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We all have undesirable habits that are difficult to break, but there are several that may severely harm our general health and raise the risk of getting cancer, which is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. Making a few lifestyle adjustments might help you avoid cancer, so we spoke with Dr. Tomi Mitchell, who shared which hazardous behaviors to quit immediately to prevent it.
1 — Excessive Alcohol Use
Dr. Mitchell explains, “Many individuals drink alcohol on a daily basis as a habit. It’s easy to include in social gatherings, and it’s often seen as a means to unwind. Many people are unaware, however, that drinking elevates their cancer risk.” While it isn’t the only cause, alcohol is acknowledged to be a carcinogen, and even moderate usage raises someone’s risk of cancer. It is critical to be aware of your alcohol consumption patterns and make sure you are staying within the advised limits if you are concerned about your cancer risk. Reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet may help to lower your cancer risk while also improving your general health.
Many individuals are aware that smoking and drinking are harmful to one’s health, but few people are aware of the degree to which they raise their risk of getting cancer. Both alcohol and tobacco are carcinogens, and using both of them together increases your risk even more. When you combine cigarettes with alcohol, the risks increase above those seen when either substance is used alone. The chance of getting head and neck, stomach, breast, pancreatic, liver, or colorectal cancers increases if you drink alcohol. Smoking and drinking frequently — and the amount of alcohol you consume — raises your risk of developing some form of cancer. The good news is that there are things you can do to decrease your chance of getting cancer. Eating a balanced diet, exercising on a regular basis, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco are three simple steps that can help prevent cancer.
2 — Being A Chimney
Dr. Mitchell explains, “I used to jokingly but seriously inform my patients that if God intended you to be a smoker, he would have made you into a chimney! It is a lifestyle decision that could have a big influence on your health.” There are several hazards connected with smoking, including an increased risk of cancer development. According to the CDC, cigarettes are the most common cause of preventable death in the United States, resulting in over 480,000 fatalities each year. “Smoking has been linked to esophageal, lung, and other types of cancer. However, you could significantly decrease your chance of getting cancer by quitting smoking. Quitting will not only improve your overall health but also help you save money on medical expenses due to smoking. If you want to quit smoking, there are a variety of resources available to assist you. Exercise, counseling, and meditation have all been proved to be useful in assisting individuals in kicking the habit.”
3 — Skipping Your Periodic Preventative Exams
Habits are an inevitable component of our lives, according to Dr. Mitchell. We brush our teeth every morning, follow a pattern in our commute to work, and have routines that dictate how we are spending our free time. The significance of regular health exams is, however, something that is frequently neglected. Your yearly health checkups are crucial for detecting cancer early. If you miss your regular health checks, you could be putting yourself at risk of developing the disease. It’s critical to get mammograms, pap smears, prostate cancer screenings, and other exams based on your lifestyle, age, and family history. While scheduling and keeping these appointments may appear time-consuming now, they may one day save your life. So make it a point to set up your usual medical tests right away.
