How to Lower Your Risk of Getting Cancer

Various cancer authorities have made proclamations in connection with World Cancer Day (February 4).  Two of the most comprehensive came from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.  Here’s a summary of what to do to lower your risk of cancer:

• Stop smoking
• Drink alcohol only in moderation (2 drinks per day for men, one per day for women).
• Limit sun exposure and use appropriate sunscreen
• Reduce calorie-dense foods, especially processed foods high in sugar, low in fiber, or high in fat.
• Don't drink sugary sodas or sweetened fruit juice
• Eat more veggies, fruit, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
• Eat less red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb, and avoid processed meats.
• Reduce consumption of salty foods and don't add salt for flavor
• Exercise for 30 minutes or more every day, doing both aerobic and resistance exercises.

Go through this list and concentrate on those items where you are weakest. Over a third of cancer deaths can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, so you can certainly improve your chances of survival by ‘doing the right things’.