Are There Steps I Can Take to Ensure I Never Get Cancer?

Each year, about 1.9 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer. If you’ve witnessed a friend or family member receive this news, you know how frightening it can be. It has probably also made you wonder if there are steps you can take to reduce your own risk. 

Although there’s no way to prevent cancer entirely, there’s plenty you can do to support your immune system so you remain cancer-free.

At Ample Health in Carmichael, California, our team of board-certified internist Dheeraj Kamra, MD; Mythli Nagaraj, MD; Alice Phillips, FNP; and Yelena Popova, PA, regularly provide health and wellness counseling to people of all ages. 

Small lifestyle changes can help you stay healthy and keep cancer at bay.

3 lifestyle choices that can reduce your cancer risk

If you’re worried about cancer, simple lifestyle choices can support your well-being. These include:

Regular exercise

Many Americans live sedentary lifestyles. Our jobs often involve sitting in front of a computer for extended periods and when we get home, we want to relax by watching TV or lounging around. 

While rest and relaxation are essential, it’s just as important to make time for exercise. Research shows that a lack of physical activity increases the risk of colon, endometrial, and lung cancers. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages all adults to participate in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. That equates to about 30 minutes, five days a week. 

Don’t feel like you have to buy a gym membership or go to the extreme. Simply making time for daily walks, weightlifting, or cycling can be a boon to your health. 

Limit alcohol consumption

Do you enjoy a glass of wine or beer after a long day? While the occasional alcoholic beverage is fine, excessive consumption may increase your cancer risk. 

For example, some research suggests that people who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day are more likely to develop stomach and pancreatic cancer. Alcohol contains ethanol, which has been proven to damage DNA and cause cells to multiply uncontrollably. 

If you crave an adult beverage, opt for a nonalcoholic version instead. Many alcohol manufacturers now offer alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirits. 

Protect your skin from the sun

More than 80% of skin cancers are the result of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This radiation can come from tanning beds and lamps, but the most common source is sunlight. You don’t need to avoid going outdoors, but protect your skin if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or gardening. 

Always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+. If possible, avoid going outside in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. But if that’s not an option, wear long-sleeved, light-colored garments that protect your skin from the sun’s rays. 

It’s also good to wear a hat with a wide brim that protects your face and neck.

We can help you stay cancer-free

Another easy way to reduce your risk of cancer is with regular medical checkups. Annual physical exams and lab work can alert your medical team to potential problems early on when they’re easiest to treat. 

We can even make specific recommendations to help you age healthily, such as staying current on your vaccines and providing lifestyle counseling. 

Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael, California, if you’re interested in taking steps to reduce your cancer risk. Call our office or book your appointment online today.