Lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk.
The likelihood of developing some form of cancer increases with age.
That is a proven medical fact.
Although some individuals are genetically predisposed to this disease, some cancers are highly correlated with lifestyle factors.
While it is impossible to completely avoid the risk of developing cancer completely, making intentional changes in habits can promote prevention.
Avoiding known carcinogens, maintaining a healthy weight, and participating in routine health screenings can all contribute to the prevention or early detection of cancer, leading to more effective treatment.
Discussing your family health history and personalized risk factors with your doctor can help you take proactive steps to promote long-term health.
Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce cancer risks.
Cancer is often more prevalent in individuals with poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and obesity.
To promote healthy cells and reduce inflammation connected to cancer development, you can consume whole foods like lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.
In addition to increasing consumption of whole foods, it is also important to reduce intake of sugary drinks, processed meats, and alcohol to reduce the risk of breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
Regular moderate exercise of 150 minutes per week helps protect against cancer by reducing body fat, regulating hormones, and enhancing immune function.
Smoking has been connected to cancers affecting the bladder, mouth, and lungs.
Even secondhand smoke can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.
Yikes!
Taking action to quit smoking or reduce regular exposure to tobacco can improve your health.
Because breast, liver, and throat cancers have been connected to alcohol, it may also be wise to eliminate or reduce consumption of these beverages.
Carcinogens are not limited to food.
Exposure to certain environments or chemicals can greatly increase the risk of developing cancers.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States and can be largely prevented through limiting UV exposure, avoiding tanning beds, and regularly using sunscreen.
Although radon is a naturally occurring gas, it is the leading cause of lung cancer in individuals who do not smoke.
By testing for radon in your home, you can identify and address any issues, thereby preventing long-term exposure.
Whether you work with chemicals at home or work, you should diligently follow all safety guidelines for handling solvents, pesticides, or asbestos.
Although regular screenings cannot prevent cancer from occurring, they can improve treatment outcomes through early detection.
These types of screenings include colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, mammograms for breast cancer, and low-dose CT scans for smokers with heightened risk of lung cancer.
All adults should adhere to the screening guidelines recommended for their gender, age, and family or personal health history.
Some viruses have been known to trigger the development of cancer.
Consequently, many doctors would recommend the hepatitis B vaccine to minimize the risk of liver cancer or the HPV vaccines to support the prevention of throat or cervical cancers.
Because cancer is a complicated disease with multifaceted causes, individuals must take a proactive approach to limiting their risk.
What can you do?
If something does not feel right physically, it is essential to learn about your risks, ask questions, and seek guidance from a medical professional.
When it comes to your health, ignorance is not bliss!
Your doctor can partner with you to create a prevention plan to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
In addition to medical planning for cancer, one should also prepare for the financial and legal needs associated with a devastating diagnosis.
By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, you can reduce the additional stress of bearing the costs of treatments and address the possible reality of succumbing to the disease.
If you do not yet have an estate plan in place, you can request a consultation with Harvest Law KC of Overland Park, Kansas.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding or limiting substances like alcohol and tobacco can significantly reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.
Prioritizing sun protection, radon testing, and chemical safety protects against risks from environmental factors.
Although screenings and vaccines do not guarantee freedom from future cancers, regular checkups and interventions can promote early detection and prevention.
While many of the risks are under our control by the choices we make day to day, the risk of developing certain cancers depends on factors like your age and family history.
After all, it is hard to fool your gene pool.
Understanding how all these factors impact your health empowers you to be informed and proactive in your cancer prevention.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice on any specific issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.
Reference: The Washington Post (May 27, 2025) “I’m an oncologist. Here are 11 science-based ways to reduce your cancer risk.”
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