According to Otis Brawley, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer at the American Cancer Society, two-thirds of cancer cases in the U.S. develop from preventable causes. Other than those who have a genetic predisposition, and those who have environmental exposures, most people should not feel helpless in this fight.
The problem with Americans today is that they are lazy. Yes, I said it – LAZY.
There are really just three simple, sustainable habits that will help most people avoid the most feared medical condition – CANCER.
Three Most Common Cancers
1. Breast cancer
First among women of all races and Hispanic* origin populations. Second among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
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2. Lung cancer
First among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. Second among Hispanic* women. Second among white, black, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.Third among Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic* women.
3. Colorectal cancer
Second among Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic* women. Third among white, black, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
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Prostate Cancer is unfortunately right behind colorectal cancer, especially among Black men.
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Now, What's Really Causing It?
1. Crispy, Brown Foods
When some vegetables, like potatoes, are heated to high temps, they can give off a chemical called acrylamide. Studies show that rats who took in acrylamide in their drinking water got cancer, so researchers think humans might also.
You can cut the amount you eat by baking, roasting, frying, and toasting foods until they're a tan color instead of golden or deep brown. Acrylamide is also found in many products you buy as well as in tobacco smoke.
2. Lack of Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight is also key - this involves exercise and diet. As far as exercise, the amount required is truly minimal. I am referring to approximately 30 mins per day of any cardiovascular exercise – running, treadmill, cross-trainer, power walking, swimming etc. Any exercise that will get your heart rate up to its target heart rate (220-age) will suffice.
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3. Your Diet
Diet is a little more complicated. To make it simple, fruits and vegetables should comprise the majority of your diet. Fish and red meat are ok for most people when taken in moderation.
We should all try to reduce our intake of sodas, excess salt, fried foods, sweet desserts and foods with preservatives - just to name a few.
Alcohol also plays a major part. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your odds of getting certain kinds of cancers, such as:
- Head and neck
- Esophageal
- Breast
- Liver
- Colorectal
One reason for this may be carcinogenic chemicals produced when beer, wine, and hard liquor are made. Experts suggest women have no more than one drink each day and men no more than two.
While sun exposure, family history and other carcinogens play a role, cancer prevention is doable. It's in your hands so start taking responsibility!
Honorable Mention: Smoking (even Hookah)
Yes, people still smoke. Smoking is the most significant preventable cause of Cancer. Cigarette boxes warn of the likelihood of cigarette use causing Cancer and people STILL choose to smoke.
It's something about directly inhaling something that harmful to you that has a direct effect to cancer. You'll have better odds with a game of Russian roulette.
Men who smoke are a third more likely to be hospitalized than non-smoking men. Smoking had been found to be a risk factor in most cancers, not just lung cancer as most people believe.
Reviewed by: Dr. Melvin Gaskins
