As we discussed, your lifestyle and choices can determine your risk for becoming affected by cancer. Making appropriate life choices, such as not smoking, can increase you chances of never having cancer.
Cigarette smoking is the one lifestyle choice that is connected more with cancer deaths than any other activity. Cancers related to smoking are among the most preventable, however there are still millions affected every year. Using harmful substances is never a good idea, and quitting is the best option. However, just reducing the intake of harmful chemicals into the body will decrease your risk factor tremendously.
Use sunscreen! Your mother was correct when she told you to wear sunglasses and a hat when you are out in the sunshine. Shielding your self from the sun’s harmful rays is the best way to limit your risk for developing skin cancer. High SPF sunscreen creams are an inexpensive way to prevent sunburn when wearing long clothing is simply not an option for you. The less time you spend in the sun, the better. And don’t be fool by a cloudy day. Any fair-skinned person can tell you that many times the worst sunburns happen on says when the sun never shines. Pediatricians encourage new parents to being a program of sun protection to guarantee a lifetime of healthy skin for their children.
A healthy diet of whole foods, a healthy exercise program and drinking plenty of water are simple ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer and other harmful medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Making even small changes right now could mean better health in the future.
While you can’t always prevent every type of cancer, you can prevent yourself from being at high risk for some! Take care of your body, and be sure to pay attention to it’s signs. When something doesn’t seem right, or you notice a lump where there shouldn’t be one, you need to seek medical attention immediately.