Cancer Prevention – Your Primary Line of Defense
Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in this country today. Over the recent years, the rate of deaths due to different types of cancer has increased dramatically. Some say it is because of people’s lifestyle, some blame exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, and others claim that it is because of the inorganic food that we eat.
Different types of cancer have different triggering factors. However, what may be more important than knowing what causes cancer is knowing how to prevent it. Cancer prevention is not as difficult as most people think. With some changes and improvement in one’s lifestyle, one can decrease the risk of cancer. Here are some cancer preventive measures that will serve as your first line of defense against this threatening disease:
1. Avoid both firsthand and secondhand smoke
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors of cancer that can be avoided. This activity accounts not only for lung cancer but is also associated with several other types such as cancer of the bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidney, mouth, pancreas, throat, and larynx.
It is also crucial to know that just because you do not smoke, you would be completely spared from these health problems. Secondhand smoke or passive smoke, which can be acquired when one is exposed to smoke even though he or she is not smoking, can also cause cancer. Make sure that your home and work environment is smoke-free and that you stay away from smoking areas.
2. Protect yourself against the sun and UV radiation
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. In fact, over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Fortunately, this is also one of those cancers that can easily be prevented with the right protective measures.
To prevent such disease, it is a must to avoid exposure to harmful UV rays. Make it a habit to slather sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher all over the body 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Avoid sun exposure when the sun’s heat is the strongest such as from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and long sleeved shirts. Stay away from sunlamps and tanning beds.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Have a diet that is rich in organic food as well as fruits and vegetables. Chemicals used in foods such as preservatives have been associated with the development of certain cancers. Moreover, many fruits and vegetables contain nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc that are said to be antioxidants that can help reduce the damage caused by free radical formation in the body. Antioxidants are also effective in repairing damaged cells and preventing cancer.
4. Avoid too much alcohol
Not only is alcohol detrimental to your overall health and fitness, excessive alcohol drinking can increase risk for many types of cancer including liver and lung cancer.
5. Limit intake of animal fat and red meat
A diet rich in red meat and animal fat can increase risk for some types of cancer especially cancer of the colon. This type of diet can also contribute to obesity, which is also a risk factor for cancer.
6. Get regular exercise
A consistent exercise of 30 minutes each day can help prevent cancer. This is because being overweight or obese can contribute to cancers of the colon, esophagus, kidney, stomach, uterus and breast.
Cancer is a dreadful disease that nobody wants to have. If only people are more careful with how they live their lives and what choices they make regarding food, habits, and lifestyle, cancer will be prevented more effectively.