Tips to prevent cancer
It seems like now more than ever cancer and cancer prevention are on the minds of more and more people. Did you know that over 10 million cases of cancer are diagnosed annually worldwide! It is estimated that that number can grow by 50% if people do not start doing things to reduce their risks.
Below are some suggestions and tips to reduce your chances of getting cancer. Although not all factors that contribute to cancer are preventable, you can do many things to greatly reduce your risk.
Avoid smoking - Smoking is a danger that we are all aware of. For those who smoke, quitting will reduce their risk factor for getting cancer more than any other action will. Smokers need to worry about more than just lung cancer; smoking can increase the risk of several other cancers as well. Not only is a smoker putting himself at risk but he is putting those around him a risk too. Exposure to second hand smoke can cause cancer also.
|
|
Wear sun block - With the increase in the desire to look tan, scientists have found drastic increases in the number of people getting skin cancer. The best rule to follow is to apply 1.5 ounces of sun block every 2 hours. Skin cancer isn't just limited to sun exposure either. You should know your mole spots and what constitutes dangerous changes.
Eat well - Antioxidants are the body's natural defense against cancers. Antioxidants help to repair damaged cells. A few examples of foods that will strengthen your body's defenses in the fight against cancer are vitamin D, broccoli, nuts, garlic, cantaloupe, blueberries, artichokes, and many more!
Take your vitamins - Many studies suggest getting the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals can improve your immune system function. Improved immune system function means that your body is better prepared to battle cancerous cells and therefore help prevent a variety of cancers.
Limit alcohol intake - Drinking excessively (more than one drink a day for woman or more than 2 drinks a day for men) can significantly increase risk factors for certain types of cancers. Alcohol in inappropriate quantities can damage organ functions and weaken the body's natural defense.
Exercise - It is no surprise that exercising is good for your health, but did you know that it can also reduce your cancer risks. Those who have higher than normal levels of body fat are more susceptible to developing cancer.
Know your roots - Knowing whether or not certain cancers run in your family can provide you with prevention information much earlier than screenings could. Knowing that your risks are higher in certain areas can help you to be on the watch. Also available to you are genetic tests that can show definitively if you carry a genes that are high risk factors.
Use care when handling chemicals - Many people work in environments where they are exposed to harmful chemicals. Know what you are being exposed to in your work environment and take appropriate precautions to avoid the risks of certain chemical caused cancers.
Don't miss regular doctor visits - Make sure you have regular screening tests like the Pap smear and mammogram if you are a woman, and a DRE (digital rectal exam) if you are a man. These tests can detect cellular changes before they become cancerous. A mammogram is intended to detect breast cancer early.
Get a good night's rest - The body's natural biorhythms achieved during restful sleep are imperative to keeping your immune system healthy enough to fight cancer. As recently as 2003, studies have shown that the body's natural and most effective time for sleeping between 10pm and 6am. Also, benefits of sleeping in complete darkness were discovered.
