Cancer is a disease that causes your body’s cells to malfunction and multiply in a rapid, out of control way. These rapidly multiplying cells eventually lead to the formation of a cancerous tumour. For the majority of cancers, it is not known what causes them to develop. However, there is an increasing amount of evidence that leading a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent cancer. In this article, I will be discussing three lifestyle changes you can make to help you lower your cancer risk.
1) EAT A HEALTHY DIET: – Eating lots of fibre, fruits and vegetables are thought to help prevent a number of cancers. A diet high in fibre has been linked with a reduced risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer. Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables has also been linked with a lower chance of developing lung cancer. The reason for this is thought to be because fibre helps remove waste products from your body instead of allowing them to sit and potentially damage the surrounding cells. On top of this fruits and vegetables are rich in cell-protecting anti-oxidants and vitamins which may help fight off cancerous cells.
2) EXERCISE REGULARLY: – Regular exercise has been linked with reducing your risk for multiple types of cancer. Both breast cancer and colon cancer are thought to be less likely in people who exercise regularly. Daily exercise is also thought to reduce your risk of contracting lung cancer and prostate cancer. It is not known exactly why exercise helps reduce your cancer risk but it is thought to be due to levels of certain cancer-causing hormones being higher in sedentary, obese people.
3) QUIT SMOKING: – Cigarette smoke contains over 70 carcinogens (chemicals that are believed to cause cancer) and because of this it is strongly linked to lung cancer. However, what many people do not know is that once this cigarette smoke is inhaled these carcinogens can pass through the blood and the lymphatic system (a network that transports white blood cells around the body and protects it against infection) to all areas of the body. Therefore, smoking also puts you at an increased risk of many other none lung cancers too.
There is still a lot to learn about cancer and the exact causes. However, I hope this article has shown you the strong correlation between making positive lifestyle choices and reducing your cancer risk. By eating good foods, staying physically active and not smoking you will enjoy a number of health benefits and minimize your chances of contracting cancer too.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life-threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes completely with your doctor.
Featured Image: Harvard Health Publishing