Cancer remains a serious health condition and a global concern with far-reaching implications for the lives of patients and their loved ones.
According to WHO, cancer cases account for approximately 10 million deaths worldwide every year. Over half a million of those deaths occur here in the United States.
With nearly 2 million new cancer cases reported in the US in 2022, it’s safe to say that the disease is a health disaster that calls for awareness and preventive measures.
Understanding Cancer Risk Factors
Cancer has many risk factors, some of which are beyond your control, like age and family history.
However, the majority of cancer risk factors are things we can change since they are considered unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Adopting healthy lifestyle choices associated with reduced risk of cancer can significantly lower your chances of developing the disease.
Let’s look at these behaviors that improve your health and can lower your risk of getting cancer.
Physical Activity and Weight Loss
Physical activity has many benefits, and one of those is eliminating the health risks that accompany a sedentary lifestyle. These health risks include cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
You may exercise or engage in other high and low-intensity activities like cycling, walking, and dancing.
Whatever you prefer, if you can complete at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity daily, you’re doing great.
You also want to avoid becoming overweight because it is linked to various health problems, including a dozen types of cancer like colorectal, endometrial, and multiple myeloma.
Staying physically active is one of the strategies for cutting down and maintaining a healthy weight.
Eat Healthy
Many foods we eat can wreak havoc on our health. These include processed meat and foods rich in unhealthy fats and sugars.
While there isn’t much evidence that a healthy diet can directly prevent cancer, it is highly beneficial to your health. It benefits your immune system and other crucial body systems like cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory.
As such, a strong and healthy body capable of warding off diseases is better equipped to guard against cancer.
Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco is a dangerous substance that can cause various types of cancer, like cancers of the mouth, throat, lung, and esophagus. When you quit smoking, you eliminate this huge risk factor that poses much danger to your health.
For a more well-rounded protection, it’s best to avoid alcohol as well or limit it to specific occasions. While alcohol isn’t as serious a risk as tobacco, it’s still linked to certain types of cancer, particularly liver cancer but also breast and colon cancer.
Limit Sun Exposure
Working or enjoying your time outdoors can be fun and fulfilling, but avoid overexposing yourself to the ultraviolet rays as it can lead to skin cancer.
If you work outside, find a way to operate within a shade, especially during peak hours, noon when it’s too hot.
Understandably, you can’t stop living, and many activities that define us occur outside. If your work or hobbies often demand being outdoors, take measures to protect your skin by applying sunscreen creams and wearing hats.
Explore Alternative Remedies
It’s not surprising that cannabis is legal in most US states, even as it remains illegal under federal law.
Studies have discovered that certain cannabinoids in cannabis sativa plants have medicinal potential. Much about what cannabis can do for you remains uncertain, but what has been proven has turned many into weed believers.
Recent scientific reports suggest that the cannabinoids CBD and THC may be able to slow down growth or destroy certain types of cancer cells.
It wouldn’t hurt to explore alternative remedies like cannabis that appear to have great potential. If marijuana is legal in your state, Veriheal can help you navigate the registration process.
Drop Unsafe Life Choices
Certain viral infections increase your risk of cancer. These viruses include Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B. Both are sexually transmitted viruses, whereas hepatitis B is also transmitted through other bodily fluids.
Risky behaviors like having sex with multiple partners, not using protection, and using injected drugs heighten your risk of catching these viruses.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is a life-changing illness that demands you throw everything at it and fight for recovery. If there is something you can do to lower your cancer risk, it’s more than worth the effort. Fortunately, you can make many lifestyle adjustments to live healthier and prevent cancer.