Undoubtedly cancer is one of the biggest health concerns in the world today. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is responsible for 8.8 million deaths per year. That’s about 1 in 6 deaths globally.
While there is no accurate way to prevent cancer, there are several things you can maintain to reduce the risk and live a healthier life. This article will discuss some habits you should practice to prevent cancer.
What Is Cancer and Its Different Types?
Cancer is formed when cells are broken and don’t work. Cancer can happen anywhere in your body, but it most often happens in a part of the body with more cells than in other places. These are called cancerous growths.
Breast Cancer
Every year, over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s one woman every minute of every day!
Breast cancer is the typical type of cancer for women in the United States. It makes sense that so many people are interested in preventing it and living a healthier life.
There are five different stages of breast cancer. Each of them is:
Stage 0: cancer is noninvasive and has not spread to nearby tissue.
Stage I: The tumor is pretty tiny and hasn’t spread.
Stage II: It is more significant but still hasn’t spread.
Stage III: The tumor has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Oral Cancer
The next area of focus is oral cancer. Just like skin cancer, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for developing oral cancer. In addition, using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco) increases your risk of developing oral cancer.
Alcohol is a risk factor for oral cancer too. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk for developing this type of cancer.
You can reduce the risk of oral cancer by avoiding tobacco products and alcohol, using sunscreen on your lips when outdoors, and getting regular checkups from a dentist or doctor.
Colorectal Cancer
The third common type of cancer is colorectal cancer, the second deadliest. Here’s how it occurs: the DNA in the cells of the colon or rectum mutates, which causes tumors to form. These tumors can grow and spread cancerous cells to other body parts. Common reasons are genetics and lifestyle choices, such as smoking or eating a poor diet.
How Will You Reduce the Risk of Getting Cancer?
1. Quit Smoking and Avoid Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
Smoking is the leading cause of multiple diseases in the United States, and it also increases your risk for many types of cancer. If you’re a chain smoker, quitting is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your cancer risk.
Secondhand smoke is also dangerous and can increase your cancer risk. Try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible. Tobacco contains more than 70 known carcinogens, and there is no safe level of exposure.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet with Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
A healthy diet is essential to prevent cancer and other diseases. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can protect your body from disease.
Avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats, which increase your risk of cancer. Instead, eat whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.
Ensure to drink plenty of water, too. Dehydration can increase your risk of cancer.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight loss and obesity have been linked with an increased risk of cancer. Carrying around extra weight increases the amount of estrogen in your body, which is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).
Eating right and exercising are critical, but don’t forget to focus on your emotional health. A happy, healthy life is the best way to prevent cancer.
4. Avoid Processed and Charred Foods
Junk and processed foods are loaded with chemicals and preservatives that can damage your cells and lead to cancer. Charring meat also creates carcinogens. So, it’s best to avoid processed and charred foods as much as possible.
5. Get Regular Screenings for Cancer Detection
Most types of cancer can be detected early through screenings, which increases your chances for successful treatment. So, it’s essential to get regular screenings for cancer detection.
Standard screening tests include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer. If you are at risk for cancer, you may need more frequent or specialized screenings.
You must talk to your doctor about which screenings are proper for you and how often you should get them.
Conclusion
Cancer is a scary disease, and it is no wonder that many people want to do everything they can to prevent it. While there is no bullet to escape, a healthy lifestyle can keep you fit and prevent many types of cancer.
