Cancer. It's a word that evokes fear and uncertainty, but it's important to remember that knowledge is power.

Did you know that a lot of the decisions you make on a daily basis can reduce your risk of developing various cancers?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer completely, there are many proactive steps you can take to significantly reduce your chances.

According to research, with today's knowledge, up to 50% of cancer cases and roughly 50% of cancer deaths can be avoided.

With the help of these strong, doable solutions from Karetrip, you can improve your health and lower your risk of cancer.

Why Prioritise Cancer Prevention?

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide: Early detection and prevention are crucial for improving survival rates.

Empowering yourself: Taking proactive steps gives you a sense of control and improves your overall well-being.

Investing in your future: Reducing your cancer risk translates into a healthier future for yourself and loved ones.

8 Proactive Steps To Lower Your Risk of Cancer Or Catch It Early

1. Know Your Family Medical History And Get Recommended Cancer Screenings

• Talk about cancer screenings and share your family history with your healthcare practitioner.

• Certain tests can assist in the early detection of cancer, when treatment outcomes are more likely, and some can identify precancerous diseases prior to their development into cancer.

• Screening recommendations might not be "one size fits all," even though it has been shown to save lives.

2. Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, hookah, chewing tobacco and more) has been linked to many types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, breast, throat, cervical, bladder, mouth and esophageal cancers.

It’s best never to start using tobacco, but if you do use tobacco products, it’s never too late to quit.

3. Protect your skin from the sun

Skin cancer is the most prevalent and most avoidable type of cancer diagnosed. The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation from the sun.

Make sure you wear enough sun protection all year round. Never use tanning beds inside.

• Avoid midday sun: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.

• Stay in the shade: When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat help too.

• Cover your skin: Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Wear a head cover and sunglasses. Wear bright or dark colors. They reflect more of the sun's harmful rays than do pastels or bleached cotton.

• Don't skimp on sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply a lot of sunscreen. Apply again every two hours, or more often after swimming or sweating.

• Don't use tanning beds or sunlamps: These can do as much harm as sunlight.

4. Eat a plant-based diet

Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Limit processed meats, red meats, and sugary drinks. Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

5. Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several cancers. including breast, colorectal, esophageal, oral and liver cancers.

The more you drink, the greater your risk of cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol might increase your risk.

6. Maintain a healthy weight Obesity is linked to many cancers, including those of the endometrium, liver, kidney, pancreas, colon, breast (especially in post-menopausal women) and more.

• Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week can make a big difference in your general health and well-being.

• Physical activity is linked to a lower risk of colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and there is some evidence that also links it to reducing the risk of other cancers.

7. Practise safer sex and avoid risky behaviours

Cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue), and at least four other cancers can be caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Since HPV is shared through oral, anal, and vaginal sex, wearing a condom correctly each time you engage in sexual activity can help protect you, albeit it is not 100% effective.

8. Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated can protect you from certain viruses that are linked to certain cancers.

• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Adults at high risk of getting hepatitis B are people who have sex with more than one partner, people who have one sexual partner who has sex with others, and people with sexually transmitted infections. Others at high risk are people who inject illegal drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might have contact with infected blood or body fluids.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12.

Don’t forget Mammograms

• Breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. It doesn’t help prevent cancer, but it can help find cancer early when it’s more treatable.

• Most women should get yearly mammograms starting at age 40.

• Women at higher risk for breast cancer may need to start mammograms earlier. So, it’s best to talk to a doctor by age 30 about any breast cancer risk factors you may have and if you’d benefit from earlier screening.

• Regularly doing breast self-exams is not recommended for screening. They haven’t been found to have benefits. But you should be familiar with your breasts and tell a healthcare provider right away if you notice any changes in how your breasts look or feel.

FAQ

1. Can cancer be prevented ?

• Not all cancers can be prevented but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
• These include not smoking and keeping a healthy weight.
• The world around us can make being healthy hard, and this can affect some people more than others. We need the government to help make it easier for us all.

2. How can making healthy changes reduce my cancer risk?

A person’s risk of cancer depends on many different things. Research shows that things like stopping smoking and keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of cancer. By making healthy changes now, you can make a difference to your health in the future.

3. Do I need to worry about my family history?

Yes, a family history of cancer can increase your risk, so talk to your doctor about personalised recommendations.