reputable health websites, and attend cancer prevention and awareness events in your community to stay up-to-date on the latest information about cancer.