Can you reduce the risk of cancer?

In my life, a number of dear friends or their friends are fighting cancer of every type. In fact, yesterday, in group of 200 people, I asked anyone to stand who is close to someone (or they are personally) dealing with cancer. Over half of the audience stood up.

My own husband, five years ago, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. We faced the diagnosis and began our fight against it. Much of our protocol included natural supplements, as well as completely eliminating white sugar and white flour, pesticides or chemicals from his diet. I am happy to say, with the combination of this natural protocol, lots of prayer, no chemo, and robotic surgery, my husband has been cancer free for 3 years.

Every cancer is different. Every individual is different. Every fight against cancer is different, but because so many of us are daily facing the disease, it is very helpful to know there are ways to reduce the risk of cancer that are accessible to all, relatively inexpensive (compared to the high cost of medicine or medical procedures), and only require that we make little changes in our lifestyles in order to see big results.

The Mayo Clinic suggests 7 ways to reduce the risk of cancer:

1. Don’t Use Tobacco. My father was a smoker until the week he died. Due to tobacco, he lost much of his ability to walk or breathe easily for the last two decades of his life--no longer able to golf with the family or even walk the dog (both activities he loved.) My father-in-law was a smoker early in his life, yet suffered with lung cancer. Another, younger relative in my life who smoked, recently made the effort to quit smoking--and kept working at it--until he quit. It’s worth it.

2. Eat a healthy diet. I can’t convince you to eat healthier or even choose organic foods, but more and more restaurants are being forced (by their customers) to provide healthy options. Look for them and try them. Most of us who do cannot “go back” once we’ve stopped eating tons of sugar, tons of butter, tons of grease, or tons of flour. We see the difference in our energy, our waistline and our complexion.

3. Workout regularly and lose weight if necessary. As a life coach to women who are often 50 pounds overweight, I know that encouragement to get active is the first step to change. Moving--walking, swimming, dancing--is the next step. But staying inactive will never lead to a healthy body or weight. Find something fun and do it! Get an accountability partner, coach or trainer to keep you motivated.

4. Protect yourself from the sun. I love being outside. I have been to the dermatologist a few times lately and have been scolded (and zapped) by her for my obvious love for the sunny outdoors. Protection from the sun includes using the sunscreens, hats, and clothing that are available--consistently. Don't be lazy or forgetful. (I’m preaching to myself here.)

5-7. Get immunized, take early detection seriously and avoid risky behaviors. With the number of cancers that are related to our digestive systems, esophagus, liver and colon, we must begin to take our health--and that of our loved ones--more seriously than ever.

As you read this blog, consider your lifestyle:

Do you visit the fast food establishments and order greasy foods more than once a month?
Do you drink sodas daily or in large quantities?
Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or chew tobacco?
Have you considered eating organic fruits and vegetables? If not, why not?
Have you considered eating whole grain foods instead of white flour breads and pastries?
Does your family eat healthy--if not, why not?

You are an influencer. Making little changes in the way you eat and exercise will not only reduce the risk of cancer in your life, but it can have big results in the lives of those you love.

Be encouraged,

Becky