Cancer is one of the deadliest and most feared diseases in the world. It is a condition that results in the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

While cancer can be genetic, research has shown that many lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing cancer. The good news is that we can take certain actions to prevent cancer. Here are the six “must-do” actions to avoid cancer:.

1. Stop Smoking

One of the leading causes of cancer is tobacco smoking. Smoking is a significant contributor to several types of cancer, including lung, throat, bladder, and pancreatic cancer. To avoid cancer, you must stop smoking immediately.

If you don’t know how to quit, talk to your healthcare provider about the best strategies for quitting smoking.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help fight cancer. Enrich your diet with foods high in vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C and E, selenium, and folate.

On the other hand, you should limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, and red meat. A well-balanced diet can not only help you avoid cancer but can also reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is essential for overall health and can help reduce the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer.

Exercise helps keep your body weight in check, and obesity is known to increase the risk of several cancers such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise every week.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. To avoid cancer, you must protect yourself from the sun at all times.

Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, hats, and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm. If possible, seek shade to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

5. Get Vaccinated

Several viruses can increase the risk of developing cancer. The most popular of these viruses include HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis B and C viruses. Both viruses can cause several types of cancer, including liver and cervical cancer.

The best way to avoid cancer caused by viruses is to get vaccinated. Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B are available and can be obtained from your healthcare provider.

6. Go for Regular Cancer Screenings

Regular cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. A screening test is a type of cancer test that checks for signs of cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease.

Screenings can detect several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, cervical, and prostate cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to start getting screened for cancer, how often, and which tests are right for you.

Conclusion

Preventing cancer requires effort and lifestyle changes, as seen in the above six “must-do” actions.

Stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, protect yourself from the sun, get vaccinated, and go for regular cancer screenings – all of these actions can help prevent cancer or detect it early when it is most treatable. Remember that your lifestyle choices can significantly impact your risk of developing cancer. Therefore, make an effort to implement these actions in your daily routine, and you will significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer.