Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths occurring each year. Cancer prevention is essential for reducing the burden of this disease.
Cancer was the second leading cause of death, after heart disease, in the United States in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
An estimated 609,360 people will die of cancer in the United States in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.
By learning how to prevent cancer, you can avoid the emotional and financial burden of the disease. Even more important, you can avoid dying prematurely and leaving your loved ones too soon…
Cancer prevention can help you avoid dying prematurely. By living longer, you can be around longer to share more special moments with your loved ones. Read on to get 4 tips on how to prevent cancer…
Top 17 Deadliest Cancer Sites With Number of People Expected to Die in 2022
Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths due to cancer in the United States (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
- Lung and bronchus — 130,180
- Colon and rectum — 52,580
- Pancreas — 49,830
- Breast — 43,780
- Prostate — 34,500
- Liver — 30,520
- Leukemia — 24,000
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma — 20,250
- Brain and other nervous system — 18,280
- Bladder — 17,100
- Esophagus — 16,410
- Kidney — 13,920
- Ovary — 12,810
- Myeloma — 12,640
- Uterus — 12,550
- Oral cavity and pharynx — 11,230
- Stomach — 11,090
Cancer Prevention Strategies: 4 Tips On How to Prevent Cancer By Making Lifestyle Changes
Cancer is a deadly disease that can affect anyone… regardless of age, race or gender. While there is no sure-fire cancer prevention strategy, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce their risk.
There are many different risk factors for cancer, including tobacco use, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and certain infections. In addition, being overweight or obese can increase your risk for multiple cancers.
Making healthy lifestyle choices is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use and excessive sun exposure are important cancer prevention strategies. In addition, preventing viral infections, such as, the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can decrease your risk of cancer.
Cancer Prevention Tip #1. Losing Weight As Well As Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity Can Help Prevent Cancer On Multiple Sites.
Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer (National Cancer Institute):
- Breast Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Ovarian and Uterine Cancers
- Upper Stomach Cancer
- Liver and Gall Bladder Cancers
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon and Rectal Cancers
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important cancer prevention strategy. Eating a healthy diet can help you lose weight as well as prevent weight gain and obesity.
Are there cancer-fighting foods? No.
There is no one “magic” food that can prevent cancer. But, eating a variety of healthy foods can help reduce your risk. Focus on plant-based foods, such as, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit processed meats and foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
Increasing your physical activity is essential for cancer prevention. Getting regular exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Did you know?
Studies have shown that improving gut health can prevent weight gain and obesity. In addition, it can help you increase weight loss and metabolism as well as prevent obesity-related cancers and diseases.
Go here to learn more about science-based strategies on how to lose weight for good.
If you want to improve your gut health and lose weight faster, go here to find out more…
Cancer Prevention Tip #2. Quitting Smoking and Tobacco Use Can Help Prevent Cancer.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for approximately 22% of all cancer deaths. Cigarette smoking is responsible for the majority of these deaths, with smoking causing an estimated 20% of all cancer deaths in men and 14% of all cancer deaths in women.
Quitting smoking or tobacco use is one of the most important things that people can do to reduce their cancer risk. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of cancer.
Cancer Prevention Tip #3. Avoiding Excessive Sun Exposure and Ultraviolet Radiation Can Help Prevent Cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Avoiding excessive sun exposure is important for cancer prevention. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Cancer Prevention Tip #4. Practicing Safer Sex and Reducing Risk for Sexually-Transmitted Infections Can Help Prevent Cancer.
Some viral infections can increase your risk of cancer, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (National Cancer Institute, World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)).
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are also caused by HPV.
The hepatitis B virus can cause liver cancer. Sexual contact is the most common way Hepatitis B is spread in the United States. Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause lymphoma as well as infectious mononucleosis (mono); it spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. It can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact. In addition, it can spread through blood during blood transfusions and organ transplantations.
There is no specific treatment for Epstein-Barr virus and there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus. According to the CDC, you can help protect yourself by not kissing and not sharing drinks, food or personal items (like toothbrushes) with people who have EBV infection.
EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (also called mono), but other viruses can also cause this disease.
Most people who get symptoms from EBV infection get better in two to four weeks. But, some can get lymphoma.
Practicing safer sex can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection or diseases. Vaccines are safe, effective and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV, according to the CDC.
Watch the Video On Cancer Prevention: Learn How to Prevent Cancer By Lowering Your Cancer Risk Down to ZERO
Conclusion
Making healthy lifestyle choices is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Some strategies for preventing cancer are well known, such as, avoiding tobacco use and excessive sun exposure as well as reducing risk for sexually-transmitted infections.
Other cancer-prevention strategies are less well-known, such as, maintaining a healthy weight to prevent obesity-related cancers and diseases. Go here to learn more about science-based strategies on how to lose weight for good.
If you want to improve your gut health and lose weight faster, go here to find out more…
Small healthy lifestyle improvements can make a big difference in cancer prevention and avoiding diseases that can lead to premature death.
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