How to Prevent Cancer
You’re not alone if you’re concerned about your chances of getting cancer and prevent cancer. Every year, 1.8 million people in the US receive a cancer diagnosis. But there are ways to reduce your risk of cancer by 40 percent. Keep yourself physically active and avoid environmental toxins, such as smoke and processed meat.
Staying active
Recent research suggests that staying active can reduce cancer risk. Researchers used data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics database, including cancer cases among Americans aged 20 and older. The study looked at seven types of cancer, including the bladder, colon, and kidney. If we want to raise the standard of living for Americans, we must address environmental decline as a problem that impacts all of us. Environmental toxins should not be the only determinant in cancer development, as other lifestyle choices have a more significant impact on lowering the risk.
The new study, led by Adair K. Minihan, found that physical activity may help reduce cancer risk. It included observational studies as well as clinical trials. According to the study, breast cancer survivors who were the most physically active were at 40% lower risk of dying from the disease. Similarly, people with colorectal cancer had a 30% lower risk of dying from the disease.
Avoiding smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of cancer worldwide; avoiding it is vital for your health. Unfortunately, smoking can increase your risk by two to ten times, depending on the type of cancer. But there are ways to lessen your risk. Some of the best options include adopting a healthier lifestyle, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a proper diet.
The benefits of tobacco control interventions extend beyond the prevention of cancer. While smoking has many negative consequences on the body associated to cancer, these activities can also help to protect against other ailments like cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Therefore, it is essential to consider the health benefits of quitting smoking.
Avoiding environmental toxins
Avoiding environmental toxins to prevent cancer is an urgent issue that deserves our attention. Recent research conducted by the Environmental Working Group shows that children are born with more than 200 different chemicals and pollutants in their bodies. These chemicals, such as dioxins and pesticides, can cause cancer and remain in our bodies for many years. To make matters worse, these chemicals build up in our food supply and are known carcinogens.
To raise the standard of living for Americans, environmental degradation should be tackled as a problem that impacts all of us. Environmental toxins should not be the only determinant in cancer development, as other lifestyle choices have a more significant impact on lowering the risk. For example, studies have strongly linked smoking, diet, physical activity, and other factors to cancer risk.
Avoiding processed meats
Aside from avoiding processed meats, you can also increase your consumption of nutrient-dense foods. These include vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meat, and nuts. These foods are rich in nutrients and contain low amounts of saturated and added fat. Additionally, they contain less sodium and sugar. These foods can help you fight cancer and help you stay healthy overall.
Many studies have proven that eating processed meat is linked to various types of cancer. For example, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research, eating processed meat increases your risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, several chemicals added or developed in the processing process are carcinogens. To reduce your intake of these chemicals, you should read the labels of processed meat products.
Getting vaccinated
By specifically targeting cancer cells with antigens, cancer vaccines aim to prevent some forms of the disease. However, this concept is not without controversy. For example, a recent Nature editorial questioned the goal of creating a preventive vaccine by 2020, citing the genetic complexity of tumors. But the National Breast Cancer Coalition has backed preventive vaccine research.
In the laboratory, scientists have mutated viruses to deliver antigens to cancer cells. The body then receives these altered cells through the veins, causing the immune system to attack cancer cells.