Cancer Prevention: 6 Effective Tips To Reduce The Risk

January 31, 2018

You have probably read a lot about cancer prevention, and the reports are usually conflicting. There are many various cancer-prevention tips. Moreover, sometimes, the specific thing recommended in one study is advised against in another. Unfortunately, we don't know enough about cancer to protect ourselves against it. However, it is well-known that your chances of developing cancer can be affected by your lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organization, between 30-50 % of all cancer cases are preventable.

Here are six cancer prevention tips that can reduce your risk.

1. Avoid tobacco

Tobacco use is the great risk factor for cancer as tobacco smoke contains more than 50 chemicals that can cause cancer. Smoking is connected to various types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, lung, kidney, pancreas, throat, bladder, and cervix. Even if you don’t smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke can heighten your risk of lung cancer. So, avoiding tobacco is an essential part of cancer prevention.

2. Maintain a healthy diet

Although healthy choices at the grocery store can’t guarantee that you will not get cancer, it may help reduce the risk. Doctors recommend maintaining a diet based on fruit and vegetables and avoid obesity. It is also important to limit processed meats as according to some studies, it can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

3. Be physically active and watch your weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight may lower your risk of cancer. And physical activity also plays a role. Studies claim that regular exercises can reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. You may choose whatever you want, but the main rule is to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine.

4. Protect your skin from the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but protecting your skin can help prevent it. Avoid midday sun and tanning beds, cover your skin, and use sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

5. Visit your doctor regularly

Get regular check-ups, including the screening tests that can help detect cancer before it causes any symptoms. Regular self-exams can increase your chances of catching cancer early. Consult with your doctor about the cancer screening schedule that will be best for you.

6. Limit your alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for various types of cancer, including cancer of liver, colon, and breast. The risk depends on the amount of alcohol. So, if you drink alcohol, do it in moderation.

There is no proven way to prevent cancer, but some steps can reduce the risk. Make healthy lifestyle choices starting from today, and the rewards will last a lifetime.

Source: MayoClinic, Harvard Health Publishing, WHO

This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.