Fact: One Third of all Cancers Are Preventable!

One in every eight deaths worldwide is due to cancer [1]. Most people know someone who has been affected: a friend, sibling, parent or distant relative. This post is all about the simple ways you can help prevent cancer from happening to you and your loved ones.

Genetic Markers

The first rule is to know your enemy. Having family members with a history of cancer put you at a higher risk. Investigate your family tree and list any and all genetic ailments you find, not just cancer, e.g. diabetes, hypertension, depression, high blood pressure, migraines, muscular dystrophy and congenital heart disease, which are also hereditary or at least influenced by genetics. Once you have this list, consult with your doctor about your personal risk. Some doctors may wish to sugarcoat it in order not to cause unnecessary worry; that’s fine, but you should ask him/her to be as realistic with you as possible.

Stop With The Tobacco

The second rule is: if you smoke, stop. According to the World Health Organization:

Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world today. It causes 80-90% of all lung cancer deaths, and about 30% of all cancer deaths in developing countries, including deaths from cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, oesophagus and stomach.

Nasty stuff. If you have someone you love, or if you yourself smoke, kick that habit before you kick the bucket. You’re damaging yourself and your loved ones with secondhand smoke.

Your Diet Could Save Your Life

A healthy diet and a healthy body weight combined with exercise greatly decrease your risk of cancer. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is optimal. We now know that many fatty and burnt foods may contain carcinogens. If you’re eating something that has charred black bits on it, remove those parts before eating, as those parts promote cancer.

A diet high in red meat and preserved meat also increases the chance of getting colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease. Sure, you may be on a low carb diet plan, but a balanced diet is key. Remember that Dr. Atkins may have been slim, but he died of a heart attack. Here is where you can read more about the failings of the Atkins diet.

Decrease Infectious Agents

Infectious agents cause 6% of cancers in developed countries and 22% in third world countries. That includes viral hepatitis B and C, which can cause cancer of the liver, and Human Papilloma Virus which can cause cervical cancer in women.  The only ways to ward off against these viruses are vaccination and infection prevention. Take steps to strengthen your immune system, especially when you travel.

Prevent Skin Cancer

Follow the Australian health campaign to fight skin cancer from UV rays: slip, slop and slap. “Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.” Just a few minutes under the sun can already put you at risk for skin cancer; if you’re Caucasian, that increases your chances of getting skin cancer even more. Young children are at the highest risk of not being aware of sun exposure, so keep them covered up.

[1] http://archive.medobserver.com/may2006/orgmed.html

Was This Helpful?

I hope you found this information life changing. Let me know if you liked it by leaving a comment below.