Over the course of their lifetimes, Americans have a 1 in 3 chance of developing cancer, according to research reported by the American Cancer Society. However, the risk of developing each type of cancer and each person's individual risk may vary depending on lifestyle and environmental factors.
Some cancers stem from genetics, meaning you were born with a predisposition to develop them. However, studies reported by the National Institutes of Health have found that at least 75 to 80 percent of cancers in the United States may be prevented by lifestyle changes.
Here are some steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing cancer:
Avoid tobacco
Cigarette smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other sources of tobacco, such as pipes, cigars and chewing tobacco, also increase a person's risk of cancer.
Smoking also increases your chances of "mouth and throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, voice box (larynx), trachea, bronchus, kidney and renal pelvis, urinary bladder, and cervix" cancers, according to the CDC. Quitting any tobacco products will immediately reduce your risk of cancer.
Eat fruits and vegetables
While no super food has been proven to defeat cancer, research shows that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your chances of developing cancer. Certain foods have also been found to have cancer-fighting properties.
For instance, studies indicate that garlic has demonstrated anti-cancer attributes, but scientists say it's too soon to draw any specific conclusions about the impact of garlic on fighting cancer. Other powerhouse foods include broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, grapefruit, red bell peppers, carrots and spinach. These foods are high in the antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help protect your body from cancerous cells.
Practice moderation
The golden rule of nutrition is to consume certain foods in moderation, but that rule is vague. More specifically, small amounts of red meat may not be harmful, but Harvard Medical School reported that higher amounts may increase your risk of colon and prostate cancers. You should also limit or avoid charbroiled foods, deep-fried foods and high-sugar foods, which may lead to obesity.
Similarly, alcohol should be consumed in moderation. The Department of Health and Human Services' Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests having no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women or two per day for men. Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Use sun protection
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, sunglasses, and sunscreen and using shade protection is a key lifestyle habit that can help you avoid developing cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans each year. Prolonged exposure to radiation from sunlight or tanning beds raises your risk of skin cancer.
Most skin cancers are non-melanoma, which means they don't usually spread and generally need only topical treatment or minor surgery to remove them. However, 2 percent of skin cancers are melanoma, which is a form of cancer more likely to metastasize through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Learn who should be screened and for what cancer types.
