Cancer severely influences the lives of a vast number of individuals globally, but do you know that simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in evading cancer? Yes, by making healthy lifestyle choices you can take control of your health and considerably minimize your risk of acquiring this devastating disease.

With so many suggestions and approaches for preventing cancer, it is easy for you to feel overwhelmed when some suggestions seem to conflict with others. It can get really hard sometimes, for you, to know what to believe!

In this blog, we’ll delve into some powerful strategies recommended by top cancer consultants from the best oncology hospitals in Trichy to protect yourself from cancer.

Adopting proper diet and nutrition approaches to prevent cancer:

While it’s true that following a healthy and nutritious diet can’t ensure cancer prevention completely; however, it’s a key aspect in lowering your risk of developing one.

• Ensure your meals are well-balanced and nutrient–rich by including colourful fruits, vegetables, protein-packed legumes and hearty grains. They fuel your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help you fight cancer.
• Stay clear of processed and red meat, they are the leading causes of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. Instead include tofu, fish, poultry, and other legumes which are good sources of lean proteins.
• Did you know that alcohol can increase the risk of breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver cancers? So it’s best to stay away from alcohol to reduce these risks.
• Lower your intake of sugar, since following a high-sugar diet can increase inflammation, which is an early sign of cancer. Alternatively, you can go for natural sweeteners like honey or fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet cravings.
• The one ingredient you should not ignore to ensure your best health and prevent cancer is water, stay hydrated as it helps flush out toxins from your body, hydrate your body cells and ensure optimal functions.

Prevent cancer with healthy weight and regular physical activities:

Do you know that maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can significantly lower your risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney cancers? You should prioritize regular physical activity as it’s one of the best strategies for cancer prevention. Listed here are some of the benefits you might experience when you exercise regularly:

• When you exercise your body releases endorphins which help improve your mood and reduce stress levels, both of which are linked to lower the risk of cancer.
• Regulate and balance your hormones by working out regularly. Since. higher oestrogen and insulin levels are associated with certain cancers.
• Moderate physical activity like aerobics, cycling or brisk walking can considerably influence your body.
• Build muscle mass, enhance your metabolism and control weight gain over time with strength training exercises.
• Include stretching, walking, and taking stairs into your daily routine, since every form of activity can be worthwhile.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits to lower cancer risks:

To ensure a healthy lifestyle it’s not just enough to adhere to a good diet and exercise regimen, it also includes integrating healthy practices into your routine:

• Avoiding tobacco: Most mouth, lung and throat cancers are due to excessive smoking. Not taking up smoking or quitting it altogether is best to improve your health and prevent cancer risks.
• Limiting consumption of alcohol: Consuming alcohol in excess can cause colorectal, breast and liver cancers, hence, it’s always best to abstain from alcohol completely or limit your drinking.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Too much sun exposes you to harmful UV radiation, increasing your skin cancer risk. While outdoors, protect yourself by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothes or staying under the shade.
• Get regular health check-ups: Timely detection allows you to get treated early for any cancer indication and get the best results. Therefore, it’s always best to undergo regular health check-ups and cancer screenings.
• Manage stress: Improve your mental and physical well-being by practising yoga and meditation, it is a great approach to mitigating cancer risks.

It can be overwhelming for you initially to make lasting and sustainable lifestyle changes at once but here are a few tips suggested by cancer consultants from the best oncology hospital in Trichy to get you started with your new habits and prevent cancer:

• Make small changes by focussing on one or two habits at a time rather than completely transforming your entire lifestyle habits. For example start by including more fruits and vegetables into your diet and commit yourself to exercise regularly.
• Do not give up, stay motivated and remind yourself that these changes are for your well-being and the people you care about.
• Explore and experiment with foods to make healthy meals and try different forms of exercise making it a joyful experience. Because when you enjoy you might most likely stick to it in the long run.
• Be patient, since setbacks are normal and it takes time to change your habits. Learn from your experiences rather than giving up altogether.