While cancer is not always preventable or avoidable, numerous studies have shown that taking certain precautions in addition to maintaining healthy activity levels can help to minimize the risk for some of the most common forms.
Don’t Smoke – The link between smoking and lung cancer has been established for generations. However, many people may not be aware that in addition to the lungs, tobacco use can increase the risk of developing cancer in many other parts of the body as well, including the:
- Mouth
- Throat
- Larynx
- Pancreas
- Bladder
- Prostate
- Cervix
- Kidneys
Tobacco use should be avoided for overall health and protection against a wide range of cancers.
Healthy Diet – Eating sufficient fruit and vegetables and limiting processed foods, especially meats and refined sugars, can help with weight management and cancer prevention. Separate studies have found that high consumption of red meat can increase the risk of certain cancers, whereas consuming healthy fats through nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish like tuna and salmon can help mitigate many health risks, including cancer.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen – Among the participants of the study, the researchers did find one caveat – melanoma rates seemed to increase, most likely due to active individuals being much more likely to exercise in the sun. Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, and using sunscreen and protective clothing and gear while in the sun, including a hat and sunglasses, is very important.
Consume alcohol in moderation – Protecting the liver from excessive alcohol is the most obvious, but alcohol can also increase estrogen levels, which can cause estrogen receptor breast tumors to grow.
Practice safe sex – Certain viruses can increase the risk of developing cancer – Hepatitis B and C in the liver, and HPV (human papilloma virus) in the cervix. Practicing safe sex and avoiding risky behaviors like sharing needles can protect from these viruses.
Get a check up – It may seem old fashioned, but scheduling a regular physical and medical check up during healthy times can help to catch changes in the body or cancer at an earlier stage, when many forms are the most treatable.