Five ways to reduce the risk of cancer – according to an oncology consultant

Cancer is a elaborate disease that has many causes, and sometimes none at all. For some patients, getting cancer is a given bad luck.

As an oncology consultant, I see many cases where patients are otherwise completely robust and lead a robust lifestyle. Nevertheless, research has shown that there are several ways to reduce your risk. Here are five evidence-based strategies to aid reduce your risk of cancer:

1. Quit smoking and avoid tobacco

Tobacco smoking is the most common preventable cause of cancer. Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer, but also contributes to the development of, among others: cancer of the mouth, throat, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. Harmful chemicals contained in cigarette smoke affect the entire body, not just the body lungs.

If you currently smoke, quitting is the most essential step you can take to reduce your risk of cancer. About 30% of all cancer deaths in the US and Europe are believed to be caused by: smoking cigarettes. It’s never too delayed to quit smoking – and the benefits will begin immediately after you stop smoking.

Consider joining a tobacco treatment program or asking your doctor about products that can aid you quit, but sometimes the best way to quit is to just “do it.” Even if you don’t smoke, it’s essential to avoid it passive smokingwhich is also a cancer risk factor, the so-called passive smoking, so keep your home and surroundings smoke-free to protect yourself and others.

2. Maintain a robust weight and be physically vigorous

Maintaining a robust weight is one of the most essential important factors in cancer prevention after quitting smoking. Excess fat tissue causes release certain hormones that may promote the development of cancer, and we know that obesity is associated with a higher risk of breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic cancer.

To combat this, everyone should engage in regular physical activity, which not only helps maintain weight but also independently reduces the risk of cancer. American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to prevent cancer.

Regular physical activity has been linked to a reduced risk of many different cancers, such as colon and breast cancer. Even if you don’t lose weight, exercise will still aid protect you against cancer, so some people advise incorporating exercise into your day, such as low walking breaks at work or using a standing desk. while working on the computer.

3. Eat a robust diet

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer through diet alone, certain eating habits can significantly lower your risk. An anti-cancer diet consists primarily of: food of plant originincluding a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

It was recently reported that King Charles is eliminating red meat to prevent cancer. Overall, we should all aim to limit processed foods and sugar, reduce our intake of saturated fats, and consider taking: Mediterranean style dietwhich is associated with a lower risk of certain cancers. It’s all about maintaining a robust weight.

4. Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancerincluding cancer of the mouth, throat, breast, liver and colon, and may explain why so many youthful people get the disease development of some cancers. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol you drink regularly and this is called a dose-response relationship, so the more you drink, the greater your risk risk.

Read more: The role of alcohol in novel cancer cases – a groundbreaking novel report

As with smoking, quitting alcohol really helps reduce your risk, although at this time of year with office parties and going out it’s not always uncomplicated – maybe try drinking a little less. Currently, there are many studies that show that there is no unthreatening level of alcohol consumption for cancer prevention. If you don’t drink, don’t start, and if you do, less is better. But at the same time, it is essential to enjoy life, so focus on moderation.

5. Protect yourself from the sun and get vaccinated

If you’re heading somewhere heated in the winter, sun protection is key to preventing skin cancer, including the most perilous type called melanoma, one of the most common and common. types of cancer that can be prevented.

The sun’s UV rays can damage DNA of skin cellspotentially leading to cancerous growth, the so-called protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, exploit appropriate amounts of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade, especially between ten a.m. and four p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

In addition to sun protection, vaccination against certain viruses may aid prevent certain types of cancer. Examples include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine recommended for all teenage girls, with new data has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of cervical and other genital cancers. The NHS has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, thanks in enormous part to the success of the vaccine.

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate your risk of cancer, these five strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing the disease. By quitting smoking, maintaining a robust weight, staying physically vigorous, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake, protecting yourself from sun exposure and getting vaccinated, you can take control of many of your modifiable cancer risk factors.

Remember that diminutive changes can make a huge difference over time. Perhaps even start by incorporating one or two of these strategies into your daily routine and build on them gradually. Regular medical examinations and cancer screenings are also imperative for early detection and prevention.

By choosing a robust lifestyle, you not only reduce your risk of cancer, but you also improve your overall health and well-being, and you will likely be happier with your novel you. It’s never too delayed to start making positive changes that can have a lasting impact on your health.