Most of us don’t think about cancer in our 20s or 30s. But recent research has shown that people born after 1990 are more likely to develop cancer before the age of 50 than any previous generation. While there are some things we can’t change when it comes to cancer, like certain genes we’ve inherited, up to half of all cancers can be prevented. This means that the lifestyle choices we make early in life can have a big effect on our risk of developing cancer later in life. These are some of the most important lifestyle changes you can make now to reduce your risk of cancer.
1) do not smoke
Smoking is not only the leading cause of lung cancer each year, it is also associated with 14 other types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth and throat. While young people are less likely to smoke these days, thanks in part to the popularity of vaping, research still shows that nine out of 10 regular smokers start before the age of 25. If you want to significantly reduce your risk of many types of cancer, don’t smoke? or leave it if you do.
While vaping is certainly less harmful than smoking, its long-term effects have yet to be studied. For this reason, Cancer Research UK recommends that you only use e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking. The effects of cannabis smoking on cancer risk are also not well understood, although there is some evidence of a small link between cannabis use and an increased risk of testicular cancer. Until more research is done, it may be best to avoid both as well.
2) Practice safe sex
HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes genital warts, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It can also cause a variety of cancers, including cancer of the cervix, penis, mouth, and throat. HPV-associated cancers are particularly common in young people. In the UK alone, cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women aged 30-34. It is also believed that rising HPV rates may explain the recent rise in oral cancers in young men. Being vaccinated against HPV and practicing safe sex will protect you against infection with the virus. For women, cervical screening (a ‘smear test’) is also important, as it can detect the presence of an HPV infection before it has a chance to cause cancer. As such, women between the ages of 25 and 64 should aim to be screened regularly every five years.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: India’s First Cervical Cancer Vaccine: What Causes Cervical Cancer, Who Can Get Vaccinated And When
3) Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of 13 different types of cancer, including those of the intestine, breast, uterus, and pancreas. Excess fat causes inflammation in the body, which promotes tumor growth and helps cancer cells divide. Fat cells also produce the hormone estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of tumors in the breast and uterus. For this reason, the increased risk of cancer is more pronounced in women. Cancers associated with being overweight or obese are becoming more common, particularly in young adults. Not only that, but a poor diet alone can also contribute to an increased risk of cancer. For example, eating too much red and processed meat has been linked to a higher chance of developing bowel cancer. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence suggests that eating a healthy, balanced diet containing fiber and a variety of fruits and vegetables actually reduces the risk of several different types of cancer. Eating the right diet and trying to maintain a healthy weight can be great ways to lower your risk of many different types of cancer later in life.
4) Drink less
It is well known that alcohol increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including those of the liver, breast, and esophagus. Although it is the case that the more you drink, the greater the risk, it is also believed that even moderate alcohol consumption contributes 100,000 cases to the annual global burden of cancer. Although the effects of binge drinking haven’t been studied much, one study suggests that moderate drinkers who regularly binge drink are up to 50 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Smoking while drinking alcohol can also increase the carcinogenic effects of smoking.
Reducing the amount you drink, or cutting it out altogether, will help lower your risk of developing cancer. The NHS recommends that you drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (approximately 6 pints or 10 small glasses of wine) and that you aim to go several days without drinking each week.
5) Use sunscreen
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in people under 40 years of age. It has also become more common in recent decades. The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or from tanning beds. Since the effects of UV radiation are cumulative, the areas of our skin most frequently exposed to the sun (such as the face) are more likely to develop skin cancer. In addition to these cumulative effects, a severe sunburn when young can specifically increase the risk of developing the most dangerous form of skin cancer. You can protect yourself from skin cancer by wearing sunscreen whenever you are exposed to intense sun. This includes wearing hats, covering up with long clothing, and applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 15, keeping in mind that no sunscreen offers 100 percent protection. This is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, such as those with fair skin and a tendency to freckle.
The best ways to reduce the risk of many types of cancer are also linked to better overall health. Other ways you can improve your overall health and fitness while protecting yourself against cancer include staying physically active and avoiding air pollution.
(Disclaimer: This story is published from a syndicated feed.)
Source: news.google.com