Intro
Cancer is the Big C Word that no one wants to hear. However, the reality is that there will be nearly 2 million new cancer cases in 2022 according to Cancer.org. Within that, there will be roughly 60,000 deaths during the calendar year. As such, it’s more important than ever to reduce the risk of cancer, and that begins with keeping your body as healthy as possible.
1. Kick Tobacco
Tobacco use is the number one no-no on the cancer-causing list. Tobacco has been linked to several different types of cancers for many years. This includes lung, throat, mouth, larynx, bladder, pancreas, cervix, and kidney cancers.
While chewing is linked more to the pancreas and oral cavity, both pose significant risk. Keep in mind that even though you may not personally use it, secondhand smoke can be just as bad. If you are currently a tobacco user and need help stopping, visit your doctor or seek out some sort of help. You aren’t alone in that journey and millions of people battle with nicotine addiction.
Consider switching to a less-taxing smoking method to wean yourself off of tobacco, such as cannabis products. Just be sure not to overdo it by sticking with proper weights and measurements. More information can be found here.
2. Eating Healthy
Eating a healthy diet should be a given in everyday life regardless of if you’re trying to avoid cancer. A well-balanced, nutritious diet will give you more energy and help you live a longer all-around happier life.
Your daily diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables or other plant-based products such as beans or whole grains. Plant-based diets have also been proven to be beneficial by the National Research Center. This is because processed meats regularly spike the risk of cancer.
Eating a good, balanced diet in turn should help you maintain healthy body weight. Choosing lighter and leaner options should always be at the forefront of your mind. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. The risk of several types of cancers including breast, lung, kidney, liver, and colon increased with alcohol intake.
Learn more about the best diet for you at Harvard’s Nutrition Source.
3. Exercise
Just as you’re careful with what goes into the body, it’s also important to monitor what is being put out. Getting daily exercise or movement of some sort, greatly reduces health risks, including cancer. Two cancers that present heightened risk without exercise include breast and colon cancers.
Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic movement per week. As a general rule of thumb, that is 30 minutes per day. But the more you’re able to move, the better off you’ll be!
4. Protect Your Skin
Skin cancer is one of the more well-known cancers. It’s no surprise that the next step in protecting your body is to protect yourself from the sun. Sometimes it’s nearly impossible and we also know that vitamin D is really good for humans, so how does one balance the right amount of sun?
Stay out of the sun if you can during midday when the sun is the hottest and at its full effect. Generally, that’s between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you must go out, cover up with UV protectant gear and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. For any unprotected areas, apply and reapply sunscreen often. And yes, this means staying away from those tanning beds.
5. Avoiding Infections
Cancer prevention also goes along with protecting yourself from viral infections. Always talk to your doctor first, but be aware of Hepatitis B and HPV. Hepatitis can increase your risk of liver cancer while HPV can lead to cervical or other genital cancers as well as cell cancers of the head or neck.
This also means practicing safe sex at all times. This can be done by using a condom and limiting the number of partners you have. Also, avoid sharing needles of any sort as it can be risky business and can lead to transferring of diseases. Seek medical care often and regularly.
Conclusion
Overall, you never know where life is going to take you. It is imperative we take care of our bodies at all times to reduce all sorts of illnesses, not just cancer. Seek out a regular screening by medical professionals throughout your life to ensure you are healthy no matter how well you are taking care of yourself.
