Cancer is a scary disease that can profoundly impact our lives. While there are many things beyond our control regarding cancer, there are also some lifestyle choices we can make that may help lower our risk of developing the disease. We will explore cancer-causing things you should avoid to keep your risk as low as possible.
Cancer Causing Things You Should Avoid
1. Smoking
It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes is harmful to your health, but did you know that it’s also one of the leading causes of cancer? Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. If you don’t smoke, avoid starting.
2. Excessive Sun Exposure
Too much sun exposure can damage the DNA in our skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade when possible, especially during peak hours of sunlight (between 10 am and 4 pm).
3. Alcohol Can Be Cancer Causing
Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting yourself to no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and two for men.
4. Processed Meats
Processed meats have gotten treated to preserve or enhance their flavors by smoking, curing, or adding salt or other chemicals. These meats include hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats. They have been linked to an increased risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. If you eat processed meats, do so in moderation.
5. Unhealthy Weight
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, and colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your overall health to lower your cancer risk.
6. Poor Diet
Eating a diet high in processed foods, red meat, and refined carbohydrates increases cancer risk. To lower your risk, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are full of nutrients that can help keep your body healthy and lower your cancer risk.
7. Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle involves little or no physical activity. It can increase your risk of developing cancer. To lower your risk, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Going for a walk or biking and swimming are all great forms of exercise.
8. Chemicals at work
Some jobs expose workers to chemicals like AFFF firefighting foam, increasing their cancer risk. These include occupations such as painters, drywall hangers, and construction workers. If you have a job that exposes you to harmful chemicals, take precautions to protect yourself, such as wearing the proper safety gear.
Recap – Cancer Causing Things to Avoid
Making healthy choices can help lower your risk of developing cancer. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, these lifestyle changes may help. Talk to your doctor about any concerns about your cancer risk. They can help you make decisions about how to protect your health.
