Ask an Oncologist: Are There Tips for Preventing Cancer?

Many Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. And hundreds of thousands of people die from the disease annually. But research shows that a large percentage of cancer cases, as well as cancer deaths, are preventable. Read on to find out ways you can reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Cancer prevention
Many people have heard conflicting reports about cancer prevention because what is known about preventing cancer is still evolving. But the chances of developing cancer are affected by the lifestyle choices people make. Anyone interested in preventing cancer should know that some lifestyle changes can make a difference. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of cancer.
Avoiding tobacco
Using any type of tobacco puts an individual on a collision course with cancer. Many deaths from different types of cancer can be attributed to smoking cigarettes. Smoking has been closely linked to various types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, pancreas, mouth and throat. Chewing tobacco has also been associated with cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.
Even if a person does not use tobacco, secondhand smoke exposure might also increase the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding tobacco or deciding to stop using it completely is a vital part of cancer prevention. However, although quitting smoking has a positive impact, the risk does not fully go away compared to the general population. It can take a couple of years to truly reduce the risks associated with cigarette smoking.
Eating a healthy diet
No single food can guarantee cancer prevention. But a well-rounded diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains can help in risk reduction. Eating plenty of fruits as well as vegetables is always recommended. A person can benefit from basing the diet on certain things.
These include vegetables, fruits and foods like beans and whole grains. To avoid obesity, a person should focus on eating lighter and leaner. People should eat less high-calorie foods. This includes fat from animal sources and refined sugars.
If a person chooses to drink alcohol, it should be done in moderation. The amount of alcohol a person consumes increases the risk of particular types of cancer. The length of time an individual has been drinking regularly also has to be considered. Eating large amounts of processed meat can also increase the risk of particular types of cancer. Limiting processed meats is, therefore, important.
Bottom line
It is vital to take steps geared toward reducing your risk of developing cancer. These include eating a healthy diet and not using tobacco. Limiting alcohol consumption will also help because alcohol has been linked to various types of cancer. Getting regular medical care can also be immensely beneficial.
Regular self-exams and screenings for particular types of cancers are important. These include cancer of the skin, cervix, colon and breast. They can increase your chances of discovering cancer early when treatment is more likely to have a positive outcome. You should ask your doctor about the cancer screening schedule that is ideal for you.
Get more information here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A surgical oncologist helps diagnose and treat cancer using advanced procedures and often works closely with medical and radiation teams to coordinate care. Many patients hear the term after an abnormal scan, biopsy, or referral, and want a clear explanation of what this specialist does. Understanding how this specialty fits into cancer care can make…
Getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer is overwhelming to say the least, and many patients leave the doctor’s office thinking of questions they wish they had asked. Fortunately, you can bring these questions to your next appointment with the oncologist. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they have to better understand their diagnosis, explore treatment…
Leukemia treatment aggressively targets cancer cells, but healthy cells can also be affected, leading to side effects. An oncology team can prevent problems early and ease symptoms fast. Clear expectations and communication help patients stay safer and more comfortable during care. Many side effects remain manageable when patients report their symptoms early, and supportive care…
Hematologic disease treatment often begins long before a formal diagnosis, because the earliest warning signs appear in everyday life. Fatigue, easy bruising, or frequent infections may not seem serious at first, yet they sometimes indicate that the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system needs attention. Understanding which symptoms matter, how long they last, and when…