|
Cancer is linked to our genetics and our lifestyle. While you cannot control your genes you can control your surrounding environment and the way you treat your body, greatly reducing your risk of cancer. By understanding and heeding to information on cancer prevention you will be healthier and live longer.
Simply not smoking greatly reduces your chance at developing cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco is known to be the leading cause of 30% of all US deaths and is known to be one of the leading causes for cancer development. By not smoking or quitting smoking now you can greatly increase your chance at life!
You can protect yourself from certain infections that lead to cancer.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori are known to cause cancer. Getting the necessary vaccinations and consistently using sexual protection can greatly decrease the risk of infectiously induced cancer.
Protect yourself from radiation.
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Use sunscreen on a regular basis! Ionizing radiation from x-rays and radon gas in homes leads to other types of cancer such as leukemia, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach, colon esophagus, bladder and ovary cancer. Avoid taking x-rays unless it is necessary and test your home's foundation and surrounding sol for radon gas.
Control your weight.
Obesity increases the risk of many types of cancers. When your body is overweight it produces excess amounts of estrogen and insulin which encourages cancer growth. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be below 25) is essential for keeping your risk of cancer down. You can calculate your own BMI at this website: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Change your diet.
Your diet is one of the biggest contributing factors that can either increase or reduce the risk of cancer. Keeping your portion sizes small, reducing calorie intake of fat and sugars, and eating abundant fruits and vegetables in your diet can protect you against cancer. You should cut back on processed and red meats which are high in fat.
Drink less alcohol.
Studies have shown that drinking alcohol greatly increases the risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer. By simply cutting down on the amount of alcoholic drinks you have a day you'll live longer!
Increase your physical activity.
Studies have also shown that people who have higher activity levels have reduced risks of cancer. Increased activity levels help to keep your weight down and reduce the amount of hormones circulating in your body and boost your immune system. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense cardio exercise 5 days a week.
|
