The four best ways to reduce the risk of cancer

Cancer is among the major illnesses in the US. Though it is well-known that there are treatments for certain types of cancer, there are also ways of reducing your risk of getting cancer.  Trying to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle is crucial to reducing your risk of cancer; exercising regularly and eating nutritious food are a must. Furthermore, there are certain habits you can adopt to try to avoid cancer. Here are a few things you can do to prevent the development of cancer.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Smoking is related to various types of cancers, such as cancer in the lungs, cervix, kidneys, etc. To lower your risk of getting cancer, you should try to either stop smoking altogether or reduce your use of tobacco. Moreover, note that exposure to secondhand smoke is also harmful, so try to avoid your exposure to smokers when possible. 

Additionally, high consumption of alcohol is linked to cancer in the liver and kidneys. Make sure to limit your consumption of alcohol. 

[Don’t] Soak up the sun

Being under direct sunlight for too long can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. To avoid this, you should not stay out in the sun for too long, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to protect yourself from strong sunrays. Generously apply sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun, and regularly reapply every two hours. You should also avoid tanning beds as they expose you to UV rays that are harmful to your skin.

Get vaccinated

HPV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) increase the risk of liver cancer. Sexually active adults are especially at risk of getting HPV and HBV. Fortunately, these viruses can be prevented through vaccination. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against these viruses!

Food choices

You should steer clear of food with carcinogenic properties, i.e foods that have the potential to cause cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified processed meat as carcinogenic, so it is best to limit your consumption of processed meat. Other food items that have been categorized as carcinogenic by WHO include salted fish and sugary drinks. 

Moreover, there are certain foods that have anti-carcinogenic properties, meaning they have the potential to prevent, to a certain extent, the development of cancer. These include citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges. Other foods you should include in your diet are fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. 

Following the tips above will help you not only prevent cancer but also lead a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you get regular cancer screenings. These screenings can help detect cancer early, at a stage where the treatment is more likely to be successful. You can also use self-exam methods to find any signs of developing cancer.

— Akshita Goswami