How to prevent cancer (10 things you can do)
Unfortunately there is not one answer or magic wand to prevent all cancers. But they are lifestyle changes you can make that are proven to help reduce your risk of cancer.
- Exercise. It is suggested you have 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5-6 times a week. Moderate exercise will increase your heart rate and rate of breathing and you should feel warm.
- Nutrition. A mainly plant based diet with plenty of fresh vegetables is recommended.
- Sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep.
- Caffeine and alcohol. Ideally minimise, as even one alcoholic drink a week can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Water. Drink it and more of it the better!
- Vitamin D. Many people are deficient especially in the winter months when we have reduced sunlight in the UK. Certain people are recommended to take vitamin D. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
- Stress reduction. Yoga and meditation can help. Getting out and with nature can also reduce out stress levels.
- Weight. Keeping your weight under control. Being obese increases your risk of many cancers and other diseases.
- Do not smoke. By not smoking you will reduce your risk of cancers and other diseases. It is never too late to stop.
- Screening. Engage in all cancer screening programmes offered to you – cervical smears, mammograms, bowel screening. These are to help pick up cancers at an early stage when they are treatable – and most importantly, very often curable.
Summary
We have described how to prevent cancer, and given you 10 things you can do. We hope it has been helpful.
