To increase cancer A new study finds that lifestyle changes could prevent about 40 percent of pneumonia cases and almost half of deaths among U.S. adults.
of studyThe report, released Thursday by the American Cancer Society, looked at 30 types of cancer and 18 risk factors that can be changed by lifestyle choices, such as smoking and weight.
Overall, smoking is the main risk factor for cancer, accounting for approximately 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths.
The study looked at data from 2019 and found that lifestyle factors were associated with more than 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths in adults aged 30 and older.
Approximately 1.8 million new cases of cancer were reported in the United States in 2021, according to the most recent data available.
Here’s what you need to know about the top seven cancer risk factors identified in a new study.
1. Smoking
The ACS study found an increased risk of cancer among both current smokers, past smokers, and people exposed to secondhand smoke.
Smoking is associated with about 12 types of cancer, including lung, oral, blood, cervical, bladder, pancreatic, stomach, liver and kidney cancer. according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC points out that quitting smoking cuts your chances of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, lungs, and larynx in half.
According to the CDC, within 20 years of quitting smoking, your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, and pancreas “is reduced to nearly the same as that of a nonsmoker.”
2. Weight
Being overweight increases the risk of developing 13 types of cancer, accounting for 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. according to According to the CDC, weight loss strategies such as incorporating walking into your daily routine are effective.
According to the CDC, the more excess weight you carry and the longer you remain overweight, the higher your risk of developing cancer.
People can calculate Measure your BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine if you are at a healthy weight.
3. Alcohol consumption
More and more new research expose The long-held belief that drinking alcohol in moderation can be beneficial to your health.
For women, moderate alcohol intake is defined as seven or fewer drinks per week, and for men, it’s 14 or fewer drinks per week. according to CDC.
According to the CDC, heavy drinking is typically defined as drinking 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.
A serving of alcohol is defined as five ounces of wine or just 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol — far less than what’s typically served in bars, restaurants or homes.
4. Unhealthy eating habits
Eating red and processed meat and not enough fruits, vegetables, fiber and calcium increases your risk of cancer, according to a new study.
USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans The diet recommends emphasizing a variety of protein foods, including lean meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, beans and peas.
The guidelines also emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limiting the amount of added sugar, sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol in foods.
5. Lack of exercise
Research suggests that lack of exercise may increase the risk of cancer.
For adults, Physical Activity Guidelines for AmericansIt recommends at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of the two.
According to the guidelines, adults should also engage in strength-building activities at least two days per week.
6. Not getting cancer screening
Research has shown that regular doctor visits and regular cancer screenings are important factors in reducing the risk of cancer.
For women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Breast cancer screening with mammograms is done every two years starting at age 40 for women at average risk of developing breast cancer.
The task force recommends that adults be screened for colorectal cancer from age 45 to 75. If you’re over 75, talk to your doctor about best practices. Depending on the screening procedure used, you may need to be screened every 1 to 10 years.
When it comes to skin cancer, you should regularly self-examine your skin for any abnormal spots or marks and see a dermatologist at least once a year.
7. Sun exposure
Regular use of sunscreen can reduce the risk of invasive melanoma by about 70% and may also have secondary benefits such as preventing wrinkles and skin pigmentation changes caused by UV rays. the study show.
American Academy of Dermatology Recommendation People use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection, and water resistance.
According to the AAD, sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours, including when you’re outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
