Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with stomach and prostate cancer being some of the most common types.

According to statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), stomach cancer accounts for about 800,000 deaths each year globally and prostate cancer responsible for approximately 350,000 deaths annually. While there is no definite way to prevent cancer, making some changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk. In this article, we’ll explore easy protection against stomach and prostate cancer.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain essential nutrients that the body requires to fight off diseases and maintain healthy body processes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower the risk of stomach and prostate cancer.

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, individuals who consumed more than ten servings of fruits and vegetables daily had a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ate less. Similarly, a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 40%.

Reduce your intake of red and processed meat

Eating large amounts of red and processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of stomach and prostate cancer.

A study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention found that consuming high amounts of red and processed meat can increase the risk of prostate cancer by up to 20%. Similarly, processed meat contains nitrites, which can cause the stomach to produce carcinogenic compounds. It is, therefore, important to limit your intake of red and processed meat to reduce your risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer.

Drink green tea

Green tea has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of several types of cancer, such as stomach and prostate cancer.

Green tea contains antioxidants known as catechins, which can protect against cancer by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, individuals who drank green tea regularly had a 42% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who didn’t.

Drinking green tea can, therefore, be an easy and effective way of protecting yourself against stomach and prostate cancer.

Limit alcohol intake

Excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including stomach and prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stomach cancer by up to 60%, and the risk of prostate cancer by up to 12%. It is therefore essential to limit your alcohol intake or avoid alcohol altogether if possible to reduce your risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer.

Stay physically active

Staying physically active can reduce your risk of several diseases, including cancer. Regular exercise has been shown to lower the risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer significantly.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, men who engaged in regular physical activity had a 25-30% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Similarly, another study found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 67%. To reduce your risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer, aim to exercise regularly, for at least 30 minutes, five times a week.

Manage your weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of several health conditions, including cancer. Research has shown a clear link between obesity and a higher risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, overweight and obese individuals are at a 30% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who have a healthy weight. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer.

Quit smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of several health conditions, including cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach and prostate cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer by up to 75%. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that smoking can increase the risk of prostate cancer by up to 30%.

Quitting smoking can, therefore, be an easy and effective way of protecting yourself against stomach and prostate cancer.

Get regular check-ups

Regular check-ups can help detect stomach and prostate cancer early, which can improve your chances of successful treatment. For stomach cancer, early warning signs include nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

For prostate cancer, early warning signs include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor immediately to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Additionally, if you have any risk factors or a family history of stomach or prostate cancer, it is essential to get regular check-ups to detect any potential signs of cancer.

Conclusion

Stomach and prostate cancer are two of the most common types of cancer that can have a significant impact on the quality of life. However, making some simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing these types of cancer.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing your intake of red and processed meat, drinking green tea, limiting alcohol intake, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and getting regular check-ups are some easy ways to protect yourself against stomach and prostate cancer.