Cancer is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of many. However, it’s important to know that not all cancers are beyond our control.
While we can’t change certain risk factors like age and genetics, there are numerous lifestyle changes we can make to lower our chances of developing cancer.
Let’s discuss some of these cancer prevention strategies, often recommended by cancer doctors, towards a healthier, cancer-free future.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It happens when the body’s normal control mechanisms stop working, leading to the formation of a mass or lump known as a tumor.
Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread and are not life-threatening, while malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts through the blood and lymph systems.
There are more than 100 different types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma, each named for the organ or type of cell in which they start.
The exact cause of cancer isn’t clear, but it’s linked to various risk factors, including age, lifestyle choices (like smoking and alcohol use), exposure to certain chemicals and substances, certain behaviors, exposure to radiation, and certain infections.
Lifestyle Changes for Cancer Prevention
Several lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Here are some cancer prevention strategies that cancer doctors often recommend:
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced and nutritious diet is a cornerstone of health and well-being, and it plays a pivotal role in preventing cancer. Evidence suggests that certain dietary elements can either increase or decrease your risk of various forms of cancer.
For instance, high-fiber diets, primarily from whole grains and vegetables, are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Similarly, excessive red and processed meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Therefore, cancer doctors recommend a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing many types of cancer, including esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, endometrial, kidney, and gallbladder cancer. This means maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of these cancers.
Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent obesity and lower your risk of developing cancer.
Stay Active
Exercise not only helps manage weight but also has direct cancer-preventive effects. It can reduce certain hormone levels, improve the immune system, and help maintain healthy levels of inflammation in the body.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or physical activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, to lower your risk of developing cancer.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking is a leading cause of many types of cancer, including lung, laryngeal, pharyngeal, oral, esophageal, kidney, bladder, pancreatic, and cervical cancer. If you smoke, seek help to quit; it’s the best thing you can do for your health.
Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer. Therefore, try to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. If you choose to drink, aim to do so in moderation – that means one drink a day.
Protect Yourself from Harmful Chemicals and Carcinogens
Exposure to certain chemicals and environmental toxins such as asbestos fibers, benzene, aromatic amines, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can increase the risk of cancer.
Be aware of your surroundings and minimize exposure to known carcinogens. This may include using protective gear, such as gloves or masks, and following safety protocols.
Cancer doctors also recommend checking your air quality, as bad air quality can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Get Vaccinated
Certain cancers are associated with viral infections that can be prevented with vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider or a cancer doctor about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B and Human papillomavirus (HPV).
Get Regular Screening
Regular screenings can detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Mammograms and Pap smears are critical for detecting breast and cervical cancer early, while colorectal cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies and stool tests, can detect precancerous polyps or early cancer.
Screening recommendations vary by age, gender, and personal risk factors, so it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider which tests are right for you.
Cancer Doctor Near Me in Syracuse, NY
If you’re looking for professional guidance for cancer prevention or if you’re dealing with a diagnosis, our team of dedicated cancer doctors at The Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University is here to help. Our team of cancer doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancers and blood disorders using the latest treatments and technologies.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, email us at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu. We look forward to serving you!
