3 Ways To Avoid Cancer

A plant-based diet is the best for cancer prevention, but you can include meat in moderation if you prefer it. Remember that eating a healthy diet may help prevent cancer, but it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get cancer. Fill at least half your plate with vegetables. Use a quarter of the plate for whole grains or starchy vegetables. Then, include a serving of lean protein, such as turkey, chicken, fish, beans, or legumes, with every meal. [4] X Research source

Eating these foods alone will not help prevent cancer, but they can help if you eat them in addition to making other healthy changes.

If you really enjoy red meat, consume it just once or twice a week.

Examples of processed meats include bacon, ham, salami, corned beef, beef jerky, and canned meats. [9] X Research source

If you enjoy drinking, you can moderate your alcohol consumption by drinking 1 or fewer drinks per day if you’re a woman or 2 or fewer drinks per day if you’re a man. 1 drink is 5 fluid ounces (150 mL) of wine, 12 fluid ounces (350 mL) of beer, 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of malt liquor, or 1. 5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of distilled spirits. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

The keto diet consists mostly of high-fat, low-sugar foods such as meat, fish, high-fat dairy, oils, eggs, and nuts. You can also eat a variety of vegetables, but limit your fruit intake to a few berries here and there. [13] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source You will need to avoid sugary fruits, grains and starches, root vegetables, baked goods, sweets and sugary beverages, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. [14] X Research source Do a search online for a more detailed keto diet guide or get advice from your doctor or a dietitian. You can also download a keto diet app to help guide your food choices. The ketogenic diet may be beneficial if you already have cancer. While it is not a cure in itself, there is some evidence that the keto diet can make medical cancer therapies more effective. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Green vegetables Most fruits Raw carrots Legumes, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils Bran-based cereals

Go for a walk or hike Go for a run Do an aerobics workout Do yoga Go for a swim Join a local gym

Talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risk and how you can prevent it. When you’re spending time outdoors, wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much of your skin as possible. Protect your scalp and face with a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply your sunscreen every few hours or as directed on the label. It’s best to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, which is between 10:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. Never, ever use a tanning bed or sunlamp, which are just as damaging as the sun. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source

For example, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can both lead to liver cancer and may be transmitted through sexual activity. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an STD that can cause cervical or genital cancers. Similarly, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to many cancers. [23] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source

You can also join a support group for people who are quitting or have already quit. If you don’t smoke, stay away from second-hand smoke.

If you are struggling with addiction, talk to your healthcare provider about getting treatment. You may need help to quit.

Try to limit direct ear-to-phone contact to no more than 30 minutes per day. You can also limit contact between your phone and other parts of your body by keeping it in a bag instead of in your pocket. [27] X Research source If you need to make a long phone call, minimize direct contact with your phone by turning on the speaker or using a headset.

Talcum powder or other talc-based products. Talc is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and body powders, and talc-containing products have been linked to certain types of cancers. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Aluminum-based compounds. These compounds are the active ingredient in many antiperspirants and deodorants. While it’s not clear that there is a strong link between aluminum-based products and cancer, you may wish to use aluminum-free products just to be safe. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Parabens. These estrogen-like chemicals are found in many cosmetic products. While there’s no clear link between parabens and cancer, it is possible that they might contribute to hormone imbalances that could put you at risk. [31] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source

Check for skin cancer by examining the skin over your entire body. Look for changes in appearance, especially around moles. [32] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source To do a breast self exam, lie down and lift your arm over your head. Then, use 3 fingers to feel your breast tissue, starting at the edge of your breast. Work your way around your breast and over your nipple in a circular path to look for lumps or changes. Do the exam 1 week after your period, since your breasts may naturally be lumpy during your period. Do a testicular self exam by looking for changes in your testicles and feeling your testicles for lumps.

Tell your doctor about your family’s health history. Talk to your doctor about which tests you need.

You can maintain your weight by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising daily. If you’re struggling to lose weight, you might work with a licensed dietitian to create a diet plan that will work for you. Additionally, you can hire a trainer to help you build a fitness plan that you enjoy.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk for hepatitis B. This includes people who are sexually active with multiple partners, people who have STDs, men who have sex with men, health workers who may contract the illness, and intravenous drug users. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12, but it can be administered until age 26. [37] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

At work, make sure you aren’t exposed to carcinogens like asbestos, benzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or aromatic amines. Avoid bringing potential carcinogens into your home by checking the lists of carcinogens regularly. This allows you to avoid using products, like cleaners, that may contain carcinogens. Check your home for radon, which exposes you to radiation. Similarly, limit your exposure to medical tests that involve radiation. [39] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Drinking unsafe water or breathing polluted air can also put you at greater risk of developing cancer and other health problems. Check air and water conditions in your area and take health precautions (such as drinking bottled water or wearing a mask) if necessary.