Ways to lower Cancer risks

It is the world’s leading cause of death, but about one in three cases can be prevented, according to the World Health Organization. There’s no magic pill to keep you from getting cancer, but you can do some things to improve your odds.
Drop the weight

If you are overweight, those extra pounds drive up your chances of several types of cancer, including in your esophagus, pancreas, colon, kidneys, and thyroid gland. With fewer people smoking, obesity may pass tobacco as the top preventable cause of cancer.

Avoid smoking

Do you smoke? It causes various kinds of cancer, as well as heart and lung disease. Though the share of those who light up regularly has dropped from more than 40 per cent in the 1960s to about 15 per cent, tobacco is still the No. 1 cause of preventable death worldwide.

Eat more vegetables

Vegetables and fruits can help stave off a range of cancers in your mouth, throat, windpipe and oesophagus. These foods have things that help your cells prevent damage that may lead to cancer later. You should get at least 2 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables a day.

Get screened

The sooner the warning signs of cancer are spotted, the better your odds of recovery. A variety of tests can check for different types, like breast, colon, prostate, or skin. Ask your doctor which of these screenings you should get, and when.

Eat less red meat

Along with cured meats like bacon, hot dogs, and lunch-meat, this has been linked to a higher risk of colon and stomach cancers. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends no more than 18 ounces of these a week, or a little over a pound.

Limit alcohol

Research has shown that alcohol can increase your risk for certain kinds of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, colon and rectal cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk. Men should have no more than two drinks a day and women no more than one. One drink is equal to about 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Water down your risk

Drinking plenty of water and other liquids may reduce the risk of bladder cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in urine and helping to flush them through the bladder faster. Drink at least 8 cups of liquid a day, suggests the American Cancer Society.