Lifestyle Strategies Reduce Cancer Risk

By: Lindsey Josephson, Naturopathic Physician, Tri-Cities Cancer Center

1. Don’t smoke – Smoking not only increases the risk of many cancers it also increases risk for heart disease, stroke, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
2. Get regular exercise – Exercise not only decreases the risk of every chronic disease currently known, but it also improves energy, mood, sleep, sex, decreases pain, and improves every known measure of quality of life.
3. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight – When it comes to life long weight management, slow and steady definitely wins the race. Fast-acting fad diets can be tempting, but taking your time to make lasting change will have a much better effect on your health and quality of life.
4. Take time daily to de-stress (this doesn’t have to be a lot of time) – In certain Native American tribes tumors were said to be the hardened masses of tears that were never shed. While actual crying probably isn’t necessary, modern science increasingly shows that stress can increase the risk for every chronic disease known. It also really reduces quality of life.
5. Get restorative sleep nightly – Sleep is when your body heals, it is also when your mind refreshes itself. Sleep isn’t a luxury it is a necessity.
6. Moderate alcohol intake.
7. Eat a diet rich in whole natural plant food – Fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, beans, peas, lentils and whole grains all have benefits and you want all the good things nature has to offer.
8. Be picky about fats in your diet – Fish and olive are the best fats. Nuts and seeds also have a lot of benefits when eaten in moderation.
9. Avoid processed meats and limit red meat to once per week or less – I love steak as much as the next person, it just needs to be an occasional thing and eat it with mushrooms on top and a big salad on the side.
10. Get your regular screening tests – We live at a time of marvelous medical capabilities and one great thing about now is that cancer does not have to be fatal if caught early.

Strategies that are specific to prostate cancer risk

1. Maintain an epic and safe sex life with consideration for the needs of your chosen partner – That’s right more sex has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. I do imagine, however, that putting excessive pressure on your partner will probably decrease your life quality and expectancy more than the sex will increase it.

Please visit our website tccancer.org to learn more about our Naturopathic Clinic, how to sign up for one of our group classes, and the many ways natural and supportive therapies can assist you through your cancer journey.