If you could take a pill that could cut your risk of developing cancer in half, would you take it? Of course you would. Unfortunately, no such pill exists today. But you can slash your risk of developing or dying from cancer by 50 percent by simply making a few lifestyle changes, experts say.
“If people did everything we know about preventing cancer, ideally, we could eliminate half of cancer incidence and prevent half of deaths,” says Carolyn Aldige, president and founder of the Virginia-based Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Newsmax Health polled experts nationwide to gather their top cancer prevention tips. Here’s the best advice they had to share:
Quit smoking. Using tobacco has been linked to various types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, lung, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. It’s been linked to nearly half of all deaths across a dozen types of cancer. Even exposure to second hand smoke increases your risk, says Dr. T.J. Patel, chief of Hematology and Oncology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Texas.
Limit sun exposure. “Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers,” Patel adds. “Reduce your risk by seeking shade in the middle of the day, covering exposed skin with sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and reapplying sunscreen as needed.”
Manage stress. Dr. Lauren Richter, DO, a clinical assistant profession and physician at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine says finding ways to manage stress is critical to boosting your immune system — your best defense against cancer.
Hit the gym. Most health experts endorse federal guidelines recommending exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to head off a range of obesity-related cancers.
Limit toxin exposures. Avoid hormone disrupting toxins such as x-rays, UV light, chemicals, pesticides, parabens, and other environmental pollutants that contribute to about 6 percent of cancer deaths, according to the American ancer Society.
Eat a healthy diet. Aim to include a rainbow of fruits and vegetables in your diet to boost your intake of anti-cancer nutrients. Increase fiber in your diet and limit consumption of red meat and simple sugars.
Limit alcohol. A 2011 study of more than 100,000 women revealed that three to six drinks a week increased their risk of breast cancer by 15 percent. It also increases the risk of prostate cancer for men. Keep drinks to one per day for women; two per day for men.
Try supplements. Take selenium and vitamins A to prevent lung cancer. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of “Real Cause, Real Cure,” also recommends taking curcumin, the spice that makes Indian curries yellow, for cancer prevention. “It has been studied and found to be a powerful cancer preventative and curative supplement. Several studies documented at Baylor University Cancer Center by researcher Dr. Ajay Goel, PhD, attest to its effectiveness,” he notes.
Lose weight. Dr. Gabe Mirkin a leading health expert from Orlando Florida and the author of “The Healthy Heart Miracle,” says one of the most important steps to take is lose excess weight and watch your blood sugar levels. “Obesity is a significant cancer risk,” he says. “Everything that raises your blood sugar levels also increases that risk—being overweight, eating sugar-laden foods and drinks, lack of vitamin D, not exercising and so forth.”
The full version of this article appeared in the Health Radar newsletter. To read more, click here.