How to Prevent the Development of Cancer

Cancer is a potentially life-threatening illness that can affect anyone. The survival rate is high when detected early. However, if left untreated, cancerous cells can multiply and spread to other organs. Due to the seriousness, most people are interested in ways to prevent the development of cancer. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent cancer. But there are ways to reduce your chances of developing the illness.

Instructions

1. Decrease your alcohol intake. Drinking several alcoholic beverages a day increases your risk of developing cancer. Men should drink fewer than two alcoholic beverages a day, and women should limit their intake to one alcoholic beverage a day.

2. Eat a low-fat diet and decrease your sugar intake. Fatty foods such as fried foods, fast foods and sweet treats increase your risk of cancer. Women should consume fewer than 50 grams of fat a day, and men should consume fewer than 70 grams a day.

3. Break the cigarette habit. Smoking increases your chances of developing a variety of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. To reduce your risk of developing lung cancer, oral cancer and esophageal cancer, stay away from cigarettes.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. There is a link between cancer and being overweight. To lower your risk of cancer, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Make healthy food choices and exercise for at least 90 minutes a week.

5. Take an antioxidant. Several beverages and vitamin supplements contain antioxidants, which effectively destroy free radicals and harmful toxins that damage cells. This decreases your chances of developing cancer.

Resources

• American Cancer Society
• The National Cancer Institute