7 Simple Lifestyle Changes That May Prevent Cancer

The best way to “treat” cancer is to never get it in the first place. While many types of cancer do have genetic links, lifestyle choices play a tremendous role in whether you’ll get cancer – as well as whether or not you’re more likely to beat cancer if you do wind up with a diagnosis.

7 Things You Can Do Right Now to Reduce the Chances of Getting Cancer

Experts feel that as many as 340,000 cases of cancer could be prevented if individuals simply adhered to these 7 tips…

1) Think lean – but not too skinny

Everybody’s ‘ideal weight’ varies depending on bone density, muscle mass, body size, etc. However, research shows that the leaner you are, the less likely you are to get cancer. Aim for a diet and exercise platform that keeps your body as trim as possible – without being underweight.

Use this body mass index calculator to see where you are. If you’re over- or under-weight, you now have a better target to aim for (since pound measurements can be deceiving). Bring your findings to your physician and create a sensible, personalized weight management plan.

2) Get off the obesity train

Similarly, if you use the BMI calculator and find yourself in the overweight or obese brackets, you need to get serious about weigh management. Being obese significantly raises your chances of getting caner.

3) Migrate to an anti-inflammatory diet

You should always discuss any dietary shifts with a physician. That being said, anti-inflammatory diets are wonderful, all-in-one diet models for the vast majority of human beings. Anti-inflammatory diets optimize nutrient intake and foods high in anti-oxidants (known cancer fighters), while mitigating the intake of foods associated with elevated cancer risk.

Read about The Anti-Inflammatory Diet here, and discuss any necessary tweaks with your doctor.

4) Live an active lifestyle

You don’t have to be a fitness guru to lead an active lifestyle. Ideally, you should move for at least 30-minutes a day. This can include things like traditional exercise routines, but also looks like walking the dogs, hiking and hunting, playing with the kids at the park, riding your bike to the library and back, taking the stairs or parking at the rear of lots so you walk further into shops and restaurants.

5) Adhere to wellness check-up schedules

Annual wellness checkups are free, and they are instrumental in methodically assessing your health, flagging any potential risks/issues that should be addressed, providing timely information pertaining to health issues associated with your particular age bracket and ensuring you’re screened as necessary for various forms of cancer so they can be caught (and treated) quickly.

6) Breastfeed for at least 6-months

If you’re  woman, breastfeeding for at least 6-months (pumping is fine too!) after your baby is born reduces your risk for breast cancer, as well as ovarian cancer, and it reduces your child’s future cancer risk as well.

7) Quit tobacco consumption and drink in moderation

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products exponentially increases your risk of all types of cancer. Similarly, drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages per day also increases your cancer risk.

Having a hard time sticking to these recommendations? Schedule an appointment with your family physician – or Palouse Specialty Physicians – for more personalized help in creating your own cancer prevention plan.

Published on February 21, 2018