Doctors classify the risk factors of cancer as preventable and non-preventable. Factors like age, family history, inherited genetic mutations, diseases like ulcerative colitis, virus infection like Epstein-Barr are non-preventable cancer risks. There is very little information now on how to prevent these risks. Doctors, however, have documented many good practices and methods to reduce preventable cancer risks.

The most common preventable cancer risks are a bad diet, smoking, too much alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, exposure to pollution and carcinogens, etc. If you and your family can practice the following tips diligently, you can reduce the risk of cancer to an estimated 75%,

1. Turn yourself away from tobacco smoke
Staying away from tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, reduces the risk of many cancers like lung cancer, leukemia, prostate, breast, and other respiratory cancers. Stop smoking now if you are a smoker. Teach children to stay away from smokers right from a young age.

2. Schedule periodic health examinations
From your 40 ^th birthday, gift yourself periodic medical examinations and screening. Screening can identify any potential pre-cancer cells, and with corrective measures, you will be able to prevent the risk of cells becoming cancerous.

3. Eat mindfully
Plan and eat every meal mindfully. Increase portions of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and decrease portions of red meat, processed, and fast food from your diet.

4. Maintain ideal BMI
For children as well as adults, obesity is a risk factor for many cancers. Combine diet with age-appropriate exercises to maintain an ideal weight to reduce the risk of cancer.

5. Avoid exposure to carcinogens
Be aware of possible carcinogens around you in household chemicals and other metals at the workplace. Take necessary safety measures to avoid exposure and store hazardous materials safely for any accidental exposure.

6. No excuse for exercising
Whatever be your profession, age, or health condition, get involved in physical activity that you enjoy and can engage in without much difficulty. It can be a 30-minute session of walking, cycling, aerobics, swimming, Tai Chi, or anything that you can do comfortably. This keeps you active and stress-free, improves immunity, each of which reduces the risk of cancer. Engaging in outdoor activity gives you the required dose of Vitamin D, which is crucial for good cell health and cancer prevention.

7. Refuse the second drink
One drink a day is all I am allowed – If you can train your mind and body to practice this, it can benefit your health in more ways than you can imagine. Binge drinking, weekend drinking, once in a while, I couldn’t say no are some of the excuses you should avoid at all costs and stick to one drink a day to avoid the risk of cancer.

8. Beat stress
Stress changes your body’s response to medication and can also weaken the immune system in the long run. Practice meditation, breathing techniques, visualization, or engage in hobbies that you like to beat stress. Put away some time every day to spend with family, allow some time for yourself to be alone. Travel, volunteering, community service are ways in which you can beat stress.