Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases. It impacts millions of people and their families every year, each facing unique struggles. But there's good news too! You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing cancer or having a reoccurrence. Here are seven tips to help you stay healthy and cancer-free.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps keep your body in shape. It also helps reduce stress and strengthen your immune system. Aim for at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. This can include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for a sustained period.
Eat Healthily
Eating nutritious foods is important to stay healthy and reducing cancer risk. Focus on loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods as much as possible. Also, pay special attention to the types of fats you eat; saturated fats should be limited, while unsaturated fats (like those found in nuts and avocados) should be embraced.
Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that getting enough sleep can help reduce your risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Aim for at least seven hours per night on weeknights and eight hours on weekends for optimal health benefits.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of some forms of cancer, such as mouth, throat, colorectal, liver, breast, and cervical cancers, among others. If you want to drink alcohol for your health, have no more than two drinks per day if you are a man or one drink per day if you are a woman. Drinking in moderation has minimal risks associated with it.
Don't Smoke
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths today. If you currently smoke or use other forms of tobacco, quitting is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk for many types of cancers. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but there are resources available that can help you get started on this journey.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Spending too much time in direct sunlight can damage your skin cells, increasing your risk for skin cancer. Avoid long periods in direct sunlight or wear sunscreen outdoors during peak hours (10am-3pm). Additionally, wearing protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses while outdoors can also help protect your skin from UV radiation exposure from the sun's rays .
Stay Up To Date On Vaccination Schedules
Vaccinations are important preventative measures against numerous illnesses, including HPV, which is linked to some forms of cancer, so make sure to stay up to date on recommended vaccination schedules and get vaccinated if necessary.
Conclusion
Reducing your risk of developing cancer isn't always easy, but it is possible if you take the proper steps! Start by following these seven tips; they will help ensure that you do everything within your power to maintain good physical health while minimizing the risks associated with many forms of cancer! Taking charge now means fewer worries down the road so put these tips into action today!
About the Author:
Carlene Blair is the Founder & CEO of Cancerversity, Carlene was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 22. After being diagnosed with cancer at a pivotal point in her life and having learned of the healthcare disparities for BIPOC through research and her own personal experiences, Carlene created Cancerversity to help young women of color navigate the ups and downs of a cancer diagnosis and to remove the stigmas around discussing cancer in the black community. Carlene is now in remission and hopes to continue providing a platform where thrivers and survivors feel comfortable sharing their stories.
If you want to learn more about Carlene Blair and Cancerversity, you can visit their website or follow them on Instagram @cancerversity.
Carlene Blair
Founder & CEO
Cancerversity opens conversations about cancer survival, statistics, treatments, and screening practices to bridge the gap in health equity for young women of color. The Cancerversity community welcomes young adult cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.
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