How to Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a dreaded ailment that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in the US. This makes many people ask “How to prevent cancer”. Health experts say to start, avoid tobacco products, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. We have dug further and come up with some novel strategies that can help you prevent cancer.

Filter Tap Water

Tap water may contain chemicals and even suspected carcinogens in some parts of the world. So, filter your tap water to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals. In fact, health experts say tap water filtered at home is safer than even bottled water. Also, do not store water in plastic bottles but use glass or stainless steel containers to avoid exposure to chemical contaminants found in plastic.

Drink Lots of Coffee

British researchers have found that drinking at least five cups of caffeinated coffee every day greatly reduces brain cancer risk. Coffee also reduces the risk of mouth and pharynx cancers. However, decaf is not useful because the cancer-preventing potency lies in caffeine. The researchers say tea can also prevent these cancers, but coffee is more potent.

Drink Plenty of Water

We all know that we need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. The American Cancer Society says good hydration reduces bladder cancer risk by diluting cancer-causing chemicals in the urine and by flushing them out more quickly.

Gorge on Brazil Nuts

This is advised because they are rich in selenium, a potent antioxidant that reduces bladder cancer risk in women. High intake of selenium also lowers the risk of colorectal and lung cancers. Selenium also boosts immunity and reduces the chances of tumor formation.

Exercise Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer

Even moderate exercises like jogging and brisk walking help to reduce breast cancer risk. Regular workouts help to burn fat, which reduces estrogen production, reducing the risk of cancer.

Wear Colorful Clothes Outdoors

Spanish scientists say red and blue fabrics can reduce skin cancer risk by protecting from the UV rays emitted by the sun. Yellow and white clothes are not that useful. Researchers say melanomas that develop on the neck or scalp are more lethal than cancer in other body parts. So, protect your scalp and neck by wearing a hat, cap or scarf before venturing out in the sun.

Foods to Prevent Cancer

Apart from the above strategies you can reduce cancer risk by including the following foods in your regular diet:

Garlic

contains compounds that protect against lung, colon and skin cancers.

Dark Leafy Greens

are rich in carotenoids which are antioxidants that inhibit cancer growth.

Grapes

and red wine contain the antioxidant resveratrol, that prevents cell damage.

Green Tea

contains flavonoids that protect against cancers of the prostate, breast, liver and colon.

Tomatoes

contains lycopene which can prevent stomach, lung, breast and prostate cancer.