Cancer Prevention Month
Though it's impossible to fully ensure you will never develop cancer and everyone is always at risk, there are plenty of general lifestyle changes you can practice to keep you healthy and less vulnerable.
Take a look at these tips and lifestyle habits that will help reduce your chances of developing cancer one day:
Avoid Tobacco
Using any tobacco, especially in the form of cigarettes, sets you on a path for being very likely to develop lung, mouth, throat, and other types of cancer. If you currently smoke cigarettes, speak with a doctor about how to quit, and if you don't smoke, don't start. As well, secondhand smoke exposure can also risk your health, so be sure to keep your distance from those who are smoking.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risks of developing cancers of the mouth, larynx, liver, colon, and esophagus. Limiting your intake to one drink per day can help reduce your risk.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Diet is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and can absolutely contribute to lower cancer risks. Be sure to eat a diverse diet consisting of various fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. As well, try to limit the number of processed foods you eat and cook more meals at home.
Stay Physically Active
Maintaining a healthy weight may lower your risks of several cancers. Staying physically active can help you keep your weight down and keep your body happy and healthy. Try to include a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise and activity into your everyday schedule.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that affect millions every year. However, it is also one of the most preventable cancer types! The sun’s damaging rays harm our skin, whether you burn or not, making it crucial to actively stay protected. Be sure to wear sunscreen, stay in the shade when possible, stay covered, and avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
Practice Safe Sex and Don’t Share Needles
Avoiding risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex where you can develop infections that can lead to cancer, is an easy and essential way to protect yourself. Practice safe sex habits by limiting your sexual partners, using condoms, and frequently getting tested for STIs. Another way to develop infections is by sharing needles, especially during intravenous drug use, so avoid the use of drugs and be sure to stay safe.
Get Immunized
Speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated against certain viral infections that leave you more likely to develop cancer, such as hepatitis B and HPV (Human papillomavirus). The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults who are sexually active with multiple partners, individuals with STI’s, individuals who use intravenous drugs, and health care or public safety workers that can be exposed to others who are infected. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12.
The Importance of Cancer Screenings
Getting regular screenings, exams, and tests to check for cancer is the most crucial and important way to protect yourself. Cancer screenings help doctors detect and treat various cancers early before they cause serious symptoms and progress. Consult with your doctor about when and what tests you should be taking.