This Lifestyle Tweak Can Be a Game-Changer in Lowering Your Risk of Cancer Death

Happy woman who beat cancer

Cancer is a diagnosis that many live in fear of. Unfortunately, this fear is well-founded. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. While the risk factors for different types of cancers vary slightly, there are some commonalities too. This is actually empowering because it means that there are actions you can take that can decrease your likelihood of being diagnosed with any form of cancer.

Curious to know what they are? Here, an oncologist reveals risk factors that all cancers have in common, including one action you can take that might save your life.

Related: This Is the Early Cancer Symptom That's Missed the Most Often, According to Experts

The #1 Way To Protect Yourself From All Types of Cancer

Dr. Michael Zinner, MD, the CEO and Executive Medical Director of the Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, says that there is one important way everyone can protect themselves from cancer: getting screened regularly. While some people avoid going to the doctor or getting screened because they fear getting bad news, Dr. Zinner says that cancer screenings can be life-saving.

“One of the biggest lessons we learned in the 20th century is the impact that screenings have on cancer care outcomes. The earlier a cancer is detected, the better the outcome for treatment,” Dr. Zinner says.

Because of this, he says the most important action anyone can take to reduce their risk for cancer is to get regularly screened, whether it’s a mammogram for breast cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, CT scan for lung cancer or PSA test for prostate cancer. Not sure when you should get screened? The American Cancer Society has a chart of when to get different cancer screenings, based on age.

Related: Want to be a Cancer Survivor? Here Are 10 Things You Can Do Today to Help Beat the Disease

According to scientific research, cancer screenings have saved an estimated between 12.2 million and 16.2 million people in the U.S. so far. Unfortunately, Dr. Zinner says that due to delays in cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in people diagnosed with later stages of cancer. This again speaks to the importance of screenings in identifying cancer early.

Other Ways To Protect Yourself From Cancer

Besides keeping on top of cancer screenings, Dr. Zinner says there are several other ways to protect yourself from all types of cancer. One is to not use tobacco products. (You knew that was coming, right?) Smoking or vaping increases the risk of more than just lung cancer—although that should be reason enough not to do it. It also increases the risk of bladder cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer, among other forms.

Dr. Zinner says it’s also important to wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., which is why protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is so important.

Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Say to Someone Who Has Just Been Diagnosed With Cancer

Last but certainly not least, Dr. Zinner says that regular exercise and eating healthy are greatly important for reducing the risk of cancer. Dr. Zinner recommends following the Mediterranean diet, which has repeatedly been scientifically shown to reduce the risk of cancer. This is because it prioritizes nutrient-rich foods that fight inflammation in the body, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet is high in fiber, and a high-fiber diet is linked to lowering the risk of certain types of cancer.

In terms of exercise, the American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. Their research has found that exercise can lower the risk of 13 different types of cancer—that’s major!

While cancer isn’t 100% avoidable, there is a lot everyone can do to protect themselves from it. Instead of fearing the doctor or putting off screenings because you’re worried about what the results will be, use the amazing technology that’s available to your advantage. “It’s never a good time to get cancer, however, there has never been a better time to be treated for cancer,” Dr. Zinner says. Your health is in your hands.

Next up, find out what early sign of breast cancer is commonly missed.

Sources

• Dr. Michael Zinner, MD, CEO and Executive Medical Director of the Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida

• Leading Causes of Death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Cancer Screenings Guidelines by Age. American Cancer Society.

• The aggregate value of cancer screenings in the United States: full potential value and value considering adherence. BMC Health Services Research.

• Pandemic slowed cancer diagnoses, but late-stage cancers came back with a vengeance. Stat.

• Cancer. National Library of Medicine.

• Skin Cancer Awareness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Cancer and the Mediterranean Diet: A Review. Nutrients.

• Use of Dietary Fibers in Reducing the Risk of Several Cancers: An Umbrella Review. Nutrients.

• Exercise Linked With Lower Risk of 13 Types of Cancer. American Cancer Society.