3 Cancer Risk Reduction Strategies

April is Cancer Control Month, and it’s time to shed some light on cancer prevention. The National Cancer Institute has revealed that “Some risk factors can be controlled. Choosing the right health behaviors and preventing exposure to certain environmental risk factors can help prevent cancer development.”

In other words, taking steps can reduce your risk of cancer is possible. Let’s look at some specific strategies…

Cancer Risk Reduction Strategy #1: Maintain a Healthy Weight

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Research has shown that being overweight or obese substantially raises a person's risk of getting endometrial (uterine), breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.” The American Cancer Society backs ups this assertion, adding, “In the United States, overweight and obesity contribute to 14%-20% of all cancer deaths.”So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re overweight or obese, it’s time to talk with your doctor or another health professional about strategies for losing weight. Start slowly and make changes that will be sustainable over time. Generally, this means eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise. Eating nutritious foods and staying active can further reduce your cancer risk.

Cancer Risk Reduction Strategy #2: Limit Alcohol

The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer. The CDC notes that drinking alcohol raises the risk for many types of cancer, including mouth, esophagus, colon, liver, and breast. The limit is one drink per day for women and two for men; however, recent studies show that there might be no safe limit. One alcoholic drink equals 12 fluid ounces of 5% alcohol by volume for beer, 5 fluid ounces of 12% alcohol by volume for wine, or 1.4 fluid ounces (a typical shot) of 80-proof distilled spirits like vodka or gin. The scientific committee for the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines recommended limiting alcohol to up to 1 drink per day for both men and women to reduce the health risks. This is per day and cannot be “saved up” for a binge day.

Cancer Risk Reduction Strategy #3: Steer Clear of Tobacco

The National Cancer Institute maintains “Smoking causes about 30 percent of all U.S. deaths from cancer. Avoiding tobacco use is the single most important step Americans can take to reduce the cancer burden in this country.” The CDC has also revealed that “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and cigarette smoking causes almost all cases.” So really, it’s time to steer clear of tobacco use, even secondhand smoke. Protect your health today!

Download this free PDF handout for cancer prevention. Click the image.