Ways Men can Lower their Cancer Risk

Can cancer be prevented in men? Yes, it can be. According to the American Cancer Society, an individual's risk of developing cancer can be substantially reduced by healthy behaviour. However, there is nothing that guarantees that you or your loved ones won't get cancer.

For a man to lower cancer risk, you have to make healthy choices and simultaneously drop unhealthy ones. Take a look at the things you can do to reduce your risk and prevent cancer.

Stop Smoking, or Never Start

Lung cancer is one of the leading cancer forms in men. The major reason for lung cancer is smoking. Not just lung cancer, smoking is also been linked to several other cancer forms. The biggest anti-cancer step you can take is kicking the smoking habit.

Take Control of your Weight

Carrying too much weight around is not heart-healthy but it’s also a major risk factor for cancer as well. According to an American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) report, being overweight is a major risk factor for a wide variety of cancers, including oesophageal, pancreatic, gall bladder, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers. One of the recommendations to stay away from cancer is to stay as lean as possible within a healthy weight range.

Move a bit

Any form of physical activity contributes to cancer prevention. A 30-minute of moderate exercise session every day can cut your risk of many common cancers by 30% to 50% (AICR Expert Report).

Turn to Plant-based Diet

There are certain foods that can keep cancer at bay. For example, foods with lycopene (such as tomatoes and watermelon) are found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In order to lower your risk of cancer, load your plate with plants, particularly non-starchy vegetables and fruits.

Quit Drinking Alcohol

When it comes to health, alcohol can harm you in different ways. There are a few studies to support red wine for better heart health, but alcohol consumption can raise your risk of cancer (particularly the cancers of mouth, throat, and oesophagus). The more you drink, the greater the risk.

Keep Stress under Control

There might not be any convincing evidence but stress is an independent risk factor for cancer. It can make people indulge in unhealthy behaviour in an effort to cope with stress. When stressed, you are more likely to overeat, drink more or smoke. All these behaviours raise your cancer risk.

Know your Family History

If you are aware of your family history, the strategy to cut cancer risk and catch it early can be made. You should always know who’s had what health condition and when, in your family.

While you can’t change do much about the risk factors such as genetics and ageing, but there are many things that you can to lower your risk of developing cancer.

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