By Lissette Martinez
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. In 2008, more than 565,000 people died from cancer, and more than 1.48 million people had a diagnosis of the disease, according to the United States Cancer Statistics: 1999-2008 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Although these numbers may sound alarming, remember there are certain types of cancers that can be avoided by living a healthier lifestyle.
Here is a list of things that can help you prevent cancer:
1-) Check yourself regularly: Cancer is a silent disease. The safest way to prevent it is through regular screenings. Mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by almost one third since 1990. *
2-)No smoking: Between 25 and 30% of all cancers in developed countries are related to tobacco, and 91% of lung cancers are attributed to cigarette smoking.*
3-)Exercise: The American Cancer Society recommends doing 30-45 minutes of daily exercise. Physical inactivity contributes to the increase of cancers, such as colon, breast, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancer.
4-)Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits such as blackberries, grapes, and blueberries have anti-cancer properties and are rich in antioxidants. Oranges, cherries, mangoes and apples have vitamin C and fiber that your body uses to fight viruses.
5-)Drinking liquids: Coffee and tea are good cancer fighters because they contain antioxidants. But, water is the best liquid because it helps you release toxins.
6-)Sleep well: Sleeping 7-8 hours a day is enough to keep your body revitalized . It’s important to sleep well because during this quiescent state is when your system is available for cell renewal.
7-)Avoid stress: Did you know that stress is an automatic alert response that your body uses to protect itself? the problem is that if your body stays alert all the time, it can collapse. Therefore, it’s essential that you keep calm and worry-free.
(*Information retrieved from The American Cancer Society website)
