The Science of Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes and Screening Guidelines
Have you ever wondered how cancer prevention works? With more than 17 million new cases reported annually, researchers are continually studying ways to prevent cancer, or to reduce people’s risk of developing the disease. The science of cancer prevention takes many forms, but a few key strategies have proven to be effective.
In this article, we’ll examine the science of cancer prevention, with a focus on lifestyle changes and screening guidelines. We’ll review current clinical data to explore how making certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cancer, and we’ll discuss how regular cancer screenings can increase your chances of surviving the disease. Let’s begin by examining the lifestyle changes that can lower your risk of cancer.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Developing Cancer
Research studies have linked certain lifestyle factors to an increased risk of developing cancer. The good news is that making certain lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk. Here are the most effective lifestyle changes to consider if you want to reduce your risk of cancer:
-
Quit Smoking: Studies link smoking to 14 different types of cancer. If you smoke, you should make it a priority to quit. Talk to your doctor about strategies that can help you quit.
-
Eat a Healthy Diet: Certain types of diets have been found to reduce the risk of cancer, including the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consider avoiding or reducing your intake of processed and sugary foods. Eating healthy foods and limiting processed foods can positively impact your overall health.
-
Get Regular Exercise: Staying physically active can reduce the risk of cancer. The current physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, and researchers estimate that up to 25% of all cancer deaths may be due to a lack of physical exercise.
-
Limit Alcohol Intake: Studies show that drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. If you drink, it’s important to keep your alcohol intake to a moderate level.
-
Avoid Exposure to Harmful Substances: Some substances such as secondhand smoke, UV radiation, air pollution, and certain chemicals may increase the risk of cancer. Whenever possible, you should try to avoid exposure to these environmental pollutants.
Screening Guidelines for Cancer
In addition to making lifestyle changes, getting regular cancer screenings can help to reduce your risk of developing cancer or to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The “American Cancer Society’s Recommendations for Cancer Screenings” provides detailed information on when and which types of cancer screenings you should consider.
Check with your doctor to find out which screenings they recommend based on your age, gender, and personal risk factors. Females should also check with their doctor to find out when they should start annual mammogram screenings.
For people who have a strong family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend additional cancers screenings such as genetic testing for inherited mutations in certain genes.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
Cancer is a serious illness that can take a heavy emotional, physical, and financial toll on those affected by the disease. We may not be able to prevent every case of cancer, but making certain lifestyle changes and getting regular screenings can substantially reduce the risk of developing and dying from cancer.
If you’ve ever wondered how cancer prevention works, the answer is that it’s multi-faceted. Making certain lifestyle changes and following the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for cancer screenings can help to reduce your chances of developing and dying from cancer – and that’s a truth that’s backed by science.
