Cancer is a terrible thing, and it’s one of the leading killers right up there with heart disease. If there is one good thing about cancer, it’s that there are ways to lower your risk and help prevent it from happening in the first place. Let’s take a look at seven-way that you can lower your cancer risk.
1. Vaccinations
Believe it or not, there are some diseases that can actually increase your chances of getting cancer such as HPV (Human papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B. Avoiding these diseases by understanding the risk factors is a great idea, but even better is getting vaccinated against them.
2. Eat Healthily
It’s no secret that certain foods can increase your cancer risk, such as processed foods. While this may sound scary, it actually gives you a pretty easy and practical way to decrease your cancer risk.
A few steps you can take is to reduce your risk by altering your eating habits is to avoid processed foods, limit your alcohol consumption, eat more fruits and vegetables, and maintain a healthy weight. Of course, there are additional benefits to eating healthy than just avoiding cancer.
3. Exercise
It may sound strange, but being active and getting regular exercise can help to limit your risk of developing cancer. In most cases, it’s recommended that you exercise for around 30 minutes a day for maximum results.
As for what kinds of exercise you do, that’s up to you. However, cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging, jumping rope, and other activities that elevate your heart rate are excellent for helping to keep your body at a healthy weight, making them great for killing two birds with one stone.
4. Avoid Exposure to Radiation
For most people, this isn’t an issue as being exposed to high levels of radiation only occurs within certain occupations. However, the sun is also a source of radiation as well, meaning that extended exposure to it can lead to certain types of cancer.
If you’re outside in the sun on a regular basis, make sure you’re taking the correct precautions such as wearing sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and sticking to the shade as often as possible. This will help to minimize the effect that the sun has on your body, and limit your cancer risk.
On a side note, electronics such as phones, computers, video game consoles, microwaves, and similar devices don’t emit enough radiation to be a cancer risk. However, you could trip and fall over the various cables and wires that these devices use.
5. Lower Your Stress Levels
Another surprising risk factor for cancer is stress. If you’re feeling stressed out, slow it down a bit, and maybe take up some activities that can help relieve stress such as sports, yoga, meditation, or another hobby that puts you at ease. Lowering your stress is one of the best and easiest forms of cancer care and prevention.
6. Check Your Hormone Levels
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer around, and if you’re a woman, you’ll want to take special care to avoid risk factors that can lead to it. One of those risk factors is something you may not have considered though: your hormone levels.
The key is to get your hormone levels checked if something feels off. A doctor or dietitian can then come up with a diet plan and supplements that can help you to balance things out.
7. Avoid Dangerous Chemicals
Cancer can also be caused by certain chemicals as well. This includes substances such as PCBs, asbestos, and more. In most cases, this is mainly a problem for people working in certain jobs, but it can also be an issue at home. If you suspect your family exposed to harmful chemicals, don’t hesitate or wait to call a professional to assess the situation.
Cancer is a Big Deal, But You Have More Control Than You Think
Yes, cancer is one of the leading killers in the US, but there are many ways to help lower your risk factors and prevent it. And fortunately, these methods tend to improve your overall health and wellness as well. If you have a family history of cancer, or just want to stay safe, practice these cancer prevention tips, and you’ll see how much your life improves as a result.
