Simple habits that can reduce your cancer risk

Meg Dowell  

At the beginning of 2017, officials estimated 2 million people would receive a new cancer diagnosis by the end of the year. It’s more common than we’d like to think — but it’s not something we need to be afraid of. There are many things you can do every day to reduce your cancer risk. Even things you’re doing already can make a huge difference.

What increases your cancer risk?

According to the National Cancer Institute, age, hormones, and family history all increase your risk of developing cancer — and those are just the factors you can’t control. Lifestyle factors — those you’re more in control over — range from alcohol use to diet to activity level. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits could significantly reduce your cancer risk.

Avoid processed meat as much as possible

Most meat provides a variety of health benefits, but heavily processed versions could increase your cancer risk. According to the World Health Organization, regularly consuming foods like hot dogs and deli meat specifically increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. There’s limited evidence that red meat could also have carcinogenic affects, so you might consider limiting your hamburger habit, too.

Exercise often

You probably already know fitness makes you healthier. In the long-term, however, it might even help you avoid the most common types of cancer in America. According to research from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, exercising regularly might lower your risk of up to 13 different types of cancer.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

According to Everyday Health, many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Regularly consuming these chemicals can help prevent cancer-promoting cell damage. Plant foods might also be able to help reduce inflammation, another risk factor for many different types of cancer.

Consume whole grains instead of processed grains

Many of the grain-based foods you eat probably contain refined grains, which lack the nutrients necessary to make them worthwhile. Experts recommend eating whole grains instead of refined grains as often as possible. The American Institute for Cancer Research says the compounds that naturally occur in whole grains, like dietary fiber and lignans, can contribute to a lower risk of cancer.

Drink alcohol in moderation

When it comes to alcohol, there is such thing as middle ground. You shouldn’t drink excessively, but you don’t have to give it up completely, either. Some research suggests abusing alcohol over long periods of time can increase your risk of multiple types of cancer. However, moderate alcohol consumption might also be good for you.

As a general rule, stick to a serving or two of alcohol at most per day.

Visit your doctor regularly

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular screenings both at home and at your doctor’s office. Catching cancer before you start showing symptoms matters. Overall, regular checkups, whether you’re undergoing a routine screening or not, help both you and your health care provider keep tabs on your health. The healthier you are, the lower your risk of disease.

Make sure you’re vaccinated

Getting vaccinated when you’re young matters. Not all types of vaccines are part of the typical immunization cycle, though. There aren’t vaccines to prevent cancer directly — yet. However, there are vaccines that can protect you against infections like HPV and hepatitis B, which can cause cancer.

Maintain a healthy weight

Experts estimate that about 40% of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. could have a lot to do with weight. Weight gain increases your chances of developing more than one chronic disease — including many different types of cancer. Achieving and maintaining your ideal body weight will help improve your health and reduce your disease risk.

Don’t use tobacco

We’ve known for a long time that using tobacco increases your risk of lung cancer. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only type of cancer you can get from keeping up this terrible habit. According to the CDC, smoking cigarettes and cigars can promote cancer anywhere throughout your body, including your stomach, liver, and blood.

Get your caffeine fix

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, regular caffeine consumption may contribute to a lower risk of certain cancers. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants and other nutrients that promote a healthier life. Choosing either beverage might also help limit your consumption of artificially-sweetened drinks like soda, which also aren’t good for you.

Limit your screen time

Too much screen time might be an indirect risk factor for multiple types of cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology found that a long-term sedentary lifestyle might increase your risk of both bladder and kidney cancers. Sitting too much isn’t good for you. At least do some laps around the living room while you’re watching TV, to keep your body moving.

Check your skin

Regular skin exams — both self-exams and those your doctor conducts at checkups — promote early detection of skin cancer, one of the most common types in the U.S. Early detection improves your prognosis significantly, says the American Cancer Society. Perform a self-exam on your skin at least once a month, and inform your doctor of any unusual changes.

Who’s most at risk?

According to Mayo Clinic, certain people are more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than others. Those whose family members have had certain types of cancer are at a higher risk of those cancers. Certain chronic health conditions, like ulcerative colitis, also increase your cancer risk. That’s why it’s so important to take care of yourself over the long-term, to keep your body in working order.

 

 

Simple habits that can reduce your cancer risk

Meg Dowell At the beginning of 2017, officials estimated 2 million people would receive a new cancer diagnosis by the end of the year. Its more common than wed like to think but its not something we need to be afraid of. There are many things you can do every day to reduce your cancer risk. Even things youre doing already can make a huge difference. What increases your cancer risk? According to the National Cancer Institute, age, hormones, and family history all increase your risk of developing cancer and those are just the factors you cant control. Lifestyle factors those youre more in control over range from alcohol use to diet to activity level. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits could significantly reduce your cancer risk. Avoid processed meat as much as possible Most meat provides a variety of health benefits, but heavily processed versions could increase your cancer risk. According to the World Health Organization, regularly consuming foods like hot dogs and deli meat specifically increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Theres limited evidence that red meat could also have carcinogenic affects, so you might consider limiting your hamburger habit, too. Exercise often You probably already know fitness makes you healthier. In the long-term, however, it might even help you avoid the most common types of cancer in America. According to research from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, exercising regularly might lower your risk of up to 13 different types of cancer. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables According to Everyday Health, many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Regularly consuming these chemicals can help prevent cancer-promoting cell damage. Plant foods might also be able to help reduce inflammation, another risk factor for many different types of cancer. Consume whole grains instead of processed grains Many of the grain-based foods you eat probably contain refined grains, which lack the nutrients necessary to make them worthwhile. Experts recommend eating whole grains instead of refined grains as often as possible. The American Institute for Cancer Research says the compounds that naturally occur in whole grains, like dietary fiber and lignans, can contribute to a lower risk of cancer. Drink alcohol in moderation When it comes to alcohol, there is such thing as middle ground. You shouldnt drink excessively, but you dont have to give it up completely, either. Some research suggests abusing alcohol over long periods of time can increase your risk of multiple types of cancer. However, moderate alcohol consumption might also be good for you. As a general rule, stick to a serving or two of alcohol at most per day. Visit your doctor regularly The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular screenings both at home and at your doctors office. Catching cancer before you start showing symptoms matters. Overall, regular checkups, whether youre undergoing a routine screening or not, help both you and your health care provider keep tabs on your health. The healthier you are, the lower your risk of disease. Make sure youre vaccinated Getting vaccinated when youre young matters. Not all types of vaccines are part of the typical immunization cycle, though. There arent vaccines to prevent cancer directly yet. However, there are vaccines that can protect you against infections like HPV and hepatitis B, which can cause cancer. Maintain a healthy weight Experts estimate that about 40% of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. could have a lot to do with weight. Weight gain increases your chances of developing more than one chronic disease including many different types of cancer. Achieving and maintaining your ideal body weight will help improve your health and reduce your disease risk. Dont use tobacco Weve known for a long time that using tobacco increases your risk of lung cancer. Unfortunately, this isnt the only type of cancer you can get from keeping up this terrible habit. According to the CDC, smoking cigarettes and cigars can promote cancer anywhere throughout your body, including your stomach, liver, and blood. Get your caffeine fix According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, regular caffeine consumption may contribute to a lower risk of certain cancers. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants and other nutrients that promote a healthier life. Choosing either beverage might also help limit your consumption of artificially-sweetened drinks like soda, which also arent good for you. Limit your screen time Too much screen time might be an indirect risk factor for multiple types of cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology found that a long-term sedentary lifestyle might increase your risk of both bladder and kidney cancers. Sitting too much isnt good for you. At least do some laps around the living room while youre watching TV, to keep your body moving. Check your skin Regular skin exams both self-exams and those your doctor conducts at checkups promote early detection of skin cancer, one of the most common types in the U.S. Early detection improves your prognosis significantly, says the American Cancer Society. Perform a self-exam on your skin at least once a month, and inform your doctor of any unusual changes. Whos most at risk? According to Mayo Clinic, certain people are more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than others. Those whose family members have had certain types of cancer are at a higher risk of those cancers. Certain chronic health conditions, like ulcerative colitis, also increase your cancer risk. Thats why its so important to take care of yourself over the long-term, to keep your body in working order.