Nobody likes to think they or their family members will develop cancer, but the facts show that around 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. This may seem like shocking data, but fortunately there are things we can do right now to lower our risks of cancer. Knowing how to prevent cancer and how to reduce the risk of cancer can limit your chances of getting the disease, as well as seeking early intervention. The sooner you catch it, the better the prognosis.

Get Regular Screening

The type of screening you can get will depend on your gender and age. Women should have regular breast and cervical cancer screening, called pap smears. Men should have their prostate checked, to minimize the risk of testicular cancer. It is essential that you do not miss these health screenings, as they could detect something before it becomes serious. You should also speak to your doctor if you get any signs or symptoms that worry you.

If you are worried about going to a cancer screening, speak to your doctor who can help you prepare for any tests, such as a pap smear. It can be daunting or uncomfortable, so being prepared and speaking to a healthcare professional can make you feel more at ease.

There are also other types of body scans that can detect cancer, like an MRI scan. Ezra offers a range of body scans which can detect cancer and other diseases in the body. This allows you to take greater control of your own health. For more information about the types of body scans that Ezra offer, visit their website.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is important for our physical and mental health, and it does more than makes us feel good. Exercising regularly can decrease the risk of cancer, including colon, prostate, and breast cancer. It can also help you to maintain a healthy weight, which is another way to prevent cancer. The more overweight you are, the more inflammation is contained within your body, which can cause cancers.

Exercising regularly also reduces the risk of other serious health conditions, like heart disease or diabetes. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity every week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. It is best to do a little every day, to keep your exercise schedule regular. If you do too much exercise at once, you could cause over exertion and damage your muscles.

There is an exercise option out there for everyone, so don’t be afraid to try new things until you find something you love. Exercise shouldn’t be a chore; it should be a fun and invigorating way to move your body. Whether you enjoy marathons or tai chi, getting regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer.

Avoid Smoking

We all know that smoking can cause cancers, but did you know that tobacco use is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths every year? In lung cancer patients, 80% of deaths are smokers. With such shocking statistics, now has never been a better time to make the change and quit. Smoking can also have detrimental effects on the rest of your body too, such as heart problems and gum disease.

If you do smoke and want to quit, you can speak to your doctor for practical help and support. There are medications that can make it easier to quit. Everyone’s smoking journey is different, and you should do what works best for you. Just be careful to not replace one habit for another, as many people who try to quit smoking start eating more.

Drink Less Alcohol

Alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers and as Americans, we consume too much of the stuff. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of cancer becomes. If you want to minimize your risk, it may be time to look at your alcohol intake. If you are drinking more than the recommended guidelines, you may want to cut down, or stop drinking alcohol altogether. Women should have no more than one drink each day, and men should have no more than two.

For comparison, one drink is equal to five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Binge drinking should also be avoided, as this can cause extra strain on your liver. As your liver is the organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, the more you drink, the more liver damage you will sustain. If your liver becomes overworked, it may cause scarring, which can also increase the risk of liver cancer.

Consume Healthier Foods

There are many foods in the supermarkets that have been linked to causing cancer yet are still sold. If you want to be responsible for your health and lower your chances of getting cancer, you have to take control of what you put into your body. This includes consuming a balanced diet, full of fruit, vegetables, fish, poultry, and wholegrains. Eating a diet like this has been linked to lowering your risk of cancers.

Some foods should be limited or avoided, such as red meat and processed meats or foods. People who consume a lot of this type of food are more likely to develop certain cancers. Sugar is also linked to obesity and cancer, so should be eaten in moderation.

If you struggle with your diet, make small changes to create a big difference. Buy healthier alternatives to your favorite foods and don’t buy in foods that you want to avoid. If it is out of sight, it can be out of mind. Maintaining a healthy weight (which can be checked through your BMI) can help in reducing the risk of cancer. When you eat better and exercise, you can have better control of your weight.

If you want to lower your risk of cancers, you need to take control of your health. This means exercising regularly, eating healthier and more balanced choices, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol. You can also have regular screening which can help to detect issues early, which is essential when preventing and treating cancer.