With loads of conflicting information about what causes cancerand what you should do to stay healthyit can be confusing.
Leading experts cut through the myths to tell youwhat works and what doesn’t.
Good news…there’s a lot in your control.
Illustrated by Muokkaa Studio
One recent study suggests that simple tweaks like these may prevent up to half of all cancer deaths.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Excess fat is also associated with inflammation."
Consult your doc to ensure you’re in a healthy weight range.
Your goal: Exercise at least half an hour most days.
“Movementis what’s important.”
Eat a variety of foods.
News flash: There is no miracle food.
What is proved to keep your cells healthy?
A varied diet of fresh fruit, veggies and whole grains.
Get the HPV vaccine.
Stay current on your Pap smears, too.
“Each drink increases your risk incrementallyso we advise women to stick toone or less per day.”
The sooner you’re diagnosed, the easier it can be to treat and beat cancer.
Talk to your M.D.
about your medical history to determine when to get screenings.
These ideas have made headlines, but there isn’t definitive research that they reduce your risk.
So adopt any behaviors that make you feel good, but feel OK about skipping them, too.
Eating organic and GMO-free.
“The research on pesticides and cancer is inconclusive,” says Dr. Bevers.
Bottom line: The most important thing is a well-balanced diet.
Still, experts say it’s smart to limit exposure to products containing parabens.
Also, use plastics without bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates when possible.
It’s often labeled.
Despite scary reports, a link between cell phones and brain tumors has not been established.
For now, use hands-free options like a headset or Bluetooth when possible.
Certain compounds in soy, called isoflavones, have similarities to estrogen, which may increase breast cancer risk.
But observational data on humans has not confirmed this.
“There isno scientific link between aluminum and breast cancer,” says Dr. Bevers.
No study has ever provided evidence for that."
This article originally appeared in the October 2016 issue of SELF.
