While we are often caught up in societal pressures that don’t necessarily promote healthy lifestyles, there are concrete things everyone can do today to lower their risk of developing a health issue.
Endeavor Health oncologist Gary Kay, MD, outlines the five most important actions people can take right now to reduce their risks of getting a variety of cancers.
#1 Don’t smoke.
Smoking is clearly associated with elevated risks for a long list of cancers, said Dr. Kay. People may automatically think of lung cancer, but smoking also increases the risk for developing numerous other cancers, including: bladder, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, liver, stomach, colon, cervix, blood and more. Using smokeless tobacco is also definitively linked with elevated cancer risks, he said.
#2 Eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and exercise.
You might think of these factors as related to cardiovascular risk, but they are also most definitely linked to reducing your risk for many cancers. Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, especially in post-menopausal women, as well as pancreas, esophageal, ovarian, prostate, colorectal and other cancers.
“There is a statistical correlation between obesity and many cancers though the exact mechanisms are not always clear,” explained Dr. Kay.
#3 Consume alcohol in moderation if you drink.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to higher risks for head and neck cancer and down the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, liver and colon, said Dr. Kay. “If you are going to drink at all, do it in moderation,” he added. Alcohol in combination with smoking accelerates many cancer risks.
#4 Protect yourself from the sun.
The connection between sun and ultraviolet exposure and melanoma is too strong to ignore, said Dr. Kay. And that goes for tanning beds, which are not safe under any condition. “I don’t even know why tanning beds still exist,” he added.
#5 Get screened and vaccinated for certain cancers.
There are screenings available for a variety of different cancer types, including breast, colorectal, lung, skin and prostate cancers, that can prevent the disease or detect it early when it’s most treatable. “You can reduce your risk of dying from many cancers by staying on top of recommended screenings,” said Dr. Kay.
Additionally, there is now an effective vaccination for the HPV virus, which causes the vast majority of cervical cancers and some head and neck cancers. Gardisal 9 is recommended for both girls and boys from age 9-26, and should be administered before they are sexually active.
The hepatitis B vaccine prevents infections from the hepatitis B virus, which can lead to liver cancer. Those at elevated risk for hepatitis B include people born outside the United States in an area with a high infection rate, intravenous drug users, people who may be exposed to blood in their jobs, and people with a history of chronic liver disease, diabetes, HIV or AIDS.
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