How to Prevent Cancer
Affecting nearly half of the world’s population, cancer is common and, if left untreated, deadly. But how do we combat a disease so widespread and lethal? We’ve gathered tips for preventing cancer and catching it while it is still treatable.
Healthy Lifestyle
The key to preventing or curbing most ailments we’ve discussed here at Agape Nutrition is a healthy diet. Getting the proper nutrients for your body to function at full capacity is essential to reducing your risk of major medical issues like cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you “can reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices like keeping a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, [and] limiting the amount of alcohol you drink”. This also means consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods while limiting processed meats.
According to the Mayo Clinic, women who consume a Mediterranean diet are at a “reduced risk of breast cancer”. A healthy, plant-based diet could be the key to keeping your body strong and healthy, simultaneously reducing your risk of cancer.
Protect Your Skin
Skin cancer can be easily prevented by wearing and frequently reapplying sunscreen when outdoors, avoiding the sun during midday when its rays are strongest as well as tanning beds, and covering up when exposed to the sun. Preventing skin cancer can be as simple as sitting in the shade. Taking the extra steps to keep your skin protected while outside makes all the difference and should be included as a part of your healthy lifestyle.
Get Vaccinated and Screened
According to the CDC, “Vaccines (shots) also help lower cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other kinds of cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk”. Practicing safe sex, in addition to getting these vaccines, is crucial to reducing your risk of various cancers.
Getting screened for lung, breast, colon, and cervical cancer is also imperative when it comes to catching cancer in its early stages. Even if your family does not have a history of cancer, it is important to perform routine checks to ensure maximum health.
Talk to your primary care physician before modifying your lifestyle drastically. They will be able to help you create a plan for altering your daily routine, and perhaps working with a dietitian if desired. Speaking to your physician about scheduling vaccines and screenings to protect yourself from the potentially life-threatening nature of cancer is also paramount. Finally, take it upon yourself to understand your family’s medical history (if accessible to you), and communicate any increased risks of cancer to your doctor. Keeping communication open and honest between the two of you is vital to keeping you healthy and safe.