Over the years, cancer has become one of the most deadliest ailments in history, and it is becoming even bigger with time. It is interesting to know what the doctors who are in contact with the disease have to say.These experts definitely practice what they preach. Here’s how you can make these simple changes to prevent cancer too.
“I make sure sweet treats are not everyday occurrences”
“Eating too much sugar and junk food can cause fat to build up in your liver, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer. It has been predicted that this non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will be the leading cause of liver cancer and the rate of liver cancer will increase significantly in a few years.” —Homayoon Sanati, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Breast Cancer Center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California
“I keep my stress in under control”
“Your immune system needs to be in ideal condition to seek out and destroy cancer cells. Having a calm lifestyle will promote a stronger immune system. If your body is not preoccupied with the physical and emotional effects of life’s little battles, your immune system can better focus on healing and protecting you. One thing I practice and highly recommend is controlling your stress level, especially about things that are out of your control. There will always be legitimate reasons to be worrisome or angry. But if your anxiety will not fix the situation, then accept, adapt, and resolve things the best way you can.” —Amy Lee, PhD, associate director for research and chair in basic science in cancer research at USC’s Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
“I eat a Mediterranean diet”
“Multiple studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet including virgin olive oil can definitely help prevent cancer. I try to follow this by eating a whole-foods plant-based diet that includes broccoli, turmeric, and garlic and limits refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated animal fats, and toxic chemicals, and pesticides.” —Matthew McCurdy, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at the Austin Cancer Center These are the foods you should be eating to help prevent cancer.
“I get regular check-ups too”
“It’s important to be proactive about surveillance for cancer. Many are curable or have a better outcome when caught early. In addition, do regular examinations on yourself at home and get to know your own body well. Any concerns? Bring them up with your doctor at your next check-up.” —Justin Piasecki, MD, skin cancer surgeon
“I get vaccinated”
“Most people are unaware that certain viruses can cause cancer and that there are available vaccines specifically to prevent some cancers. I’m partnering with The Prevent Cancer Foundation for their campaign “Think About the Link” for letting people know how important it is to get vaccinated for HPV (the virus that accounts for 70 percent of cervical cancers), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.” —Erich M. Sturgis, MD, a professor in the department of head and neck surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
“I keep up a healthy weight”
“Obesity and overweight have been linked with many types of cancers. To make sure my weight stays under control, I prioritize exercise, get enough sleep, choose foods low in carcinogens, and balance family and work. I also get early detection screenings. These are things everyone can do because, at the end of the day, even though we are experts we are no different from you!” —Peter Shields, MD, deputy director and cancer prevention researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and lung oncologist with the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
“I go beyond sunscreen”
“Sunscreen is a great first defense but it’s not the only way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. I always wear a broad-rim hat and sunglasses with UV protection when I’m outdoors. In addition, I schedule my favorite sport, golf, to avoid playing during the sun’s peak hours.” —Hubert Greenway, MD, skin cancer specialist at The Scripps Clinic in San Diego.
“I love to garden”
“Reconnecting with nature is an effective way of maintaining a calm lifestyle and strengthening the immune system so it can better fight off cancer cells. I garden frequently—it’s an enjoyable, serene way to diffuse stress. Plus, regular exercise outdoors can also do wonders for reducing one’s cancer risk and improving overall well-being. Not to mention all those cancer-fighting antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables!” —Amy Lee, MD
“Exercise regularly”
“People who are physically active live longer and have lower risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle have been implicated in cancer-causing deaths, including two of the most common cancers in the United States, breast and colon cancer.” —Delphine J. Lee, MD, Ph.D., dermatologist, and director of the Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research at John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California
“I never smoke, not even socially”
“Tobacco products are very strongly linked to the development of a number of cancers, including those of the lung, head, and neck, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, colon and rectum, among others. In fact, tobacco products account for at least 30 percent of all deaths from cancer and lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. So the practice of avoiding or quitting tobacco can dramatically cut one’s risk of developing cancer in their lifetime.” —Jeffrey Vainshtein, MD, a radiation oncologist at White Plains Hospital Center for Cancer Care
“I keep my brain active”
“As a neuro-oncologist, I’m well aware of how important it is to keep our brains active and alert at all ages. I do this with simple changes in day-to-day activities. Brushing my teeth with my non-dominant hand, for example, is an easy way to change my routine. Even a small change like this causes an increase in the level of connectivity between the neurons in the brain. Teaching yourself new things and challenging yourself on a daily basis will keep your brain healthy and resilient.” —David Poulad, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon and partner at IGEA Brain & Spine, specializing in neuro-oncology
“I get in 5 meals a day (and then some)”
“I make sure to eat a variety of produce. According to the CDC, diets rich in fruits and vegetables may cut the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases.” —Delphine Lee, MD
“I do things that bring me joy”
“People underestimate the power of not just living a healthy life, but a happy one too. It is essential to lowering my risk of getting cancer and my overall well-being to have balance in life. I work toward finding things that make me happy in all areas, whether it is in my work or during personal time. Reducing stress and taking time for things that give me joy are just as important as eating well and exercising.” —David Poulad, MD
“I skip processed foods”
“Clean eating can go a long way in managing your cancer risk. For me, this primarily means avoiding of processed foods and excessive sugar. In addition, I try to eat a diet high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. But the key is to always avoid processed foods.” —Omar Llaguna, MD, a surgical oncologist at the Baptist Health Medical Surgery Group and an assistant professor of surgery at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Baptist Hospital of Miami
