The Top 20 Ways To Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Clio Nguyen March 22, 2023 Disease & Cure

The Top 20 Ways To Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life. One way to achieve this is by taking steps to reduce your cancer risk. While there are no guarantees when it comes to cancer prevention, there are several lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your risk. The following are the top 20 ways to reduce your cancer risk:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying excess weight can increase your risk of several types of cancer. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Also, engage in regular physical activity.

2. Avoid tobacco

The use of tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco in any form, quitting will greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer.

3. Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to several types of cancer. To reduce your cancer risk, limit your alcohol intake to moderate levels, which are one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

4. Stay active

Regular exercise can help reduce your cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

5. Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce your cancer risk.

6. Protect your skin

Protecting your skin from sun damage can help reduce your risk of skin cancer. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and avoid tanning beds.

7. Avoid processed and charred meats

Processed and charred meats have been linked to several types of cancer, including colorectal and stomach cancers. Avoid or limit your consumption of these foods.

8. Get vaccinated

Vaccines can help protect against certain types of cancer, such as cervical and liver cancer.

9. Get screened

Regular cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. Talk to your doctor about which screenings best suit your needs.

10. Breastfeed

For women, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

11. Reduce exposure to environmental toxins

Avoid exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos, lead, and radon, which have been linked to cancer.

12. Practice safe sex

Practicing safe sex, including wearing condoms and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, can reduce your risk of certain types of cancer like cervical cancer.

13. Manage stress

Stress can weaken your immune system and increase your cancer risk. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

14. Practice good oral hygiene

Regular dental care and good oral hygiene can reduce your risk of several types of cancer, including oral and lung cancer.

15. Limit exposure to radiation

Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, including from X-rays, and follow safety precautions when using electronic devices like cell phones and computers.

16. Get enough sleep

A lack of sleep has been linked to several types of cancer. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night.

17. Limit exposure to estrogen

For women, limiting exposure to estrogen can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. This can include avoiding oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and excessive alcohol consumption.

18. Take care of your mental health

Depression and anxiety have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer. Seek treatment if you are experiencing mental health problems.