Here we will go over seven tips that help reduce your risk of developing cancer.
The thought of receiving a cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, especially since you probably know someone that has dealt with the disease. Unfortunately, cancer is more common than it should be, affecting 40% of men and women in their lifetime. This means that if you live an unhealthy lifestyle and fail to prevent the disease, it is highly likely to occur at some point in your life.
Luckily, cancer does not entirely strike at random. Your environment, physical health, diet, and more play a significant role in whether or not you are at high risk. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent cancer from developing.
1) Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
The sun is a glorious thing; It is a natural antidepressant, gives the world light, and is necessary for the growth of all living things. However, too much of anything can be harmful, even when it comes to the sun.
The sun emits ultraviolet rays that are harmful to your skin, and overexposure to this form of radiation is the cause of 80% of skin cancer. Having multiple sunburns as a child or teen or having fair/pale skin increases your risk of developing skin cancer; however, anyone can be affected by the disease.
Unfortunately, there is no standard amount of sun that is considered safe. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from UV rays is to use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds because they emit up to 15 times more UV rays than the sun.
2) Quit Smoking Cigarettes
We all know that smoking cigarettes can cause cancer; however, most are under the assumption that tobacco can only cause cancer to develop in the mouth or lungs. Smoking can cause cancer in the kidneys, liver, bowel, stomach, cervix, and more.
Tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are proven to be carcinogens. These carcinogens are so dangerous that 1 of every 8 cases of cancer is caused by smoking.
Whether you have only smoked for a few weeks or your entire life, it is never too late to quit and lower your cancer risk. Your body begins to heal itself within six hours of your last cigarette.
3) Start Using Cannabis
Unlike tobacco, cannabis does not contain carcinogens, and smoking can actually have the opposite effect on your body.
For years, cannabis has been used to treat cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects. More recently, cannabis has been proven to kill cancer cells, and current research shows that the plant may have anti-cancer properties. This means that cannabis may be able to prevent, treat, and cure the disease.
You can reap the anti-cancer benefits of cannabis by using any form of the plant. Buds, oils, topicals, and edibles are a few forms you can try.
4) Eat a Healthy Diet
Unfortunately, unhealthy foods do more than make you gain weight and feel crummy; they also heighten your risk of developing cancer.
Some foods that are linked to cancer include:
- Processed meats
- Fried foods
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Refined carbs
- Alcohol
- Overcooked foods
On the other hand, healthy foods are capable of preventing cancer.
For example, plant-based foods are high in antioxidants which boost our immune system and help fight against cancer cells. Fiber is another example of an anti-cancer food because it keeps your digestive tract clean and healthy, resulting in harmful waste being removed from the body before it can do damage.
5) Exercise Often
Cancer researchers have discovered that regular exercise can prevent cancer from forming and returning.
Cancer is linked to inflammation, obesity, and a weak immune system. Physical activity helps keep these issues under control.
Experts say that 30 minutes of strength training and aerobic exercise three times a week is enough to prevent the latestforyouth disease.
6) Learn About Human Carcinogens
Human carcinogens are substances or materials that can cause cancer by changing the development of our cells. When our cells are altered, cancer may form.
Although carcinogens are terrible for our health, they are everywhere.
Human carcinogens can be found in the following:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Car exhaust
- Pollution
- Processed meats
- UV rays
- Industrial resins
- Some household cleaning supplies and laundry detergents
By learning about these cancer-creating substances, you can actively limit exposure and decrease your risk of developing the disease.
7) Take Your Vitamins
When our body lacks the nutrients it needs to function properly, our immune system weakens, we fail to filter waste properly, and we develop health issues related to the vitamins we lack.
Although all vitamins are necessary, some play a more prominent role in our overall health. For example, vitamin D is well known amongst the medical community as a vitamin that can cause cancer when levels are either too low or too high.
To ensure you keep your vitamin levels balanced, have your doctor order lab work yearly to screen for deficiencies or surpluses. Between tests, you can stay balanced by taking a daily supplement that contains vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and turmeric.
