In this world full of toxic substances, do you wonder what can be a cancer prevention lifestyle? Cancer is a concern for many.

Curious about the practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer? Well, you are at the right place.

Karetrip is here to help you figure out the right choice for your health.

Join us as we delve into the certain strategies that can empower you on your journey to better health and longevity.

What Are Healthy Habits?

According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) about 30–50% of all cancer cases can be averted by following cancer prevention lifestyles.

To ward off the ever-fearing C- word, all you need is a positive approach towards life and a healthy environment.

Though the researchers are trying hard to find a cure to cancer. You can also contribute to their motive to making the world cancer free by indulging in healthy habits and certain lifestyle changes.

Now, let’s take a look at the healthy habits to follow in order to prevent cancer:

Healthy weight The first habit that promotes cancer prevention lifestyle is proper weight management.

You need not have a perfect figure as an actress, but in accordance with your BMI. Don’t stress yourself out to burn extra calories by depriving your body of food and nutrition.

Regular exercise

Sweat yourself out to stay healthy and active all day long. Any kind of physical exercise keeps your hormones in balance and keeps your muscles strong.

Always consult with your physician if you are advised not to perform certain bodily movements due to any prevailing ailments.

Give up smoking

Those puffs that give you relief during a busy day are slowly taking a toll over your life. It’s not anymore cool to flaunt those cigarettes between your lips.

Tobacco causes oral, lung and oesophagus cancer. Those dreadful cancer advertisements over the packet of cigarettes that you ignored may turn into reality at any moment.

Passive smokers may also be affected with cancer. Studies found that of all the cancers, tobacco tops the list. Chewable tobacco also has the potential to make you ill. So, love your life and give up tobacco.

Healthy and balanced diet

Basics of a healthy life starts with what you consume throughout the day. Cancer prevention lifestyle is incomplete without a balanced plate of food. Include more fresh fruits and veggies and less oily fries.

Certain components that are present in fast foods are proven to be carcinogenic. Avoid consuming those foods not only to prevent cancer but also to improve your gut health.

No alcohol

Come on, you also know that alcohol is bad for your health. Alcohol takes so many lives on a daily basis. You can de-addict yourself with little help from professionals and friends.

Step up to seek help if you think you need to return back to a healthy lifestyle.

Sun protection

Skin cancer is one of the leading causes of death in western countries. Ultraviolet rays of the sun when entering your body may promote abnormal growth of cancer cells.

You should always protect your skin from direct sunlight.

Protect yourself from STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases like Hepatitis B and HPV have potential to transform into cancer. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms and practise unprotected coitus, seek medical attention at the earliest.

Cancer prevention lifestyles not only protect you from the unnecessary hazards of cancer, but also helps maintain your overall healthy body.

You can refer to karepedia blogs for further knowledge about several STDs and their management.

When in doubt, get screening tests done

You must get yourself tested once in every 5 years for oral, cervical and lung cancer done.

For oral cancer, you can perform self-examination of the oral cavity. If you notice any non-healing ulcer in your mouth or on your genitals with abnormal discharge, get yourself tested at the earliest.

Also, you must self-examine your breasts for any change in texture or colour and report to your physician. Always remember, cancer when detected earliest is treated the best.

Get vaccinated against cancer causing germs

Vaccines are available for HPV and Hepatitis B which protects you from the strains that may cause cancer. Prevention of any disease is much easier when researchers come up with the potent vaccine.

Get yourself and your teenage daughters (9-14 years) vaccinated with the newly launched HPV vaccine that protects you from cervical cancer.

Avoid environmental toxins

Some of the well-known carcinogens present in the environment are asbestos, cadmium, nickel, radon, vinyl chloride, benzene and benzidine.

These substances are found in the environment which increase your risk of developing cancer. Try to limit your exposure to these toxins to sustain a cancer prevention lifestyle.

Don’t share needles

A big ‘No’ to reusing needles. Apart from spreading some life-threatening infections like HIV you can also get blood cancer from infected needles. You must use one-time sterilised needles every time.

Breastfeed your baby sufficiently

The immunity booster for your child is breast milk. It provides your child with the protection to fight against any diseases in their life.

Studies say, breastmilk is a magic potion that is laden with nutrients and antibodies to prevent any childhood diseases.

Restrict use of supplements

Supplements can never give you the same nutrients that the originals provide. Stop ditching the green veggies on your plate and popping those pills.

Embrace a healthy cancer prevention lifestyle by focusing on better nutrition.

Oral hygiene

Any broken or ill-fitting dentures may cause ulcer in your oral cavity. Don’t bear the pain and dive into the danger of cancer.

Perform visual examination of your mouth every year and report to your dentist if you find any alteration from the normal colour or texture.

Limit hormone therapy after menopause

Postmenopausal symptoms are a problem for few women. We don’t recommend you to carry on hormone therapy for a long duration.

This can lead to ovarian cancer. You may try several home remedies to manage your hot flashes and other severe symptoms.

Cancer Prevention Lifestyle Changes

Today our lifestyles have changed due to the work pressure and societal competition for a successful life. Anxiety is the main reason for several psychological and neurological problems that are evolving like never before. Disturbed mental health is the issue of the 21st century.

Here are some tips to improve your health and prevent you from any cancer.

Sleep tight- A good night’s sleep is the essence of a healthy life and productive day of work.

Reduce stress – You may practise yoga and meditation to manage stress and keep your mind peaceful.

Maintain work-life balance – Keep your work at the office and spend quality time with your loved ones. This will make you feel relaxed and boost your hormones to protect you from any illness.

When to see a Doctor?

Now, this is the most crucial question. We know that to maintain a cancer prevention lifestyle, we need to be aware of the danger signs of our body. Early detection of any cancer is a blessing in disguise. Here is a list of some caution signs of cancer:

• Unusual discharge from vagina.

• Milking from breasts that are not lactating.

• Non healing ulcer of oral cavity

• Lump or change in texture of breasts

• Unusual loss of weight

• Mole that is increasing in size and texture.

• Unexplained abdominal pain for a long duration.

Studies say that 1 out of every 5 men and 1 out of every 6 women worldwide develop some or the other type of cancer during their lifetime.

Due to the fast evolving world, the prevalence of cancer is at the highest in this decade.

We are sometimes unable to detect the probable causative agent of cancer which makes us prone to sustain in the same environment and fall into the trap of it.

With a bit more awareness, we can definitely protect ourselves and our family from the dreaded cancer epidemic.