ST. LOUIS — Cancer can be seen as striking haphazardly, but research over the past 40 years shows that lifestyle factors play a huge role in cancer incidence and mortality. Dr. Graham Colditz, an internationally recognized disease-prevention expert at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, has put together a list of behaviors that greatly reduce overall cancer risk. And they’re not as complicated as you might think. For a healthy 2015, Colditz suggests starting with one or two from the list. Once you’ve got those down, move on to the others.
Maintain good weight
It’s easier said than done, but a few simple tips can help. If you’re overweight, focus first on not gaining any more weight. That can give your health a boost. When you’re ready, try to take off some extra pounds.
• Integrate physical activity and movement into your life.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Choose smaller portions and eat more slowly.
For parents and grandparents:
• Limit children’s TV and computer time.
• Encourage healthy snacking on fruits and vegetables.
• Encourage activity during free time.
Get screening tests
A number of important screening tests can help protect against cancer. Some tests find cancers early when they are most treatable, while others can actually help keep cancer from developing in the first place. For colorectal cancer alone, regular screening could save more than 30,000 lives each year. Talk to a health care professional about which tests you should have and when.
Cancers that should be tested for regularly:
• Colon and rectal cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Cervical cancer.
• Lung cancer (in current or past heavy smokers).
Protect self from sun
While the warm sun feels great, too much exposure can lead to skin cancer, including serious melanoma. Skin damage starts early in childhood, so it’s especially important to protect children.