The jury has been in for quite a while on this one: at least half of all cancers could be prevented. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Research indicates that several lifestyle changes could reduce your risk of developing the most prevalent forms of cancer.
The jury has been in for quite a while on this one: at least half of all cancer deaths could be prevented.
Nearly a decade ago, an extensive Harvard report, “Causes of Human Cancer,” spelled out the major risk factors associated with cancer, the majority of which are modifiable. Current research bolsters claims that several factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, unhealthy eating, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of early screening increase our susceptibility to various cancers. So what are we waiting for?
Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, second only to cardiovascular disease. It is implicated in one out of four deaths in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 1,372,910 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2005, and 570,280 will die from it.
But Americans aren’t listening to the mounting research indicating that we have a great deal of control over our health. Several lifestyle adjustments could reduce your risk of developing some of the most prevalent forms of cancer, such as lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer. Of course, changing your lifestyle is no guarantee that you will avoid cancer, but these recommendations will certainly help you lower your risk.