How to Lower Your Cancer Risk

Cancer is a big, scary disease that we still don’t understand a lot about. We know that it can be deadly. Scientists have deeply studied the mechanics of different types of cancer. And we’ve done our best to approximate the biggest and most significant risk factors for developing this devastating disease.

In many cases, cancer can be treated or managed. But even in these scenarios, it’s usually better to prevent or avoid cancer whenever possible. So what steps can you take in your own life to lower your cancer risk?

The Many Types of Cancer

First, it’s important to acknowledge that there are many types of cancer that can affect you, and they don’t all behave in the same ways. Some types of cancer affect specific parts of the body, and sometimes arise only in response to certain types of carcinogens.

Mesothelioma, for example, is a rare form of cancer that only emerges in response to exposure to a specific material called asbestos. Asbestos fibers can lodge themselves in the lining surrounding your organs, known as the mesothelial lining, triggering the development of cancer, which unfolds over many years. Even within the category of mesothelioma, there are subtypes of cancer – such as pleural mesothelioma (see mesotheliomaguide.com), which affects the lungs.

This makes it difficult to generate concrete recommendations for lowering general cancer risk. Although there are some strategies capable of mitigating cancer risk broadly, as we’ll see, they aren’t perfectly reliable, nor are they going to work against all types of cancer simultaneously.

The Problems of Reducing Cancer Risk

There are a few main problems with trying to reduce cancer risk.

·         Lack of scientific understanding. Even with advancements in science and medical technology, we lack a perfect scientific understanding of how cancer develops and what risk factors are most closely associated with it. Sometimes, we don’t understand how or why cancer develops. We also can’t say with certainty whether a factor that correlates with cancer is a cause of cancer. On top of that, each individual is unique, so the strategies that work for one person may not necessarily work for another.

·         Different types of cancer. As we’ve already explored, there are many different types of cancer, which can emerge in many different ways. Although there are some high-level strategies that can help you mitigate risks associated with many types of cancer, they can’t always be broadly applied.

·         Lack of control. On top of that, there are some risks that you will never be able to control for. For example, some people have a genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer, and there isn’t much you can do about that.

Lowering Your Cancer Risk

With that in mind, there are some steps you can take to lower your cancer risk as a general matter.

·         Eat a healthier, more balanced diet. Your diet has a huge impact on your health – which includes your cancer risk. If you indulge in heavily processed junk foods on a daily basis, you’re probably going to have a higher cancer risk than someone who eats a balanced diet that includes a mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits.

·         Get plenty of exercise. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of physical exercise. In addition to reducing your cancer risk, physical exercise is associated with innumerable health benefits. Aim for at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise per day.

·         Lose weight (if appropriate). Obesity is correlated with a higher risk of cancer, so if you’re currently overweight, consider dropping some of that weight. If you’re already working on improving your diet and getting more exercise, losing weight should be a natural byproduct of your efforts.

·         Get sunshine (but wear sunscreen). Exposure to sunlight is good for your health, including your immune system, and in moderate amounts, it may be able to reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. Just make sure you wear sunscreen and that you avoid excessive exposure.

·         Avoid carcinogenic substances. Carcinogens are substances that are known to increase your risk of developing cancer. These include things like tobacco and alcohol, as well as rarer and more toxic substances like asbestos. Understand common carcinogens so you can avoid them.

·         Be aware of genetic risks. Although there isn’t much you can do about a genetic predisposition to cancer, knowledge of your genetic risks can prompt you to be more proactive in cancer screenings. This can help you catch cancer early, so you can potentially prevent it from spreading aggressively.

With these strategies, you can reduce your cancer risk, even if you can never eliminate it fully. With a better understanding of your personal risk factors, and a willingness to engage in these important steps, you can minimize your chances of developing this deadly disease.

Last Updated: May 5, 2025