Cancer risk can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle (eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly), avoiding exposure to carcinogens (avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake), regular screenings (with different screening recommendations for different age groups and specific populations), and maintaining a positive mental state.
Healthy Lifestyle Prevention
- A balanced diet: Consume more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. For example, epidemiological studies have found that people who consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables daily have a relatively lower risk of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cabbage) contain substances such as indole compounds and glucosinolates, which have certain anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants such as vitamin C in fruits can help scavenge free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative damage to cells, and lower the risk of cancer. At the same time, limit your intake of red meat (such as beef and pork) and processed meat. Studies have shown that long-term, high-intensity consumption of red meat and processed meat increases the risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer.
- Moderate exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking and jogging. Exercise boosts metabolism and strengthens immunity. The immune system can identify and eliminate mutated cancer cells, and exercise helps increase the activity and number of immune cells. For example, people who exercise regularly can increase the activity of natural killer cells, which can directly kill cancer cells, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. For different age groups, children and adolescents can aim for at least one hour of outdoor activities and exercise daily, such as rope skipping and basketball. Adults can choose an appropriate exercise type and intensity based on their physical condition. The elderly can choose relatively gentle exercises such as walking and tai chi. Regarding gender differences, exercise tolerance may vary, but everyone should plan their exercise accordingly.
Avoid exposure to carcinogens
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking is a significant risk factor for many cancers, including lung, bladder, and stomach cancers. Tobacco contains nicotine, tar, and other carcinogens. Long-term smoking can damage cells in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to cell mutations and cancer. Both active smoking and passive smoking (secondhand smoke) are harmful to health. For those with a history of smoking, quitting is crucial; the earlier you quit, the greater the benefits. Non-smokers, such as children and adolescents, should avoid tobacco exposure and maintain a healthy living environment.
- Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to various cancers, including liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer. Once alcohol enters the body, it is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a proven carcinogen that damages cells' DNA and other genetic material, increasing the risk of cancer. Men should limit their daily alcohol intake to no more than 25 grams, and women should limit it to no more than 15 grams. These alcohol intakes are calculated based on common alcoholic beverages, such as approximately 750 ml of beer, 250 ml of wine, and 50 ml of liquor. Drinkers should moderate their intake according to their individual circumstances to avoid the harmful effects of excessive drinking.
Regular Screening
- Screening Recommendations for Different Ages:
People over 40: Stomach cancer screening is generally recommended, using methods such as gastroscopy. People at high risk for lung cancer (such as long-term smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer) can undergo low-dose spiral CT screening. Colorectal cancer can be screened through fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.
Women: For breast cancer, women over 40 should undergo annual mammography. Women under 40 with high-risk factors (such as a family history of breast cancer) should also undergo breast ultrasound and other tests as appropriate. For cervical cancer, sexually active women are advised to undergo regular cervical cytology (such as TCT) and HPV testing. Generally, TCT testing should be performed every three years for those aged 21-29, and combined TCT and HPV testing should be performed every five years for those aged 30-65.
Men: For prostate cancer, men over 50 are advised to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, depending on their individual circumstances.
- Screening Considerations for Special Populations:
For special populations with a family history of cancer, screening should be initiated at an earlier age and with increased frequency. For example, women with a family history of breast cancer may need to begin breast screening at a younger age; those with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start colonoscopy screening at age 40 or even earlier. Furthermore, individuals with certain chronic conditions (such as Helicobacter pylori-related gastric ulcers) should actively seek treatment for underlying conditions, as these conditions may increase the risk of cancer. Regular screening can help detect potential cancerous lesions early.
Maintain a positive mental state
Long-term negative mental states such as anxiety and depression can affect the immune and endocrine systems, increasing the risk of cancer. Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook helps maintain normal physiological functions. Stress can be relieved through appropriate psychological adjustment methods, such as meditation, yoga, and engaging in conversation and sharing. For different groups of people, children and adolescents can maintain a good attitude by participating in social activities and cultivating hobbies; adults can adjust their mental state by reasonably arranging their work and life rhythm and seeking psychological counseling; the elderly can maintain a positive attitude by participating in social group activities and cultivating new interests to reduce the potential risk of cancer.
