Here’s the terrifying thing about cancer. It’s unpredictable, and any one of us could fall prey to the disease in one form or another. Chances are, you may have already experienced cancer on a personal level, perhaps in yourself or through a friend or family member. However, it is preventable. While we can never rule the risk of cancer out entirely, there are steps you can take to both reduce your cancer risk and beat the disease.

Step #1: Go for your cancer screenings

Your doctor might remind you to go for your screenings in advance, but if not, you should still book an appointment. Examples of screening tests include mammography for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, and a colonoscopy for colon cancer. You should especially make the effort to talk to your doctor about a cancer screening if you experience any of these common symptoms. Even if you don’t have the disease, having the relevant screenings will give you the peace of mind that you’re okay.

However, if the unthinkable happens, and you do have cancer, by getting screened, the cancer may have been detected early enough for it to be managed. While the disease can’t be fully cured, there are drugs available that can send it into remission. Topotecan, Inspire tells us, is one such drug that can control or kill cancer cells.

So, if you haven’t been for your cancer screenings recently, arrange an appointment with your doctor. When it comes to reducing your risk of cancer or minimizing the effects of the disease, this is your best course of action. Don’t delay!

Step #2: Live a healthy lifestyle

If you needed to change your approach to health this year, let it be this one. The better habits you create, the lower your risk of developing cancer.

Regular exercise can lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon, prostate and breast cancers. Experts suggest a minimum of 30 minutes a day, so find ways to be active, be that spending more time walking instead of using the car, and/or by taking part in some kind of fitness activity, such as running, cycling, or working out at home.

You should also commit to a healthier diet. Certain foods can lower your risk of cancer, and as stated in this article by Healthline, these include citrus fruits, fatty fish, and (love it or hate it) broccoli! Make an effort to incorporate them into your diet then; as while you might not love every item in the linked article, you will be doing your long-term health a lot of good if you partake in a few. Hint: create a soup or a smoothie with those cancer-beating foods that you might not enjoy eating whole.

Step #3: Cut out your bad habits

As part of the previous step, you should also cut out anything that will increase the risk of cancer. Unsurprisingly, this includes smoking tobacco, which according to cancer charities is still the leading cause of cancer. An excessive intake of alcohol can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including throat, colon, and breast cancers. And certain foods you eat can also increase your risk of the disease. Check out this article to find out more.

While we know it isn’t easy to give up certain bad habits, you should make the effort for the sake of your health. Speak to your doctor for professional advice if you need help in quitting your worst vices.

Finally

Statistics tell us that 1 in 2 of us will develop cancer in our lifetimes, and 1 in 4 will die of the disease. This is frightening, we know, but you don’t have to be part of those statistics. Follow our suggestions then, and improve your chances of a longer, and healthier life.

Take care, and thanks for reading.