5 Tips To Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Luckily, there are many things people can do to reduce their cancer risk.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Luckily, there are many things people can do to reduce their cancer risk.
Obesity is linked to many different types of cancer. There is a correlation between having excess body fat and developing breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, and many others. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce one's risk of getting these cancers. To maintain a healthy weight, it is important to eat a balanced diet and avoid consuming excess calories.
People who are physically active are less likely to get multiple types of cancer than those who do not exercise. For example, studies have shown that people who exercise in their free time are 13 to 23 percent less likely to get kidney cancer. Other studies have shown a major reduction in the risk of colon, endometrial, and stomach cancers among those who exercise. There is some uncertainty in how much of a role exercise plays on its own; it could be that exercise simply helps people maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces cancer risk. However, there is no harm in exercising regularly, and it has many benefits beyond reducing one's cancer risk.
Smoking has long been known to cause lung cancer. In fact, around 90 percent of lung cancers can be attributed to smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking is also strongly linked to cancers of the blood, bladder, esophagus, colon, and several others. While the link between smoking and cancer is common knowledge nowadays, many people do not realize that alcohol also raises one's risk for several cancers including esophageal and colon cancer. Abstinence from both smoking and alcohol can greatly reduce one's risk of getting cancer.
Some cancers can be caught early with screenings. Patients who do self-examinations often catch their own skin cancers or breast cancer. If you notice a suspicious lump or skin lesion, do not hesitate to seek a medical opinion. For some cancers, regular screenings should start at a particular age. Staying on top of your health by getting annual checkups and recommended screenings is a good way to reduce your cancer risk. Finally, if you have a family history of certain types of cancer, let your doctor know. There may be genetic testing available to determine your risk, and your doctor may recommend additional screening based on your genetic risk factors.
There is some evidence that having adequate levels of vitamin D can lower cancer risk. Scientists came up with this hypothesis when they noticed that there were lower cancer rates among people living in sunnier climates. Further evidence comes from experiments with mice, which have shown several mechanisms by which vitamin D might limit cancer growth. Getting vitamin D through diet and supplementation is recommended over spending copious amounts of time in the sun; keep in mind that too much exposure to UV light can increase skin cancer risk! It may also be worth asking your doctor to test your vitamin D levels to see if you are getting enough; many people are deficient in this vitamin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.