health and beautylifestyle

Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Our lifestyles play a huge role in our health. Here are some lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of cancer.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Using any type of tobacco increases your risk of developing cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer including;

  • Lung
  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Larynx
  • Pancreas
  • Bladder
  • Cervix
  • Kidney

There are also links between chewing tobacco and oral cavity and pancreas cancer.

If you don’t smoke it is recommended that you also avoid inhaling second-hand smoke, as this can increase your chances of getting cancer as well.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Our diet also plays a huge role in our health. Again this cannot prevent cancer, but it could reduce your risk.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Try to base your diet around getting plenty of fruits and vegetables. The nutrients in them are incredibly important. Whole grains and beans can also be a good option.

Avoid Obesity

Eating healthy and being conscious of what you’re eating can also help reduce your risk.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Alcohol can be directly linked to different types of cancer including;

  • Breast
  • Colon
  • Lung
  • Kidney
  • Liver

Your risk will increase depending on the amount of alcohol you consume and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly for.

Limit Processed Meats

Eating large amounts of processed meats can also slightly increase your risk of developing cancer.

 

There are some diets that have been linked to reducing the risk of cancer. Such as the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on the consumption of healthy fats through food such as;

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Nuts
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Fish instead of red meat

Be Physically Active

Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer including;

  • Breast
  • Prostate
  • Lung
  • Colon
  • Kidney

As well as maintaining a healthy weight it’s important to keep active.

 

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and also one of the most preventable.

Tips on how to protect yourself from the sun include;

Avoid the Midday Sun

Try and stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm as this is when the UV rays are the strongest.

Stay in the Shade

When you are outdoors in the sun, ensure that you stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a hat can also be useful.

Cover Exposed Areas

Wearing tight-knit clothing and not exposing too much skin to the sun can also reduce your chances.

Wear Plenty of Sunscreen

Don’t scrimp when it comes to sunscreen. Ensure you put plenty on and top it up often.

Avoid Tanning Beds and Sunlamps

These are just as damaging, if not more damaging than the sun. Tanning beds have been linked to types of skin cancer.

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