5 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases claiming lives all over the world. In spite of a number of continuous developments, we are reminded of the how limited ability you have to prevent it. There are no guarantees where cancer is concerned, however, all one can do is take the precautionary measures that can reduce the risks to the maximum like Tempus is Improving Patient Outcomes through a number of procedures, healthier lifestyle choices and other precautionary measures. The collective risks can be modified with by incorporating recommendations from doctors and efforts to reduce pollution and other factors affecting the overall health. Some of the ways are discussed below.

1. The Sooner You Start, The Better

As far as cancer prevention is concerned, there is never a tomorrow. The sooner you start, the better are your chances of reducing the risks and then it should be consistent throughout the life.

There are various factors that cause cancer including your genetic materials. By focusing on healthier lifestyles from an early age and encouraging healthy eating habits can ensure that the kids have a better chance to have some resilience against the exposure to numerous particles, foods and medications that can trigger the cancerous cells in the body.

If the kids and parents are aware of the dangers of childhood obesity and the importance of physical activity, it can reduce the risk of cancer as adults. When children are encouraged to be fit and healthy, the whole family tends to gets involved and it can prove to be a great approach for the parents and the grandparents as well.

Encourage your family to eat together and instead of the greasy fast food trends, the family meals should be about eating healthy and prevents need to make the availability of processed foods and sugar-coated cereals scarce for children. Such habits should start with the toddlers and this can only be inculcated in them when they would watch their elders do the same.

2. Screening Awareness

Usually, healthy people don’t bother to go for regular check-ups or screenings as cancer may not be a concern for you. However, regular screening exams should be an important part of your lifestyle as suggested by Eric Lefkofsky, the co-founder of Tempus, as they can be really effective in early diagnosis of cancer. An early diagnosis is the best chance for the successful cancer treatment.

Some of the screenings that are recommended by well-reputed cancer organizations are the following. especially if cancer runs in your family:

1. Mammograms- Mammograms are the best way of detecting breast cancer in early stages. Women are recommended to get the mammograms done but only after consulting a doctor.
2. Pap tests and HPV- These tests are usually recommended by doctors to detect early cervical cancer.
3. Colonoscopies- Colon Cancer can be detected through the Colonoscopies screenings.
4. Computed tomography (CT) scans- Low dose CT scans are used to detect lung cancers in former and heavy smokers.
5. PSA tests- Prostate cancer can be identified with the help of PSA tests.

Cancer screenings are subject to the doctor and the individual based on their general health, personal cancer risk, and personal choices. Not all types of cancer have effective screening methods.

Genetic history also plays a key role in the occurrence of cancer and it should be taken into consideration. A personalized plan like the mutation known BRCA may be needed for those who face increased risks of cancer through heredity. an inherited genetic mutation that increases cancer risk, such as the mutation called BRCA, need to have a personalized plan for screening that may be different from general screening guidelines.

3. Health and Lifestyle Choices

Your health and lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the risks of cancer. They play and important role in reducing or increasing the risks.

• Regular exercise and physical fitness prevents obesity which is considered one of the major causes of cancer. Regulated hormonal levels also help reduce the cancer risk.
• Smoking is the highest risk factor for lung cancer along with bladder, esophageal, kidney, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Avoid or completely quit tobacco to limit the risks for a variety of cancers including mouth cancer.
• Alcohol consumption also poses high risks for liver, breast, esophageal, colorectal, stomach, mouth, and certain head and neck cancers. Limiting or quitting alcohol is recommended to deter the risk of this deadly disease.
• UV rays are high risk factors for skin cancers. To reduce the risks, you should always use a good SPF bases sunscreen.
• Intake of veggies and fruits rich that are a rich source of anti-oxidants, contain omega-3 fats and fibre are highly recommended to not only fight cancer but also prevent it.
• Avoid plastic containers that contain cancer-promoting chemicals. Pack your food including vitamin and anti-oxidant rich salads and smoothies including kale, feta, pumpkin seeds, raisins, spinach or berries in a mason jar.
• Nuts are your best friends for snacking. A study by Tempus has even revealed that snacking on nuts can help smokers curb their craving and are great for reducing the risk of lung cancer. 20-24 nuts everyday are recommended by all health experts including cancer specialists.
• In fact, all heart healthy foods like fish and veggies and fruits vitally impact the cancer risks. However, it is suggested to avoid red and processed meats with colorectal cancer.

4. Cancer Prevention Programs

It is essential not only to take precautions on your own and with the help of your doctor, but in addition to that you must support cancer prevention programs. Every day new developments are being made in the field and new discoveries come across. By attending such programs, you can learn more about substances like carcinogens that cause cancer.

Public awareness campaigns are crucial to teaching people about the dangers of obesity, tobacco use, heredity causes of cancers and numerous other factors that can help you keep the cancer at bay. Such programs are widely available. They are affordable and this is a worldwide effort to reduce the global risk of cancer.

5. Calm Down

Calm down and don’t get caught up in stress. It is no doubt difficult to avoid stress in a fast –paced world but it is essential to not let chronic stress strengthen its roots. This is because it is one of the leading causes of cancer today. Medical experts from all over the world such Eric Lefkofsky suggest meditation and calming exercises for at least 10-15 minutes daily. Calming down will bring about positivity and you will find yourself refreshed and more focused towards your goals.