6 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Did you know that April is dedicated to making advances in fighting cancer for National Cancer Control Month? This month serves to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. According to predictions made by the American Cancer Society, 1.8 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year.

This alarming statistic shows the importance of prevention and early detection. The earlier that cancer is detected, the better that prognosis and the easier it is to treat. Consult your doctor to learn about your risks for cancer.

There are some steps that you can take now to reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. There are over 100 different types of cancer, which can be caused by many different factors. Some risk factors you can’t control, such as family history and age. However, there are some risk factors that you can control to reduce your risk of developing cancer. These are known as modifiable risk factors.

6 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk:

While modifying your lifestyle will not eliminate your risk for developing cancer, it will reduce your risk. Here are 6 ways that you can reduce your risk for cancer:

1. Stop Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or breathing in secondhand smoke can be harmful. Smoking has been linked to lung and pancreatic cancer. The smoke from cigarettes damages the cells in your body, especially in the lungs and heart. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your cancer risk and reclaim your health.

2. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol is associated with liver and breast cancer. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink or abstaining from is a good way to reduce your risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.

3. Limit red and processed meats. Meats like cold cuts and hot dogs can increase your risk of colorectal and stomach cancer. When eating meat, choose lean cuts such as ground beef or pork loin.

4. Eat Plenty of Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains. These foods are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients (Vitamin C, Vitamin K, etc.). Eat fruit for breakfast and find ways to make veggies and whole grains the star of your meal at the dinner table.

5. Get Up and Exercise: Moving is important for a healthy and strong body. Movement of all kind helps your heart, lungs, and muscles to work well. Go for a brisk walk, take a yoga class, garden, or experiment with any other activity that gets your body moving. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

6. Get Regular checkups and screenings: Staying current with your medical checkups is key to detecting cancer early.

5 Ways to Stay Active Inside

Most states across the country have closed gyms and asked residents to stay at home for the next few weeks. This can make staying active increasingly difficult, however, there are some ways to keep active while confined to your home. Many gyms and trainers have posted videos online that you can pop on and follow along at home.

Here are 5 ways to stay active inside:

1. Yoga: Break out that yoga mat at the back of the closet or choose a spot on the floor with a rug and practice some yoga.

2. Barre: You don’t need a fancy barre studio to do these workouts! Grab the top of a chair and get started.

3. Zumba: Choose a room with plenty of space and find a Zumba class online.

4. Strength Training: You can use free weights or easy to hold items you find around the house.

5. Mat Pilates: Elongate and tone your muscles with some mat Pilates!

With time you can cultivate a healthy lifestyle that makes you feel good and keeps your body healthy. Consider taking some of these steps to lower your cancer risk.

Your Turn to Take Action: What healthful changes will you make this month? Let me know in the comments below!

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