Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You Avoid Cancer Risk

Cancer needs no introduction. It’s arguably one of the worst health problems one can possibly have. However, like many other health problems, cancer too is avoidable. All that’s needed is for you to bring a few changes to your lifestyle and make better choices when it comes to certain things.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some lifestyle changes that can help you avoid the risk of cancer.

Quit Smoking and Avoid Tobacco

For many, smoking and tobacco consumption has become a part of their lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. Despite the known health risks of smoking and tobacco, people still end up carrying on with these lifestyles.

According to the CDC, tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco, is the leading cause of preventable cancers. It’s been reported that three out of ten cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking. The chemicals present in tobacco smoke end up damaging your DNA. This, in turn, leads to mutations and cancer cell development, eventually leading to cancer and even death.

Once you give up smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing various types of cancers, including lung cancer, mouth cancer, and throat cancer. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also necessary here as it can also increase the likelihood of cancer.

Never Fully Trust the Products You Use or Want to Use

Certain products that we use daily or occasionally contain chemicals that can cause cancer. From cosmetics to healthcare products, these chemicals can be anywhere. Even fire extinguishers have been found to contain chemicals that can increase cancer risk. Such was the case in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF Firefighting Foam) lawsuit.

According to the AFFF lawsuit, many people, mostly military personnel, firefighters, and airport and industrial workers, who have used this toxic firefighting foam have been found to develop numerous types of cancer. Because of the PFAS chemicals used in the manufacturing of these foams, they tend to cause cancers like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and many others.

As stated by TorHoerman Law, the AFFF lawsuits are being settled for millions of dollars right now. This indicates just how serious the matter is. It also highlights the necessity of knowing the product you’re using, no matter what it’s for, and whether or not it’s safe for your health.

Anytime you have to use a new product or brand, do a quick background study on it. Make sure it poses no health risk. You can easily do so by studying about the brand or product on the internet as well as going through its reviews online. At the same time, you should also assess the products you’re already using, no matter how trustworthy the brand is and how important the product is to your current lifestyle.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

According to Cancer Research UK, having a healthy and well-balanced diet can reduce cancer risk. For that, you have to start incorporating different types of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and lead proteins into your daily meals. These foods can provide the essential nutrients and antioxidants which help protect the body against cancer.

Aim to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and limit processed foods and sugary beverages. At the same time, you should also consider reducing the consumption of red and processed meats, as doing so can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Adopting a healthy eating pattern will not only help you reduce cancer risk but also improve overall well-being.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Leading a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, can significantly lower the likelihood of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancer.

Through regular exercise, you can regulate your hormone levels. Exercising also helps boost your immune system. Ideally, you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise to reap the maximum benefits.

If you’re entirely new to physical activity or working out, start small. Instead of 150 minutes, opt for 90 minutes at first. Every one or two weeks, increase the intensity a little till you can commit to the 150 minutes a week workout routine.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can significantly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer.

When outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade whenever possible.

Limit or Quit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon. Limiting alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether can lower your cancer risk.

You don’t have to quit drinking entirely at first but do limit your consumption. Slowly start reducing your daily or weekly consumption till you can give up drinking completely. If you can’t give up drinking, stick to two drinks max every day. The risk of cancer increases with heavy or prolonged alcohol use, so it’s best to stay within recommended limits.

Final Remarks

Our health is greatly dependent on our lifestyle and the choices we make on a daily basis. As long as we can keep them in check, we can avoid most of the health crises that plague human society. This includes cancer as well.

By taking the above tips into serious consideration, you can significantly reduce cancer risk and lead a long and healthy life.