It’s almost a given in today’s world that everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, whether through a personal struggle or one of a family member or friend. It’s an unfortunate and common part of life these days — one that’s stubbornly sticking around for far too long.
Cancer can be devastating. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of tips for prevention and early detection to keep cancer away from yourself and those you love. Early screenings and MRIs, as well as a focus on wellness, can help keep common types of cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer at bay and out of your family so you can live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Lung Cancer
It’s easy to assume that if you’re not a smoker, you don’t need to worry about lung cancer. We often think that lung cancer is a problem only for people who smoke a pack a day. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Both smokers and non-smokers are susceptible to lung cancer for various reasons.
“Lung cancer is typically thought of as a disease that affects smokers, yet in reality, as many as 20 percent of all lung cancer cases involve non smokers,” according to Baron and Budd. “Various factors, such as the level of radon found in one’s home, the amount of air pollution you are exposed to on a daily basis, and exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos on the job site significantly increase the chances of developing lung cancer.”
Environmental factors clearly impact health in a huge way. While the type of lung cancer that smokers and non-smokers generally develop are different, both groups can benefit from a focus on wellness and screenings to aid in early detection of the disease.
Lifestyle choices like eating healthy fruits and vegetables, following a regular exercise routine, practicing safe sex, testing for possible carcinogens at home and in the workplace, and of course quitting smoking will all help prevent lung cancer.
Skin Cancer
You know that weird mole you’ve been watching for a while? You should probably get that checked out. Skin cancer, the world’s most common cancer, can often be warded off by taking precautions and noticing subtle signs early on. When we wait, the problems get worse.
Moles that change shape, pimples that stick around for too long, and itchy, scaly patches of skin that won’t heal are just a few warning signs that something’s not right with your skin. If you notice any of these issues, you should consult a dermatologist.
Preventative measures such as always wearing sunblock when you’re out in the hot sun, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing clothing to protect your skin from the hot, damaging sun can help ensure that you don’t have to deal with skin cancer. Ask yourself: Is getting a good tan really worth it?
Women’s Health
Cancers and health issues specific to women include breast cancer, ovarian and cervical cancers, heart disease, and more. The problem is, many women aren’t familiar with the health conditions that pose the greatest problems for their gender. Oftentimes, these conditions are undiagnosed and therefore go untreated.
Since breast cancer is the most aggressive cancer affecting women around the world, it’s incredibly important to make sure screenings are a part of your regular wellness plan. Even more important: If you think something might be awry, don’t wait. See a healthcare professional right away.
Luckily, the same suggestions of developing healthy habits and getting regular wellness checkups and screenings can also help combat many of these major health issues. Education is the key to stopping disease in its tracks.
Wellness Tips for a Cancer-Free Life
Cancer is certainly a formidable enemy — one that wreaks havoc on families around the world. But we have tools to fight back.
Diet plays a huge part in wellness. Reducing sugar intake is the first step in developing a healthy diet. Incorporating antioxidant-rich superfoods into your diet is another great way to fight cancer. Foods like berries, chia seeds, coconut oil, nuts, garlic, and green veggies are all rich in cancer- and disease-fighting properties. “Eating a rainbow” is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Exercise is another lifestyle habit that has a huge impact on health and wellness. In addition to improving overall quality of life, exercise has been shown to both decrease risk for cancer and increase chances of bouncing back after cancer. Either way you look at it, it’s a good thing.
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The prevention and early detection of common types of cancer such as lung cancer, skin cancer, and breast cancer can be achieved through the use of early screenings and basic preventative wellness activities like regular exercise and a healthy diet. Don’t let cancer get a head start.