There's no guaranteed way to predict cancer's arrival or ensure you won't be affected. However, with today's medical advancements, there are several steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk. Interestingly, many of these strategies can also help prevent various other major diseases.
A long and healthy life is often associated with happiness. So, let's explore some practical ways to minimize your cancer risk.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight isn't just unhealthy; it can actually increase your risk for cancers such as kidney, pancreatic, endometrial, and esophageal cancers. Research indicates that obesity is a significant factor, with approximately 20% of cancer cases attributed to excess body weight, particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults [1]. Getting to a healthy BMI isn't as tough as it seems, and the benefits are definitely worth it!
2. Avoid Tobacco
Did you know that around 30% of cancer-related deaths are linked to tobacco use? This includes both active and passive smoking, which is responsible for about 80% of lung cancer cases. In addition to lung cancer, tobacco use is strongly associated with cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract, with studies showing a synergistic effect when combined with alcohol consumption [2]. Besides cancer, tobacco contributes to around 2% of all deaths overall.
3. Limit Alcohol
While alcohol might not be as harmful as tobacco, drinking regularly is still a bad habit. It can lead to cancers of the liver, esophagus, colon, throat, and mouth. Notably, research shows that alcohol consumption is responsible for 25% to 80% of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, emphasizing that the more you consume, the greater the risk [3].
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Make it a habit to drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps flush out cancer-causing agents through your urine, which is particularly beneficial against bladder cancer, where harmful substances can accumulate. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining kidney function and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers by promoting the elimination of toxins [1].
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating natural, freshly prepared poultry and fish can help lower your cancer risk. A diverse range of fruits and vegetables can boost your immune system, making it more resilient. Conversely, consuming processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer [1].
6. Pay Attention to Pain
If you experience unusual pain, a bloated stomach, or frequent urges to urinate, consult your physician right away. These symptoms can be signs of cancer, and ignoring them can lead to complications. Early consultation is crucial, as timely diagnosis often leads to better outcomes [2].
7. Get Regular Cancer Screening Tests
If you notice even minor symptoms or find yourself in a high-risk situation for cancer, don't hesitate to get screened. Early detection can make treatment much easier. If you're unsure, just talk to a doctor and get checked out. Research supports that regular screenings can significantly reduce cancer mortality rates [3].
If you have questions about this topic, consider trying our online doctor consultation service. Whether you're looking to discuss symptoms or just want to be proactive about your health, you can easily talk to a doctor online or even use an AI doctor for quick guidance. It's great to have options like online AI doctor or chat doctor at your fingertips!
References:
- Gianni Testino, Silvia Leone, Alessandro Sumberaz, Paolo Borro. Alcohol and cancer.. PubMed. 2015.
- Claudio Pelucchi, Silvano Gallus, Werner Garavello, Cristina Bosetti, Carlo La Vecchia. Cancer risk associated with alcohol and tobacco use: focus on upper aero-digestive tract and liver.. PubMed. 2006.
- Linda Morris Brown. Epidemiology of alcohol-associated cancers.. PubMed. 2005.
- S Franceschi. Alcohol and cancer.. PubMed. 1999.
- R R Watson, P Nixon, H K Seitz, R Maclennan. Alcohol and cancer.. PubMed. 1994.