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woman jumping ropeTo reduce cancer risks, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer, science has already clued us in to a few things we should avoid, such as smoking and overexposure to the sun. But today, thanks to new medical discoveries, there are even more steps we can take to help avoid it completely!

Risk 1: Obesity

Being overweight or obese is a known cancer cause. In fact, excess weight is linked to an increased risk for developing more than a dozen types of cancer, including breast, multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancers. The American Cancer Society stresses the need to keep your weight in check by, first, eating right:

• Eat a diet that’s limited in processed foods and red meat, five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day and whole grains.

• Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women or two for men.

Risk 2: Lack of Exercise

Diet alone usually isn’t enough to maintain a healthy body and cut your cancer risk. So, pick an activity that suits your level of fitness and get moving.

• Adults should be physically active for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week.

• Children should engage in physical play for at least 60 minutes five days per week.

Risk 3: Infection

Infections from viruses, bacteria, and parasites are a known cancer risk in up to 20 percent of all cancers. Several of those viruses are sexually transmitted, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

You can reduce your risk for getting these types of viruses by using condoms during sex. Women can reduce their risk of cancer from HPV by getting a vaccine. In fact, the American Cancer Society now recommends the HPV vaccine for girls who are nine and older.

5 (Lesser-Known) Ways To Lower Your Cancer Risks  was originally published on blackdoctor.org

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