Let’s face it, there’s a lot that young people today have to worry about, from relationships and mental health to student loans and jobs. Amidst all of this, it’s easy to lose sight of our health. Although our minds tend to associate cancer with older people, cases of the deadly disease in people under the age of 50 are on the rise. What makes it worse is that since young people tend not to think about it a commonality, they tend to ignore any signs that point to it.
One way to make sure that you steer clear of the disease is by grooming your habits. What should you be doing or not doing in order to make sure you don’t become a part of the scary statistics? Here are 10 habits that can help prevent cancer in young adults.
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking is often seen as a stress reliever by young people in high-pressure jobs, or even as something “cool” to do with your buddies. But as we all know, smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. What most people don’t know that smoking can also increase your risk of several other cancers in the liver, stomach, colon, larynx, bladder, throat, pancreas and more.
2. Cut Back on Alcohol
You might be in the habit of having a glass of wine or beer after work, but according to several studies, a total of more than 3 drinks per week can increase the risk of breast cancer in women by 15%. Alcohol consumption can also contribute your risk of developing cancers in your mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and more.
3. Say No to Fast Food
High in trans fats, sugar, carbohydrates, MSG, chemicals, artificial flavorings, and preservatives – there’s no way fast food is good for you in any shape or form. All of these can contribute to poor heart health, clogged arteries, diabetes, and even cancer.
Not so fun fact, did you know that silly putty, an anti-foaming agent used largely in silicone sealants and caulking, is one of the 19 ingredients in McDonald’s french fries?
4. Drink Pure Water
Water is the best choice for a beverage; it hydrates and detoxifies the body without any side effects at all. While it is safe to drink the tap water in a lot of places around the world, you might want to invest in a water filtration system anyway.
This is because municipal water may contain fluoride, which has been linked to hypothyroidism and neurological damage. It’s also a good idea to use BPA-free plastic or glass containers to store water.
5. Use Your Microwave Sparingly
While the belief that microwaves cause cancer is just a myth, it is true that radiation causes cancer. And microwaves, just like your mobile phone, emit small amounts of radiation. This may not affect you in the short run, but overuse of such devices over a long period of time can catch up to you. It’s also important never to use Styrofoam or plastic containers when heating up food as this can be toxic!
6. Eat Hormone and Antibiotic-Free Meat
If you are a meat eater, you should be careful about where your food comes from, how it is grown, and what your food is fed. The main things to look for are that it is free of hormones and antibiotics. Since pork is more susceptible to parasitic build-up and toxins when compared to other meats, it’s important to make sure it is grass-fed, organic, and hormone-free.
7. Organic is Best
Try to buy organic whenever possible, whether it is in your household cleaning supplies or beauty products. A study found that an ingredient of traditional dry cleaning liquids, perchloroethylene, may cause leukemia, as well as kidney and liver cancers. It’s also best to avoid products with formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in them.
8. Less Screen Time
As we mentioned earlier, our smartphones emit small amounts of radiation at all times. Again, even though they may not be enough to cause cancer themselves, overexposure can be dangerous. That’s why it’s best to keep them away whenever possible, such as when we’re sleeping. Other things you can do minimize risk is use a pillow to separate when using laptops on your lap, use the speaker on your phone when making a call, and never carry your phone in your bra (ladies) or your pant front pocket (gents).
9. Boost Your Diet With Cancer-Fighting Foods
Tweak your diet to give your body the boost it needs to fight against cancer. This means eating more foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also important to ensure that your body isn’t lacking any essential vitamins or minerals, like iodine or vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to several health issues like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer.
10. Minimize Stress
We know it can be easier said than done, but try to keep your life as stress-free as possible as it can lead to numerous problems in your health, including an increased risk of cancer.
It’s good to have a few stress-busting habits and activities for when you are feeling overwhelmed, whether they be something as simple as taking slow and deep breaths, going to your favorite restaurant, talking to someone you trust, writing a diary, or even taking a trip somewhere where you’ll feel relaxed.
