Posted on Sep 16, 2013 by Luke James  | Filed Under: cancer prevention, carcinogen, cancerous, tumour, healthy, health, cancer

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following these few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to living a healthy cancer-free life

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, taking the lives of more than 7.6 million people each year. In fact, around 13 percent of all deaths across the planet are attributable to cancer but while the statistics are gloomy, there is hope. Most forms of cancer don’t simply develop overnight and in many cases, cancer is somewhat predictable. It is estimated that around 70 percent of cancer deaths could be prevented by changing just a few lifestyle factors, so let’s go through some of the best ways to help keep you cancer free.

1. Watch How You Grill

Eating outdoors and enjoying a grill up is one of the best ways to enjoy food over the hotter months, but there are hidden dangers. When meat is cooked at intense heats the muscle proteins of these foods form carcinogenic compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that can damage the DNA of our genes, an established factor in cancer development.

Research suggests that by cooking under low temperatures or marinating meat, you can reduce HCA formation by up to 96 percent, making for a healthier meal that is less likely to have negative consequences down the track.

2. Eat More Beans

Consuming beans like red beans and kidney beans is one of the best ways to increase the amount of antioxidants in our diets. Antioxidants are substances that can protect the body from free radicals, harmful by-products of the natural cell metabolism occurring in the human body and from exposure to pollution, pesticides, smoke and solar radiation. Foods high in antioxidants can not only improve your heart health but help reduce your risk of infections and can prevent some forms of cancer.

3. Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Numerous studies have reported that regular exercise can play a pivotal role in preventing cancer and other diseases. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the key risk factors for a range of cancers, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight. By exercising for around 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, the risk factor for many forms of cancer reduces by 50 percent.

4. Purchase Clothes That Don’t Require Dry Cleaning

In order to get that fresh pressed feeling, many dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene, which has been found to cause kidney and liver damage in animals that were exposed to it. The main dangers are to workers that handle the clothes, although if there’s a way to minimize risk why would you not?

Washing your own clothes is one of the easiest ways to avoid exposure to perchloroethylene, and if you do need to use the services of a dry cleaner, remove your clothing from the plastic bag and allow the garments to air in another room before wearing.

5. Avoid Unprotected Exposure to the Sun

The risks of sun exposure and the links to skin cancer have been well established by now. The irony of the situation is that whilst many people actively try to limit their exposure to potential skin cancers, by lathering up with sun cream they are also inhibiting the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to multiple cancers including breast, colon, prostate, stomach and ovarian cancer, as well as multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure.

Research indicates that people should enjoy around 15 minutes per day of unprotected sunlight in order to get the required levels of vitamin D. When the sun’s rays are at their most dangerous (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) it is recommended to apply sunscreen and use a hat and sunglasses.

6. Eat Cleaner

At least 40 known carcinogens are found in commercially used pesticides. Research has indicated that pesticides could increase the risk of a range of diseases including leukaemia, brain cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, so by eating organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, you’re limiting your exposure to these chemicals.

7. Drink Green Tea

A recent study indicated that by consuming three cups of green tea per day, participants were able to reduce breast cancer risk by 40 percent. But the benefits are not just for the fairer sex. The antioxidants in green tea have been shown to help reduce the likelihood of developing a range of other cancers including brain, prostate and colon cancer.

Beyond simply helping reduce the potentially devastating effects of cancer, green tea also promotes longevity and has anti-aging properties. So put down that next cup of coffee and pick up a cup of green tea instead.

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