As previously discussed, although you cannot completely be safe from getting cancer, there are steps you can take to decrease its likelihood. The World Health Organization and other leading cancer centers have acknowledged that around 30-50% of cancer deaths are from preventable factors. Although there are a lot of things that can be done to lower the risk of getting cancer, we have organized them into a list with 10 big groups below. All of these are easy ways to decrease the risk of cancer.

1. Don’t Smoke

Smoking can damage the lungs by decreasing the amount of air we can breathe. It can also cause buildup of chemicals in the mouth and throat. Tobacco contains over 70 chemicals that are known to greatly increase the risk of lung and other cancers. If you or someone you know is smoking, please stop now – smoking is something completely preventable that unnecessarily puts you at risk.

2. Don’t Drink Alcohol

When the body breaks down alcohol, it creates many chemicals that can be dangerous to the stomach, liver, and intestines. Excessive alcohol can damage the lining of the stomach and is also related to ulcers. The chemicals produced by alcohol can affect our cells and can form tumors. Alcohol has been proven to be a completely preventable cause of cancer, so please don’t drink!

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercising daily can decrease the risks of many diseases, including cancer. Regular exercise is necessary to keep the body and mind fit, and to maintain a stable weight. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of breast, colon, pancreatic, and other cancers. Exercise can help prevent heart disease and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for other cancers. So, regular exercise can go a long way – just doing a little bit daily can help you out a lot!

4. Avoid Chemical Exposure

Due to the increasing human effect on the environment, levels of chemicals and pollution have greatly increased. Chemicals are being used more and more in our daily life. However, there are some chemicals in items we use that can trigger cancer. These include paints, some plastic materials, coal residues, and the chemicals in smoke and alcohol. Ingesting or working near these materials can be harmful, so make sure you know what is in the things you use in everyday life.

5. Avoid Radiation Exposure

Radiation from the sun and from other sources can be dangerous to the body. Certain types of radiation, like x-rays and UV rays from sunlight, can cause changes to the body’s cells. Radon gas emitted from the ground is also linked to cancer. However, maps of radon in your area are available, and protecting yourself from heavy sunlight is not difficult. Simply wearing long-sleeved clothes can provide protection from the harmful radiation from the sun.

6. Avoid Stress

Stress has not been directly linked to cancer, yet more and more studies are finding that stress is highly linked to our physical bodies’ health. Increased levels of stress can have a mental and physical impact and is linked to sleep and weight problems. Although a direct link between stress and cancer hasn’t been established yet, living a stress-free life is definitely better for your body. A mentally strong body is much more capable of handling cancer and diseases than a mentally weak body.

7. Eat Healthy

Nowadays, there are a lot more food options available and also a lot more chemicals in those options. Processed foods are now much more common and fresh-cooked foods. However, these processed foods are very harmful as they contain many preservatives and are not as healthy as foods made from farm-fresh ingredients. Vegetables and fruits are also eaten less these days, as cold drinks and fast foods have increased in popularity. Fast foods, extra-sugar drinks, and processed meats are all linked heavily to cancer and other diseases. But, just by eating less quantities of these foods, and eating more fruits and green vegetables, the risk of diseases, and cancer, can be greatly reduced.

8. Protect Yourself From Infections

It is important to stay safe from infectious diseases. Diseases like HIV, HPV, liver diseases, and pancreatic diseases can cause cancers of the cervix, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Any infection that weakens the immune system of the body can also help the cancer grow. Although general infections will not directly cause cancer cells to form, they will weaken the body and make it more susceptible to cancer. So, make sure you stay safe from infections and keep your body strong.

9. Do Regular Checkups

Checkups are the best way to easily detect cancer cells in the body. Although cancer in its earliest stage is hard to detect, tests like blood tests, urine tests, and genetic tests can detect cancer (or the possibility of cancer in the future). However, it’s up to you to take care of your body and listen when it gives you a sign that something isn’t right. By doing that, you’ll be able to catch cancer quickly and get the upper hand with treatment.

10. Get Vaccinated

There are currently only 2 approved vaccines that can help protect against cancer. They are the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines. Both of these vaccines help prevent viruses from entering the body; those viruses can later cause cancer. In India, vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix have become available. If you are able to get these vaccines, they can prove to be very effective in reducing your risk of getting the virus-related cancer. Currently, many new vaccines are being developed, so be on the lookout for those!"