March 04, 2024
In 2023, nearly 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer and almost 610,000 people lost their lives to it. While it may not be possible to eliminate your risk of cancer entirely, there are ways you can lower your chances of developing it.
If breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer run in your family, you may be at higher risk for these cancers than most people. Gathering information about your relatives’ cancer history and sharing it with your doctor can help them determine if you should consider genetic testing to further evaluate your risk. Knowing your family history can also help your health care provider decide which screenings you should prioritize as well as how often you should get them.
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cancer. It’s usually given at the age of 11 or 12, but it’s recommended through age 26 for those who didn’t receive it when they were younger.
The hepatitis B vaccine is available to anyone. It helps ward off hepatitis B, a liver disease that can lead to liver cancer.
Quitting smoking lowers your risk for 12 types of cancer. Smokefree.gov provides free tools and tips to help you increase your chances of being able to quit. And if you’re an Independence Blue Cross member, smoking cessation resources are also available to help you kick the habit.
Drinking alcohol raises your risk for getting cancer in your mouth and throat; larynx; esophagus; colon and rectum; liver; and breasts. There are studies that have shown consuming three or more alcoholic drinks a day increases a person’s risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer. There is also evidence that drinking alcohol increases men’s risk for prostate cancer.
If you’re ready to start drinking less, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has strategies that can help you succeed at reducing your alcohol consumption.
Exposure to certain chemicals in the environment can damage your genes in a way that causes them to alter how your cells function, leading to cancerous growths. Chemical substances identified as human carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program include asbestos, benzene, radon, soot, and wood dust.
Nearly 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have dangerous levels of radon, an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that’s released from rocks and soil. Long-term radon exposure to radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the U.S. You can test for radon in your home and install a radon mitigation system if the levels are dangerous.
The ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. To limit your exposure, you should apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. You can also protect your skin by wearing:
• A hat with a brim wide enough to shade your face, neck, and ears
• Sunglasses that block UV radiation
• Long sleeves and pants, depending on the activity
According to an analysis conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute of Cancer Research, being overweight significantly increases the risk of several cancers.
One the most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight is by exercising regularly. Experts recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week, and strength training two to three times a week. Adopting a diet that’s rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans while limiting your consumption of red meat, fast food, processed food, and sugary drinks can also help you lose weight.
You may have not have control over your genes, but studies reported by the National Institutes of Health have found that at least 75 to 80 percent of cancers in the United States may be prevented by lifestyle changes. From knowing your family’s health history to getting screened, exercising, and avoiding unhealthy habits, there are many effective ways to substantially lower your cancer risk.
