Regardless of the type of cancer you are diagnosed with, some are preventable or can be less damaging if you make some lifestyle changes. What many newly diagnosed patients and their families fail to realize is that cancer does not have to take over your life. In many cases, you can control its progression naturally, or slow down progression to enjoy your life with friends and family. The few tips here can help with cancer prevention and/or progression stunting.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Although cancer is within every person’s body, the way that you live your life could be the difference in those cells changing or not. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent some cancers such as lung cancer, cancer of the mouth, prostate cancer and some skin cancers. Be mindful of your time in the sun and what you’re putting in your body. If you aren’t the most active person, getting in some exercise daily will help.

Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and can cause cancer of the mouth or throat. Alcohol can be a factor in several types of cancer, including organ cancers like the liver. If you are a smoker, develop a plan that you can be successful with whether it is with cessation aids or prescription medicine. Quitting cold turkey often results in multiple falls off the wagon.

You do not have to quit drinking alcohol entirely, however, reducing your intake to a drink or two daily is ideal. Excessive alcohol consumption breaks down the integrity of your liver and its ability to properly filter the alcohol through your system.

Eat Fresh
Pre-packaged and processed foods are full of chemicals (preservatives and additives) that can be harmful to your body over time. Fast food and high-sodium foods should also be avoided. When you adopt a fresh diet, you are getting the most nutrients the ingredients of your meal possible. You are also cutting out the preservatives, sodium and additives used in boxed/premade/processed items. Yes, fresh does cost a bit more, but it is worth it.

Closing Thoughts

Although this may seem like common sense to some, those that are unaware of what excessive drinking and eating poor-quality diets can mean for staying healthy may make some changes. Lifestyle changes are simple and should be done a little at a time. You don’t want to shock your body by starting to exercise, quitting smoking and changing your diet on the same day. Fresh foods, especially items that are high in vitamins can help keep you cancer and major illness free.