How to Avoid Cancer
Top tips to keep well
Elaine Godley
Last Update a year ago
The risks of getting cancer can vary depending on several factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. Some common risk factors for cancer include:
1. Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
2. Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of various types of cancer.
3. Unhealthy diet: Poor nutrition, high intake of processed and ultra processed foods, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables can contribute to the development of cancer.
4. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of regular exercise have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of developing several types of cancer.
6. Exposure to carcinogens: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer.
7. Family history: Some cancers have a genetic component (although this is only around 5%).
To help reduce the risk of cancer and maintain overall well-being, individuals can take several steps:
1. Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
2. Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.
3. Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing the consumption of processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks.
4. Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
5. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
6. Protect yourself from the sun by limiting access in peak heat times, avoid high factor chemical sunscreen - ideally make your own or wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
8. Stay up to date with recommended cancer screenings, such as thermal imaging, Pap smears, and prostate exams, as early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery.
Optimising health and taking steps to prevent cancer offer numerous benefits, including:
1. Reduced risk of developing cancer: By adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly lower their chances of developing various types of cancer.
2. Improved overall well-being: Eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to better physical and mental health.
3. Enhanced immune function: A healthy lifestyle can strengthen the immune system, making it more capable of fighting off infections and diseases, including cancer
1. Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
2. Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of various types of cancer.
3. Unhealthy diet: Poor nutrition, high intake of processed and ultra processed foods, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables can contribute to the development of cancer.
4. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of regular exercise have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of developing several types of cancer.
6. Exposure to carcinogens: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer.
7. Family history: Some cancers have a genetic component (although this is only around 5%).
To help reduce the risk of cancer and maintain overall well-being, individuals can take several steps:
1. Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
2. Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.
3. Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing the consumption of processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks.
4. Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
5. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
6. Protect yourself from the sun by limiting access in peak heat times, avoid high factor chemical sunscreen - ideally make your own or wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
8. Stay up to date with recommended cancer screenings, such as thermal imaging, Pap smears, and prostate exams, as early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery.
Optimising health and taking steps to prevent cancer offer numerous benefits, including:
1. Reduced risk of developing cancer: By adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly lower their chances of developing various types of cancer.
2. Improved overall well-being: Eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to better physical and mental health.
3. Enhanced immune function: A healthy lifestyle can strengthen the immune system, making it more capable of fighting off infections and diseases, including cancer