Cancer is a devastating and deadly disease that we all hope to avoid. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot we don’t understand about cancer, and scientists have much more to learn about how cancer develops, as well as how to treat it.
That said, there are some lifestyle habits we know are associated with cancer, and to an extent, you can decrease your cancer risk by adjusting those habits in your own life.
The Many Types of Cancer
First, it’s important to recognize that there are many different types of cancer, and each one has a slightly different profile. For example, consider pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), which occurs almost exclusively in people who breathe air contaminated by asbestos, a hazardous material that is no longer in widespread use. First, it’s important to recognize that there are many different types of cancer, and each one has a slightly different profile. For example, consider pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), which occurs almost exclusively in people who breathe air contaminated by asbestos, a hazardous material that is no longer in widespread use. Understanding the various mesothelioma types is crucial, as each requires different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Simply avoiding exposure to asbestos can help you avoid this type of cancer entirely, but other types of cancers can develop under myriad conditions. No amount of lifestyle improvement can prevent you from developing mesothelioma if you’ve been habitually exposed to asbestos, but many other types of cancers are largely preventable.
Factors That Increase Cancer Risk
There are many factors that can increase your cancer risk, including:
· Genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to develop cancer, for a variety of reasons. It could be attributable to a hormone production issue, a deformity, or a pattern in cell division that makes it more likely for you to develop a cancerous mutation. Unfortunately, this means that some people are naturally going to have a high cancer risk, even if they perfectly control their lifestyles.
· Cancer-causing exposures. Some types of cancer develop in response to exposure to specific substances or environmental hazards. For example, tobacco is a known carcinogen – and we’ve already discussed the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma.
· Age. As you get older, cancer becomes more likely. That’s because most cancers originate as cell mutations, which can occur whenever cells divide; with each passing year, you experience more cell divisions, multiplying the chances that a mutation occurs. Because of this, if you live long enough, cancer becomes a kind of inevitability, regardless of your lifestyle.
· Lifestyle habits. That said, there are many poor lifestyle habits that can increase your cancer risk, and eliminating or reshaping them can greatly reduce your risk of developing many types of cancers. In other words, you do have a significant degree of control over your cancer risk, even if you can’t control everything.
How to Live a Healthier Lifestyle
How do you live a healthier lifestyle and reduce your cancer risk?
· Get lots of sleep. Getting lots of sleep is important for both your body and mind, and it’s going to help you feel more energized and healthier on a daily basis. As an adult, you should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night – even if that means making other scheduling sacrifices.
· Eat more fruits and vegetables. Consider incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. These nutritious options are rich in fiber, abundant in vitamins and minerals, and they even contain compounds known as antioxidants, which can reduce free radicals (which cause cancer) in your body. Consider cutting out junk foods and replacing them with nutritious alternatives, as many junk foods are correlated with higher cancer rates.
· Drink lots of water. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water. This is probably advice you’ve heard before, as staying better hydrated can lead to a host of benefits, including better cognition, greater energy, and overall greater physical health.
· Exercise daily. Physical exercise helps you stay in shape, reduce stress, and protect multiple organs and systems in your body at the same time. For example, regular cardiovascular exercise can improve the strength and health of your lungs, potentially reducing your lung cancer risk.
· Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is highly correlated with a variety of cancers, though a causal link has not been proven. What is clear is that patients who make an effort to either prevent obesity or lose weight have a lower risk profile than their obese counterparts. This might be because the actions necessary to maintain a healthy weight, like exercising and eating leaner, are the causal factors in question. But in any case, it’s important for you to maintain a healthy weight.
· Reduce stress. Stress is correlated with higher cancer risk as well. Accordingly, you should monitor your own stress levels and try to manage them proactively. This could mean reducing the hours you work, eliminating specific stressors, and incorporating better coping strategies.
· Avoid carcinogenic substances. Avoid consuming substances that are known to be carcinogenic. For example, you shouldn’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco, and you should drink alcohol only in moderation.
· Protect yourself from the sun. Finally, protect yourself from the sun. Spending time in sunlight is good for your physical and mental health, allowing you to produce vitamin D and boosting your mood simultaneously. However, you need to protect yourself from UV rays using a combination of shade and regularly applied sunscreen.
Cancer is a complicated disease, and it affects people in different ways. There’s still a lot we don’t understand, but what we do understand is that most individuals can influence at least some of their risk factors.
With better lifestyle habits, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing this terrible disease.
