These 5 Lifestyle Changes May Help Reduce Your Cancer Risks By Up To 50%

It’s well-accepted that your risk of developing cancer or other illnesses is heavily affected by the lifestyle choices you make. The steps below tell you how to reduce your cancer risk.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 50% of all cancer cases are preventable through these recommended lifestyle changes.

Prevention offers the most cost-effective, long-term strategy for cancer control and providing the knowledge and understanding of good and bad habits may reduce exposure to many cancer risk factors that people may not be aware of.

 

1. Stop Smoking

Research suggests that between 10-15% of smokers will develop lung cancer or other smoking related illnesses. There are over 700 toxins and at least 69 known carcinogens in cigarettes. e-Cigarettes, contrary to the believe of many are also most definitely not a healthier alternative, as they come with their own set up unique health complications.

 

2. Red & Processed Meat

Bad news for the for steak and biltong eaters out there. Your love of red meat could increase your chances of falling victim to colorectal (i.e. your lower colon and rectum) cancers. High consumption of red meats could increase your cancer risks by as much as 28%. The good news is that you don’t have to go vegan, but swop your red meat for healthier fish, or chicken options and when possible, favour organic, hormone and antibiotic-free options.

Your lifestyle, your risk.

Cancer strikes one in three women and one in two men in South Africa. More than 560,000 die from it each year.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

According to cancer.gov, obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer. Being overweight can increase inflammation in the body, cause insulin resistance and impact the way our bodies regulate and repair cells.

It is key to consume a diet with fewer processed and sugary foods and eat a greater variety of fruit and vegetables.

 

4. Be More Physically Active

Being physically active has been linked to several health benefits including some types of cancer. It is recommended that you get a minimum of 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity, or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of more vigorous activity each week.

This may seem like a lot, but it only equates to a brisk 30 min walk each day or a 20 run four times a week.

 

5. Preventable Infections

Cancer causing infections, such in hepatitis and human papilloma virus (HPV) are responsible for up to 25% of cancer cases in lower-middle income countries.

The good news is that vaccines are available for both illnesses can drastically reduce your risk of liver or cervical cancers.

• A free eBook on cancer prevention

• Free cancer cover for 3-months (R10 000 cover)

• 1x free raffle entry to win a R60 000 adventure of your choice

• Free online cancer risk assessment tool

• Free self-check tool and reminder alerts (breast & testicular cancer)

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