Cancer is a disease that has affected so many people around the world. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there will be over 1.8 million new cases of cancer in 2020 alone.

Cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or race. Many factors can contribute to the development of this disease. However, there are some things that you can do to lower your risk of developing cancer.

Avoid Smoking and Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer. Smoking can cause cancer of the lungs, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, liver, and many more.

Even using smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco and snuff can cause cancer of the mouth, pancreas, and esophagus. Quitting smoking or avoiding the use of tobacco products altogether can help reduce your risk of developing cancer significantly.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is another way to lower your risk of cancer. Eating foods that are high in fiber, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals can help your body fight off cancer.

Eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Avoiding processed and sugary foods can also help lower your risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, colon, kidney, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet can help lower your risk of cancer. Also, regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Avoid Prolonged Exposure to the Sun

The sun’s harmful UV radiation can cause skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

You can help reduce your risk of skin cancer by avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing protective clothing like hats and long-sleeved shirts, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Lower Your Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, colorectal, and oral cancer. Limiting your alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

If you do drink, it’s recommended that you drink in moderation, which means no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Get Regular Screenings

Early detection is key when it comes to treating cancer. Getting regular screenings for cancer can help detect cancer before it spreads or becomes more difficult to treat.

Depending on your age and family history, your doctor may recommend a mammogram, colonoscopy, Pap test, prostate-specific antigen test, or other cancer screening tests.

Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos, radon, and air pollution can increase your risk of developing cancer. To reduce your risk, it’s important to avoid exposure to these toxins whenever possible.

You can do this by wearing protective gear when working around dangerous chemicals, testing your home for radon, and reducing your exposure to air pollution by avoiding heavily trafficked areas.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight off cancer cells.

Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of cancer.

Stay Active and Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise and physical activity can help reduce your risk of cancer by promoting a healthy body weight, reducing inflammation, and improving immune function.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming each week.

Conclusion

There is no surefire way to prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

Avoiding tobacco products, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, getting regular cancer screenings, avoiding environmental toxins, reducing stress, and staying active and exercising regularly all can help lower your risk of cancer.