According to the World Health Organization’s 2020 report, cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths worldwide. And recent statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory stated that four out of five cancer cases in Nigeria result in fatalities.
Did you know that 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable? If you are in your 40s or older, your chances of developing cancer significantly increase, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you do everything possible to prevent cancer.
Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. There are eleven things you can do today to help lower your risk of developing cancer in your 40s:
- Get a Health Checkup
- Know the Symptoms
- Eat Healthier
- Exercise Regularly
- Cut Out Alcohol
- Quit Smoking
- Use Sunscreen Daily
- Use Safe Sex Practices
- Get Enough Sleep
- Know Your Family History
- See Your Dentist Regularly
Get a Health Checkup
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is by getting a health checkup. It will allow you to catch any potential problems early on and get treatment if necessary. You should get a health screening test with Medbury Medicals at least once a year, but more often if you have any risk factors for cancer.
Related: 7 Health Risks Of Vaping And Why Nigerians Should Avoid It
Know the Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
- You’ve had a lump or bump that doesn’t leave after four weeks.
- You’re experiencing unusual bleeding or bruising.
- You have unexplained weight loss or gain, abdominal pain, or bloating from eating more than usual.
- You notice blood in your urine.
Besides being checked for cancer when these signs come up, talk to your doctor about how often you should get tested if you’re worried about having cancer later in life or if you’re healthy but want to know for sure that there isn’t anything wrong right now.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Cervical Screening And Pap Smear
Eat Healthily
If you’re searching for ways to prevent cancer in your 40s, ensure you eat well. A healthy diet can help protect against many types of cancer, so you must fill your plate with fruits, fiber, and vegetables.
The next step is to stay away from certain kinds of food. Avoid red meat because it increases your risk for colon cancer; instead, try turkey or chicken breast. You should also limit processed meats like hot dogs and bacon. Avoid sugar because it can promote obesity, which increases your chances of getting heart disease or stroke and is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.
Try cutting back on salt as much as possible because high blood pressure has been shown in studies over time lead directly to heart disease later down the line when combined with other factors such as cigarette smoking (which increases risk).
Exercise Regularly
Exercise has many benefits, including reducing your risk of cancer. Research has shown that physically active people have a lower risk of cancer than non-active people. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is also associated with reduced cancer risk.
Related: Cancer Remission Through Immunotherapy: Promising New Clinical Trial
Cut Out Alcohol
Alcohol is a carcinogen and a leading cause of cancer. It contributes to liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, and obesity. Alcohol also raises your risk of depression, which can lead to suicide.
The best way to avoid alcohol-related health problems is not to drink it at all.
Beware of Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor for cancer. According to estimates, tobacco use handles 22% of all cancer deaths, including 90% of lung cancer deaths. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from UV rays. It’s essential to wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re only going out for a short walk or staying inside during the day. Use an SPF 30 or higher and apply it 15 minutes before going outside.
Use Safe Sex Practices
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is using safe sex practices. It means using condoms during sex and getting regular STI screenings. It is also essential to limit your number of sexual partners. If you have multiple partners, you are more likely to be exposed to HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.
Get Enough Sleep
You may have heard that getting enough sleep is vital to your health, but how much sleep do you need? While there is not a specific amount of hours per day to ensure good health, the general rule of thumb is seven to nine hours per night.
For better immune function and cancer prevention, sleep can bring a significant change. Menopause-to-menopause women are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke because of a lack of quality sleep.
Know your family history
If cancer runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing the disease. Talk to your relatives about their medical history and share that information with your doctor. They can help determine if you need to take extra steps to protect your health.
See Your Dentist Regularly
One way to prevent cancer is by seeing your dentist regularly. According to the American Dental Association, regular dental visits can help detect oral cancer early. Oral cancer is more likely to occur in people over age 40, so it is vital to get into the habit of visiting the dentist every six months.
We hope you have learned a lot about how to prevent cancer as you get older. These simple steps can reduce your risk of developing this potentially deadly disease. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer prevention, so if any of these methods do not work for you or are not convenient enough, try something new. Remember, do not wait until it is too late to do something about your health.
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