Understanding cancer and all of its causes is currently a work in progress. Research suggests that there are many things that you can do to help lower your odds of getting the disease, and since most of them will improve the way you look and feel, there really is no reason not to make these simple changes.
1. Have Regular Health Checkups
When it comes to surviving cancer, few things are as important as early detection. Whether you search for lab locations in Pennsylvania or Florida, you will find them readily available and most can quickly and accurately provide cancer testing and results. As technology continues to improve, doctors are able to detect cancer cells in the blood earlier and to begin treatment accordingly. It has been shown that the earlier you find and begin battling your cancer, the greater your chances of survival.
2. Stay Slim and Eat a Healthy Diet
Being overweight can increase your risk for certain cancers, especially those of the colon, uterus and breasts. Studies have also shown that eating a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, leafy greens and healthy proteins can dramatically reduce your risk. If you want to start eating healthier but aren’t sure where to begin, try simply adding a reasonable serving of vegetables to your lunch and dinner, and if you aren’t already doing so, start your day with fruit for breakfast.
3. Reduce or Avoid Drinking Alcohol
While studies have shown that one drink per day is fine, anything more than that could prove to be hard on your body and possibly increase your risk of cancer. If you’re having trouble sticking to a single drink, consider steering clear of alcohol-centered social functions.
4. Skip Smoking
You probably already know that smoking is disastrous for your health, not to mention incredibly addictive. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you can smoke occasionally and not get hooked. If you’re already addicted, now is the time to quit. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk of cancer.
5. Protect your Skin
Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles and skin cancer, yet some sunlight is needed to help your body produce vitamins. Therefore, rather than being afraid, you should work to develop a healthy relationship to the sun. Avoid getting sunlight directly on your skin during the hottest part of the day, and when you do go out, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
6. Discover a Love For Exercise
Research has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of colon and breast cancers, and it’s likely that it can help prevent other cancers as well. If pumping iron at the gym isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun and interesting ways to be physically active, from taking a dance class to going hiking on the weekends with your friends.
In some cases, cancer is not preventable. Many times, nothing the patient did or didn’t do can be determined to have an effect, and that can be frustrating for doctors, patients and family members alike. However, if you do your best to lead a healthy lifestyle, you can dramatically lower your chances for getting the disease, and you’ll make yourself look and feel better at the same time.
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License: Creative Commons image source- License: Creative Commons image source
After losing loved ones to cancer, author Molly P. writes to encourage early detection and a healthier lifestyle for today’s at-risk adults, which is really all of us. Whether you are searching for lab locations in Pennsylvania or California to perform a cancer screening, Health Testing Centers can provide a lab location near you. Their certified technicians and facilities have provided accurate and timely cancer screening results to thousands of concerned individuals over the past 30 years.
