In the United States, cardiovascular complications are the leading causes of death. Cancer remains the second-largest disease behind American fatalities today. There’s also an entire industry dedicated to managing cancer and helping people suffering from this condition. Statistics have indicated that 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually, while almost 600,000 patients die from this disease. It’s estimated that our country spends $174 billion treating cancer patients. Cancer isn’t a death sentence, and some patients can live for many years after their initial diagnosis. However, there’s an old saw that prevention’s better than care. So, what are some wonderful methods to prevent cancer?
Cancer Prevention Strategies
The chances of getting cancer aren’t as meager as you may have previously thought! Experts claim that nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer someday during their lifespans. But why today has cancer become so commonplace? It’s believed that our increasing lifespans have contributed heavily to the probability of people contracting cancer. However, some simple strategies can help folks become resistant to cancer-related ailments. We admit that the study of cancer prevention’s still evolving. There isn’t any strategy that can make you immune to cancer. However, bringing some simple lifestyle changes can help you prevent this chronic ailment. So, here are some methods of preventing cancer in 2022:
- Enhance your learning:
Health literacy has become a must-have among Americans in 2022. It will help you enhance your know-how about chronic illnesses, e.g., cancer, to prevent them. We suggest you learn about mesothelioma and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to avoid this form of cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by long-term asbestos exposure and lowers your life expectancy to just 12-21 months. But learning about this rare form of cancer can help people remain healthy and avoid asbestos too.
- Eat a healthy diet:
Don’t get confused about excessive information regarding healthy eating and drinking. The rules about a healthy diet are pretty simple! Focus on consuming fruits and vegetables and avoid eating too much red meat. Also, prevent trans and saturated fats and choose their alternatives in your diet. If you’re a red-meat fanatic, it’s better to choose fish, beans, or chicken. Cook your meals in olive/canola oil as they’re rich in healthy fats. It’s better if you only stay away from fast and junk food and eat healthily.
- Beware of the sun:
Skin cancer’s so common that people believe every fifth American may develop this chronic ailment during their lifetime. There are some simple strategies for preventing these types of cancer. We suggest avoiding direct sunlight from 10 AM to 4 PM while using sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats to stay in the shade. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it liberally on yourself. Also, avoid sunlamps and tanning beds since they’re as harmful as sunlight. That’s how you can prevent cancer.
- Beware of radiations:
To prevent cancer, you must avoid any unnecessary radiation exposure. Get medical imaging studies only done when they’re essential to your well-being. Moreover, protect yourself from harmful chemicals along with industrial/environmental toxins. So, get your dwelling tested for asbestos as it causes the death of around 12,000-15,000 Americans and may lead to rare forms of cancer, e.g., mesothelioma. Stay away from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and aromatic amines as well for your well-being.
- Maintain a healthy weight:
Obesity isn’t healthy for people who want to prevent cancer. So, lowering your weight and properly regulating it may help you avoid different versions of cancer, e.g., lung, colon, or breast. Also, it’s better to remain physically active to prevent any chronic ailment. It’s observed that being obese links directly with cancer while managing your weight can help you become resistant to many types of cancer. So, we suggest you exercise regularly to prevent this chronic ailment and stay healthy.
- Exercise regularly:
As physical activity protects you from several forms of cancer, we recommend people exercise more often and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Studies indicate that people have adopted a sedentary lifestyle in this age of computers! In 2019, sitting time for adults rose to 6.4 hours, a Reuters study declared. That’s why adults should exercise for 150 minutes daily at least. A proper workout routine protects you from other chronic ailments such as diabetes. Thus, adopt some hobbies related to activities.
- Get screening tests:
You can prevent cancer if it’s diagnosed at early stages. So, many tests catch cancer when it develops, and others may even prevent it from growing and spreading. However, you must consult a professional about which tests you require to prevent cancer. That’s how you can get tested for an ailment that’s potentially dangerous for you. For instance, a study shows that screening can save some 30,000 lives annually from colon cancer since it’s preventable. Here are some more tests you may need today:
- Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Get vaccinated:
Several viral infections can make you vulnerable to cancerous ailments. So, it’s better to get yourself vaccinated to prevent cancer. For instance, people with hepatitis B are more susceptible to liver cancer. They require the hepatitis B vaccine urgently. Similarly, people should get vaccinated against STDs such as HPV, leading to genital cancers. Moreover, people who engage in non-monogamous sexual activities must be vaccinated.
- Avoid tobacco:
Tobacco’s dangerous! Statistics indicate that every fifth death annually’s related to smoking. It’s also estimated that smokers die a decade earlier than nonsmokers. Do you know how many cases of lung cancer are associated with smoking? Experts have claimed that 90% of all lung cancer patients were heavy smokers. Don’t start smoking if you aren’t addicted to this habit yet. If you’re a smoker, it may be better for you to seek treatment. Quit smoking and get alternatives to regulate your addiction.
- Avoid alcohol:
Alcohol doesn’t cause cancer, but it may increase your vulnerability to this chronic ailment. It indicates that the more you drink, the higher your chances of getting cancer are. Research shows that 4% of liver, mouth, colon/rectum, and breast cancer patients in 2020 were heavy drinkers. Experts have recommended people consume alcoholic beverages in moderation. So, men can have two drinks while women can have one drink daily. This practice can help you become protected against cancer.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, research indicates that cancer isn’t rare anymore. Most people will develop this problem during their lifetimes. A study claims that 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women in the United States shall develop cancer during their lifespans. In the UK, this ratio’s equal for both men and women! So, how can people prevent cancer today? Well, you must stay away from the factors that increase your chances of developing cancer, e.g., alcohol, tobacco, chemical, radiation exposure, and other stuff.
Moreover, you should consume healthy meals and protect yourself from sunlight. Get yourself vaccinated to keep viruses and infections away. These simple methods can prevent cancer and allow you to live securely.