It’s now fairly well established that diet and lifestyle can influence our risk of developing cancer. By making subtle tweaks here and there, we can minimise that risk, and also drive down the likelihood of our developing a range of other health problems.
The Power of a Balanced Diet in Cancer Prevention
Certain kinds of food are known to help the body battle inflammation. Tomatoes, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and green leafy vegetables might all fall into this category. Looking for nutrient-dense foods (those which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals per calorie) is also beneficial.
Certain kinds of cancer, like bowel cancer, are more strongly influenced by diet. High-fibre grains and dairy products, according to Cancer Research UK, can drive down the risk.
The Link Between Obesity and Cancer Risk
Excess body fat is a major driver of cancer risk. The extra fat will send signals to the rest of your body. This can lead to more cell division and inflammation, which can heighten the risk of cancer developing. There is strong research demonstrating a link between obesity and thirteen distinct types of cancer.
Avoiding Harmful Habits: Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Of course, diet isn’t the only way to get a harmful substance into your body. You might also smoke and drink alcohol recreationally. Both of these things have carcinogenic effects. According to Action on Smoking and Health, smoking is the single biggest risk factor when it comes to cancer.
The Role of Physical Activity in Lowering Cancer Risk
Regular exercise confers a range of health benefits, and among them is a reduced risk of cancer. Most of the benefits are tied to the reduction in body fat you might get from exercise – but exercise can also promote good digestion and reduce inflammation.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis: Preventing Cancer Misdiagnosis
One of the most important things for ensuring a positive outcome is early intervention after a cancer has developed. Unfortunately, in many cases, early intervention is prevented by a failure to recognise the disease. If you’ve been delayed treatment for this reason, then it might be that cancer misdiagnosis claims are appropriate.
Managing Stress and Prioritizing Sleep for Long-Term Health
Your mental health might also have a role to play in guarding against cancers. The quality of sleep you enjoy appears likely to be a major factor – though there remains some disagreement among experts when it comes to just how influential sleep is. Night-shift workers are known to have an elevated cancer risk – and this might be caused by a disruption in circadian rhythm.
