Nobody wants to get chronically sick; however, not all of us have the discipline or the resources to adopt a completely clean and healthy lifestyle. One of the most feared diseases by many is cancer. This condition happens when the body’s cells grow uncontrollably. With cancer, these malignant cells spread to other parts of the body. While acquiring cancer can be a scary and overwhelming experience, medical innovations have paved the way for new treatments and cancer management systems to help patients survive this condition.
Individuals need to constantly look after their health to make sure they are in a perfectly healthy state. Those who have a family history of cancer of any type should consult with their trusted doctor to see what tests are needed to be done and how often. For example, those who have a family history of colon cancer may need to get a colonoscopy test more often than others. During this quarantine period, an at-home colonoscopy exam can provide a more convenient way of getting checked for this disease.
People need to learn how to manage a healthy lifestyle to avoid acquiring diseases. There are lifestyle changes that may need to be done to reduce the risk of getting cancer and other chronic diseases. Learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle early on to avoid getting sick and paying expensive hospital bills.
Cancer Myths
While cancer is a well-known disease and many individuals acquire it every year, there are still myths that surround this condition. Despite this, many cancer cases are not inherited. There are common myths that surround cancer and its relation to family history. Below are some of these cancer risk myths.
If you don’t have a family history of cancer, you might think that you are already on the safe side of your health journey; however, you should not be too complacent. A lot of people who are diagnosed with cancer do not have this condition in their family history. There is a relatively small percentage of cancer cases where the disease was inherited.
Those who have a family history of cancer may “inherit” the disease due to similarities in lifestyles and behaviors. Some of these unhealthy behaviors include smoking, having unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of a regular exercise routine. However, in some cases, cancer can be brought about by an abnormal gene that is passed on to generations.
Having a family history of cancer does not automatically mean that there is nothing you can do to protect yourself from the disease. Undergoing regular screening and tests is important in monitoring your health.
These are some common misconceptions and explanations regarding the myths surrounding cancer and the role of family medical history. While it is important to be familiar with your family medical history, no matter what conditions your family might have, you should always strive to adopt a healthy lifestyle to avoid getting sick.
Lifestyle Habits for Risk Reduction
Early diagnosis is important in the effective treatment of cancer. However, there are also preventive measures that you can take to avoid acquiring the disease in the first place. According to researchers, it is estimated that 75% of American cancer deaths can be prevented. Follow these prevention tips to avoid acquiring the disease.
Avoiding the habit of smoking tobacco as well as avoiding secondhand smoke will help reduce your risk for cancer. Protect yourself and your family by quitting smoking or avoiding starting this bad habit altogether.
To avoid acquiring cancer, it is important for you to eat a balanced diet. Eating properly by reducing your consumption of red meat and saturated fat can reduce your cancer risk. You should start increasing your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to decrease your risk for colon cancer and prostate cancer.
We all know that engaging in physical activity is essential in any healthy lifestyle, but we often disregard its health benefits. Having a regular exercise regimen is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer. It is believed that working out can reduce your cancer risk even if you don’t lose any weight. However, staying lean can further reduce your cancer risk. Take in fewer calories and burn more calories through exercise to maintain a fit figure.
These are some preventive measures against various forms of cancer. It is never too late to start changing your lifestyle for the better as adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential in preventing any type of disease.
Cancer is a scary disease that can become overwhelming. Don’t allow yourself to get into the complicated situation of treatments and cancer management by practicing preventive measures against cancer. However, if you do acquire the disease, there is no need to panic as there are many medical innovations that have been developed throughout the years to help you survive your condition.
