By Eileen Renders
There are no answers, according to the National Cancer Institute, as to why some people develop cancer, and others do not.
They do note that there are cancer risk factors that involve exposure to certain chemicals or other substances, including specific lifestyle habits that play a role. There are other risks that people have no control over, such as a family history of certain types of cancer that may be inherited. The following list of suspected factors, according to the National Cancer Institute, are risk factors to be avoided to assist in lowering one’s risk of developing cancer, such as:
Age is a contributing factor and one we cannot avoid.
Alcohol – cancer-causing substances – chronic inflammation
Diet – hormones – immunosuppression – infectious agents
Obesity
Radiation – sunlight
Tobacco.
Research has pointed to some strategies for preventing disease, including Cancer, such as:
Get screened for diseases – diseases caught in early stages have the best outcomes for treatment.
Make healthy food choices – Avoid overly processed foods, and choose healthy choices.
Ensure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are at safe levels – See your primary care physician regularly for checkups.
Guard against unhealthy bacteria
Control your body mass – Eat for nutrition, and remember sugar is an acid.
Get seven to eight hours a day of restful sleep – spares energy, assists the immune system, and provides clear thinking.
Do not smoke – practice meditation, grab a mint, or a pacifier like a plastic cigarette to satisfy the oral habit.
Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illness – take necessary precautions, and remove standing water in the yard. Plant thyme, and other plants that are safe repellants.
Protect yourself against Lyme disease – wear proper clothing and a safe-repellant.
Last but not least – exercise three times a week for 25 to 30 minutes.
Note: Exercise alone, helps to prevent obesity, lowers bad cholesterol, assists in the prevention of Osteoporosis, and strengthens the heart – it is a muscle – use it or lose it. Exercise helps to lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Contrary to what many might believe, exercise rejuvenates and creates energy, rather than making someone overly tired.
It is strongly recommended before taking any supplements or herbs to obtain your doctor’s approval. Any information found in a Research article is not meant to be a substitute for your doctor’s recommendations.
Eileen Renders is a retired nutrition counselor, health research writer, author, and publisher with more than a dozen published titles on www.Amazon.com She founded the First Wellness Center in Atlantic County in 1995 and was a provider for Cigna and United Healthcare.