What is The Relationship Between Cancer and Lifestyle Factors?

Cancer is one of the most prolific and devastating health conditions of our time and, while the exact causes of the many types of cancer are out of our control (including genetic factors), there are some ways we can help prevent these diseases. Taking a proactive approach often means making important changes to our lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Here’s what our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey recommends:

6 Healthy Changes to Lower Your Risk of Cancer 

1. Commit to a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, limited in processed foods (especially processed meats), sugar, and animal fats is key to keeping your body in great health. The stronger your body and immune system, the lower your risk of cancer and the greater your ability to overcome this disease.
2. Eliminate tobacco products. Using any type of tobacco is one of the greatest factors in increasing your risk of cancer of mouth, lungs, pancreas, cervix, kidney, and throat, regardless of whether it is smoked or chewed. Giving up tobacco reduces these risks significantly, not only for yourself, but also for those who live with you.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for several types of cancer, including prostate, lung, colon, kidney, and breast cancer. A healthy diet and exercise will strengthen your body, reduce cancer risk and boost your overall well being.
4. Be sun safe. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer— and it can be deadly. Avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm, cover exposed skin, use a quality sunscreen, and stay away from tanning beds and sunlamps, and you’ll substantially reduce your skin cancer risk.
5. Get vaccinated. In recent years, vaccines have been developed for two viruses that can lead to cancer development, Hepatitis B and HPV (human papillomavirus). These vaccines are widely available for boys and girls as well as adults and are effective at lowering risks of associated cancers like liver cancer, cervical and genital cancers.
6. Pay attention to your body. Speak to your doctor about your family’s cancer history and learn how to perform self-examinations for cancer. If you commit to regular screenings (including mammograms and colonoscopies) as recommended by your doctor and report any changes to your health, you are more likely to spot cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Independent Living for Seniors at a Beautiful CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey 

Bristol Glen is a CCRC and assisted living community based in Sussex County that aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up your time to enjoy life. Founded on a philosophy of aging in place, our Continuing Care Retirement Community residents enjoy a less restrictive care model where they do not have to move from their residential apartment to access additional services as their needs change.

Contact us Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living in Sussex County, New Jersey, please visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/ and book your visit today.