Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death. A total of 1.9 million new cancer cases and 609,360 deaths from cancer are expected to occur in the US in 2023, which is about 1,670 deaths per day.
Did you know that 1 out of 2 people will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime? At the age of 32, I received my shocking cancer diagnosis, and it started a quest to better understand why people get cancer in the first place. After questioning my friends of all ages, I realized that there is a common misconception that all cancers are mostly related to genetics. While predisposition may be a factor, the truth is that several cancers are preventable with lifestyle changes.
Specifically, 10 types of cancer that have been shown to be preventable. By making different choices that alter health behaviors, you can take big steps towards preventing the following cancers: Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, Liver, Lung, Oral, Prostate, Skin, Testicular, and Virus-Related Cancers.
The truth is that there are general lifestyles changes that can be made easily that will decrease your chances of developing cancer in the first place. What can you do today to lower your risk of developing cancer?
- Increase your fruit and vegetable intake
- Adopt a regular exercise routine
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stop using tobacco
- Limit your alcohol consumption to 3 drinks a week
- Stop or limit consumption of processed meats
- Limit exposure to air pollution and environmental toxins
- Wear a protective sunscreen
Making some simple changes to your daily lifestyle can have a huge impact on your body’s ability to fend off cancer. If you have questions or would like to read more on this topic, please consult the following pages:
World Health Organization - Preventing Cancer
We can be doing more to prevent cancer and it starts with small changes every day!
Written By:
Bethany Chamberlin
Health and Human Services Planner
(360) 676-6749
email