{"id":46396,"date":"2024-01-12T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/?p=46396"},"modified":"2026-09-17T04:49:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T11:49:08","slug":"ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk Using Diet &amp; Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On December 23, 1971, then-US President Richard Nixon signed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8749321\/\">National Cancer Act<\/a>, which earmarked <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/383282\/\">hundreds of millions of dollars a year<\/a> for the National Cancer Institute. Perhaps still cruising on the positive vibes following the successful moon landing two years earlier, Nixon expressed confidence that the so-called \u201cWar on Cancer\u201d would lead to a cure within five years.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, it\u2019s now been over 50 years, and cancer is still very much with us.<\/p>\n<p>But cancer science has indeed made progress. Some cancers, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdanderson.org\/publications\/annual-report\/annual-report-2015\/the-man-who-helped-cure-childhood-leukemia.html\">childhood leukemia<\/a>, which had a 99% fatality rate in 1955, are largely curable these days. New drugs can add years of life to many people diagnosed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statnews.com\/new-treatments-for-blood-cancers\/\">multiple myeloma<\/a>. And many cancers have morphed from death sentences into manageable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdanderson.org\/publications\/annual-report\/annual-report-2015\/the-man-who-helped-cure-childhood-leukemia.html\">chronic conditions<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/news-events\/cancer-currents-blog\/2020\/crispr-cancer-research-treatment\">Gene-editing technology<\/a> also promises many more potential medical treatment advances in the years to come.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the good news.<\/p>\n<p>The less good news is that <strong>cancer is still a leading killer worldwide, accounting for nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/cancer\">10 million deaths<\/a> every year (that\u2019s nearly one-sixth of all deaths from all causes).<\/strong> And there\u2019s a concerning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wellness\/2023\/08\/16\/young-patients-breast-gastrointestinal-cancer\/\">uptick in cancer cases among people younger than 50<\/a>, with the largest increases among those aged 30\u201339.<\/p>\n<p>No matter what age it occurs, cancer can be a devastating disease physically, emotionally, and financially. And those burdens are often shared by friends and families. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8290390\/\">financial toll<\/a> can be especially disastrous if the person and their family lack the financial resources to take time off work or don\u2019t have insurance.<\/p>\n<p>Globally, the cost of cancers diagnosed between 2020\u20132050 is estimated to reach an almost incomprehensible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esmo.org\/oncology-news\/estimate-of-the-global-economic-cost-of-the-most-prevalent-cancers-in-204-countries-from-2020-to-2050#:~:text=The%20study%20team%20estimated%20that,world's%20largest%20economy%20in%202017\">$25.2 trillion<\/a>. (To help wrap my head around that amount, I calculated that it would be enough money to provide $3,000 to every human being on Earth \u2014 with a trillion dollars to spare.)<\/p>\n<p>Some researchers wonder, then, if the original framing of waging a \u201cwar\u201d against cancer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8749321\/\">was a mistake<\/a>. Viewing cancer as an external enemy took focus away from the value of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\">prevention<\/a>, which, in all likelihood, could have kept many cases of cancer from developing in the first place.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A lot of research over the last 50 years has <a href=\"https:\/\/karger.com\/vis\/article\/35\/4\/204\/310386\/Cancer-Prevention-with-Nutrition-and-Lifestyle\">pointed to<\/a> the pivotal role of dietary and lifestyle choices in influencing cancer risk.<\/strong> In fact, one conservative estimate found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC526387\/\">30\u201340%<\/a> of all cancers may be preventable with diet and lifestyle measures alone. (In case you&#8217;re keeping track, that could lead to savings of up to $10 trillion, and 120 million lives, over the next 30 years, which doesn\u2019t sound too shabby to me.)<\/p>\n<p>So what are these measures? How can you potentially prevent cancer in yourself or a loved one? In this article, we\u2019ll look at 12 ways to reduce cancer risk.<\/p>\n<h2>What Can You Do to Help Prevent Cancer?<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46418\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46418\" style=\"width: 1254px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46418\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1041630080.jpg\" alt=\"Asian doctor woman encourage young woman patient by holding hand\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1254,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1041630080.jpg 1254w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1041630080-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1041630080-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1041630080-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46418\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/Nattakorn Maneerat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While many diet and lifestyle strategies have research behind them showing they can help prevent cancer, there are no guarantees in life. There are many different factors that may contribute to a cancer diagnosis. Everyone is biologically different. And what works for one person may not work for another.<\/p>\n<p>But if you want to give yourself the best chance of preventing a cancer diagnosis, there are a few strategies that may help eliminate exposure to harmful cancer-causing chemicals and dietary compounds, along with preventing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1535610820302749\">oxidative stress<\/a> \u2014 a known contributor to carcinogenesis \u2014 in the body.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Don\u2019t Smoke or Vape Tobacco<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46414\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46414\" style=\"width: 1254px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46414\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1372431793.jpg\" alt=\"Woman brakes cigarette in hands. Woman refusing tobacco. Stop smoking, quit smoking or no smoking cigarettes. High quality photo\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1254,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1372431793.jpg 1254w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1372431793-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1372431793-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1372431793-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46414\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/Daria Kulkova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Tobacco smoking is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\/tobacco\/quit-smoking-pdq\">leading cause<\/a> of cancer in the US and accounts for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/europe\/news\/item\/03-02-2021-world-cancer-day-know-the-facts-tobacco-and-alcohol-both-cause-cancer\">25% of all cancer deaths<\/a> globally (including the majority of lung cancers)<strong>. Cigarette smoke contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK53010\/\">numerous carcinogens<\/a>,<\/strong> including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, aldehydes, and ethylene oxide.<\/p>\n<p>And while smokers\u2019 risk of lung cancer can be a whopping 22 times higher than that of nonsmokers, smoking increases the risk of many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5915125\/\">other types of cancer<\/a> as well. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associations also exist between smoking and skin cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, endometrial carcinoma, and breast cancer<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>While the long-term effects of vaping and e-cigarettes are as of yet unknown, preliminary research <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33429159\/\">suggests<\/a> that they may also increase cancer risk.<\/strong> Similarly, vaping can expose you to nasty-sounding carcinogens such as nicotine derivatives (nitrosonornicotine and nitrosamine ketone), PAHs, heavy metals, and complex organic compounds such as formaldehyde.<\/p>\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\/tobacco\/quit-smoking-pdq\">quitting smoking at any age<\/a> can improve your health, doing so at a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36118557\/\">young age<\/a> can significantly lower cancer incidence and increase life expectancy.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Avoid Plastics<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9562888\/\">Plastics<\/a> are another environmental toxin linked to an elevated risk of cancer. This is most clearly seen where plastic exposure is the greatest such as in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32847990\/\">occupational exposure during manufacturing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But as industrially-produced plastics continue to grow and infiltrate our lives, it\u2019s harder and harder to find water, food, or soil that doesn\u2019t contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20230103-how-plastic-is-getting-into-our-food\">microplastics<\/a>. Even more concerning is their ability to find their way into living tissue due to their tiny size. While researchers first noticed microplastics in the flesh of marine creatures, now studies show they\u2019re increasingly prevalent in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/environment\/article\/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us\">human bodies<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you avoid seafood and don\u2019t work in a factory that produces or uses plastic, you still risk exposure to potentially carcinogenic chemicals from plastics found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/toxic-chemicals-substances\/most-plastic-products-contain-potentially-toxic-chemicals\/\">everyday items<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plastic packaging for food products can leach harmful chemicals into that food, especially if the contents are heated or acidic (like tomato sauce).<\/strong> Two of the most frequently implicated plastic chemicals are BPA and phthalates.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7057208\/\">BPA<\/a> may cause metabolic disease, obesity, infertility, and ADHD; while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8157593\/\">phthalates<\/a>, as endocrine disruptors, can compromise pregnancy, child growth, and reproductive system development. Both chemicals have links to cancer.<\/p>\n<p>BPA has a role in promoting several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4602822\/\">hormone-dependent cancers<\/a> (breast, ovarian, and prostate). Exposure to phthalates during childhood is associated with an <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jnci\/article\/114\/6\/885\/6531974\">increased incidence<\/a> of childhood osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma (blood and lymph cancers).<\/p>\n<p>BPA and phthalates aren\u2019t limited to food packaging, however. They\u2019re also in toys, medications, and beauty and personal care products.<\/p>\n<p>The plastics industry has responded to growing concern by using plastics touted as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/daily.jstor.org\/how-safe-is-bpa-free-plastic\/\">BPA-free<\/a>\u201d and \u201cphthalate-free.\u201d But the problem is, other chemicals found in plastics \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/toxic-chemicals-substances\/most-plastic-products-contain-potentially-toxic-chemicals\/\">nearly every type of plastic<\/a> \u2014 turn out to be toxic as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s not clear whether swapping one type of plastic for another will pay health dividends, at least not nearly as much as finding ways to reduce overall exposure to plastic.<\/strong> <a href=\"\/blog\/plastic-free-lifestyle-reducing-your-plastic-footprint\/\">Reducing your plastic footprint<\/a> benefits not just you, but the wider environment.<\/p>\n<p>You can <a href=\"\/blog\/safest-food-storage-containers\/\">replace plastic food containers<\/a> with safer ones that have the added benefit of being long-lasting. And for both health and environmental reasons, you can eliminate, as much as possible, highly wasteful and polluting single-use plastics from your life.<\/p>\n<p>Here are <a href=\"\/blog\/single-use-plastics-problems\/\">nine tips to help you live without plastic<\/a> (yes, it really is possible!).<\/p>\n<h3>3. Avoid Processed Foods and Meats<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46417\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46417\" style=\"width: 1258px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46417\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1171763753.jpg\" alt=\"Diet. young woman refuse delicious chocolate glazed donut, junk food, unhealthy food and eating fresh vegetables salad for good health at home, weight loss, lifestyle, healthy food and dieting concept\" width=\"1258\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1258,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1171763753.jpg 1258w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1171763753-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1171763753-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1171763753-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1258px) 100vw, 1258px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46417\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/vittaya25<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to talk about food. Many processed foods contain harmful cancer-causing ingredients. While many countries have <a href=\"\/blog\/banned-ingredients-in-other-countries\/\">banned these ingredients<\/a>, they\u2019re still very much a part of the ultra-processed US food system.<\/p>\n<p>A 2023 study <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/11\/22\/health\/ultraprocessed-food-cancer-wellness\/index.html\">found<\/a> that eating large amounts of ultra-processed food is associated with a higher risk of developing cancers of the upper digestive tract, such as mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Processed meat, in particular, has been associated with increased cancer risk.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/cancer-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat\">World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO) classified it as a class 1 carcinogen back in 2015. Specifically, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34455534\/\">a comprehensive 2021 meta-analysis found<\/a> that processed meat consumption was associated with \u201ca 6% greater breast cancer risk, an 18% greater colorectal cancer risk, a 21% greater colon cancer risk, a 22% greater rectal cancer risk, and a 12% greater lung cancer risk.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, it\u2019s possible to replicate a lot of the taste and texture of processed meats with <a href=\"\/blog\/plant-based-meat-alternatives\/\">plant-based alternatives<\/a>. Some are definitely kinder to your health than others. And the healthiest will generally be the ones you make yourself. You can even <a href=\"\/blog\/vegan-bacon-why-its-better-for-you-and-how-to-make-your-own\/\">make bacon out of plants<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h3>4. Filter Your Water<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dceg.cancer.gov\/research\/what-we-study\/drinking-water-contaminants\">Multiple carcinogens<\/a> exist in drinking water, too. Some, like arsenic, occur naturally, while others are the result of contamination from industry or agriculture. Still others are created when chlorine, used to disinfect tap water, comes into contact with organic material.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2000 movie <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erin Brockovich<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> told the true story of a town\u2019s contaminated water supply. <\/span> Unfortunately, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/news-insights\/news-release\/2022\/03\/brockovich-carcinogen-found-tap-water-more-250-million-americans\">2022 survey<\/a> of US federal and state water testing found that the tap water of more than 250 million Americans still has dangerously high levels of this contaminant (chromium-6).<\/p>\n<p>A 2023 study found that <strong>the tap water consumed by half of all households in the US is contaminated with cancer-causing PFAS, or \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pfas-forever-chemicals-drinking-water-813c1323f74d5adb798047eea39c778a\">forever chemicals<\/a>,\u201d so named because they\u2019re extremely resistant to breaking down, either in the environment or the body.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Microplastics are also increasingly concentrated in <a href=\"https:\/\/iris.who.int\/bitstream\/handle\/10665\/326499\/9789241516198-eng.pdf\">drinking water<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For tips on how you can treat your drinking water to reduce health risks, check out <a href=\"\/blog\/home-water-treatment-systems\/\">this comprehensive article on drinking water treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-pro\"><b>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/b> A dependable home water filter is a smart way to safeguard your family while cutting down on the financial and environmental impact of bottled water. Our top recommendation is the AquaTru \u2014 a countertop reverse osmosis system that combines advanced carbon filtration with outstanding water quality and taste. It\u2019s highly efficient, requires no installation, and has minimal maintenance costs. The manufacturer reports that AquaTru removes PFAS, chromium-6, arsenic, and numerous other contaminants, ensuring clean and safe drinking water. Right now, FRN members can enjoy a special $100 discount. <a href=\"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/water\">Find out more here.<\/a><\/div>\n<h3>5. Filter Your Air<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46415\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46415\" style=\"width: 1254px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46415\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1364110607.jpg\" alt=\"Young woman using digital tablet to set up a home air purifier.\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1254,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1364110607.jpg 1254w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1364110607-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1364110607-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1364110607-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46415\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/ArtistGNDphotography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While many people think that lung cancer only happens to smokers, <strong>up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uicc.org\/what-we-do\/areas-focus\/cancer-and-air-pollution\">29% of all lung cancer deaths<\/a> are attributable to poor air quality.<\/strong> Some of this comes from outdoor pollution, including car exhaust, factory and power plant emissions, and wildfire smoke, which can travel indoors, where the carcinogenic particles can become even more concentrated.<\/p>\n<p>Your home is also a potential source of airborne cancer-causing chemicals. Cooking with a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.stanford.edu\/2023\/06\/16\/cooking-gas-stoves-emits-benzene-2\/\">gas stove<\/a>, it turns out, can be more of a contributor to carcinogenic air than even second-hand cigarette smoke. Gas stoves can raise indoor levels of benzene, a carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood cell cancers.<\/p>\n<p>VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that can off-gas from cleaning supplies, paints, insecticides, lacquers and stains, and many other products. Some of these are suspected human carcinogens, as well as having multiple other health effects.<\/p>\n<p>Another chemical that can build up in the home and raise the risk of cancer is radon, a naturally occurring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radon\/health-risk-radon\">radioactive gas<\/a> that can cause lung cancer. You can get your home tested, and if levels are high, you can either increase the rate of airflow, get a suitable home air filter, or install an underground ventilation system to divert the gas before it enters your living spaces.<\/p>\n<p>To find out more on the top sources and stunning health effects of indoor air pollution, and what you can do about it, <a href=\"\/blog\/indoor-air-pollution-health\/\">see our article, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Reduce Your Stress<\/h3>\n<p>There are also internal contributors to cancer development: how we process stressors. While the stress response is a crucial system that has evolved to keep us safe in the presence of a threat, many people experience a chronic stress response that remains active even in the absence of an external threat.<\/p>\n<p>Animal studies (our view on the use of animals in medical research is<a href=\"https:\/\/support.foodrevolution.org\/support\/solutions\/articles\/153000019704-animal-testing\"> here<\/a>) and lab-grown human cancer cells have provided evidence that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9579304\/\">chronic stress<\/a> may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7466429\/\">cause cancer<\/a> to get worse and spread. That\u2019s because <strong>prolonged stress <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/coping\/feelings\/stress-fact-sheet\">triggers<\/a> inflammation, suppresses immunity, and promotes tumor growth, <a href=\"\/blog\/video-can-eat-starve-cancer\/\">angiogenesis<\/a>, and metastasis.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also evidence that persistent and chronic stress exposure might also contribute to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8530873\/\">tumor initiation<\/a> in specific cancers.<\/p>\n<p>While you can\u2019t avoid all of life\u2019s stressors, there are some proven strategies that can help you manage stress more effectively. Certain foods can help (<a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-fight-stress-with-food\/\">here are seven of them<\/a>.) And <a href=\"\/blog\/what-are-adaptogens\/\">adaptogens<\/a> are plants and herbs that could be especially useful in helping your body deal with stressors and come back into balance.<\/p>\n<p>Exercising and spending time in nature are also documented ways of lowering stress levels. For an added boost of calm, you can do both at the same time, an approach known as <a href=\"\/blog\/green-fitness-outdoor-exercise\/\">green fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Use (Natural) Sunscreen<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46422\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46422\" style=\"width: 1254px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46422\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1092784192.jpg\" alt=\"Sunscreen, hat and glasses on beach . Day with sunny in \u00c7e\u015fme,Turkey.\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1254,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1092784192.jpg 1254w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1092784192-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1092784192-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1092784192-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46422\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/Neziha Kal\u0131 Ertu\u011frul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Skin cancer accounts for almost one-third of all diagnosed cancers, and the incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The main factors that predict the development of melanoma appear to be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5742376\/\">combination<\/a> of a history of sunburn from ultraviolet radiation and continued recreational exposure to the sun.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One way to keep the sun from damaging your skin is by using sunscreen. Studies have shown that it does reduce the risk of skin cancers. Unfortunately, not all sunscreens are benign. Some contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/business\/story\/2021-08-10\/sunscreen-fda-carcinogen-benzophenone-octocrylene-concerns\">benzophenone<\/a>, a suspected carcinogen that also can interfere with key hormones and reproductive organs.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s ironic that many people who seek to avoid one type of cancer end up doing so with products that promote other cancers, as well as additional health problems. To avoid this \u201cfrom-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire\u201d scenario, look for <a href=\"\/blog\/natural-sunscreen-spf-zinc\/\">natural sunscreens<\/a> or other forms of natural sun protection. There are even <a href=\"\/blog\/natural-sun-protection\/\">foods that can protect your skin from harmful UV radiation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For advice on what to look for in a natural sunscreen, <a href=\"\/blog\/natural-sunscreen-spf-zinc\/\">see our article, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-pro\"><b>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/b> My favorite natural sunscreen is Annmarie\u2019s Sun Love. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It contains a formula of organic, wildcrafted ingredients for safe and effective skin protection<\/span>, and it\u2019s never tested on animals (though it does contain a small amount of organic beeswax). <a href=\"\/annmarieskincare-sunlove\">Find out more here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<h3>8. Wash Produce to Remove Pesticides<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The greatest cancer risk associated with pesticides is occupational, affecting farm workers who apply pesticides. <\/span>However, there may also be a risk from dietary sources. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimates put more than 90% of the US population with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7881680\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">detectable concentrations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of pesticide biomarkers in their urine or blood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While many fruits and vegetables are potent cancer-fighters, some of the pesticides used to grow them promote tumor growth, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36257464\/\">cause harmful gene expression<\/a> and DNA modification. For example, a 2021 study <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33720364\/\">found<\/a> a correlation between dietary exposure to pesticides and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women.<\/p>\n<p>But there are several things you can do to minimize your exposure to these potentially carcinogenic compounds. <strong>If you can access and afford organic produce, that\u2019s a great way to keep some of the worst pesticide offenders off your plate.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If a 100% organic shopping cart is out of your reach, you can get the most pesticide-free bang for your buck by going organic with the most pesticide-contaminated produce aka \u201c<a href=\"\/blog\/dirty-dozen-clean-fifteen\/\">the Dirty Dozen<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And while you can\u2019t remove all pesticide residue by washing your produce, a water and baking soda mixture can get rid of some pesticides.<\/p>\n<p>For more on how to wash produce to remove the vast majority of pesticide residues, <a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-wash-vegetables-fruits\/\">see our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Use Nontoxic Cookware<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46420\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46420\" style=\"width: 1253px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46420\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1365051833.jpg\" alt=\"Orange dutch oven on wooden board with ingredients around it\" width=\"1253\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1253,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1365051833.jpg 1253w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1365051833-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1365051833-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1365051833-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1253px) 100vw, 1253px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46420\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/EGT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Even after buying organic and washing off as much pesticide residue as you can, you may still be cooking your produce in ways that increase cancer risk. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s because <strong>some nonstick cookware has a coating of carcinogenic chemicals.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The two biggest culprits are poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is widely used in the manufacture of a bunch of industrial and commercial products, including Teflon coating on cookware. It\u2019s associated with several cancers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7946751\/\">including<\/a> those of the testicles and kidneys, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9167031\/\">pancreatic cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To avoid these chemicals, check out some of our suggestions on <a href=\"\/blog\/healthy-cookware\/\">healthy cookware options<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-pro\"><b>Editor\u2019s Note:<\/b> Xtrema is a premium choice for a nontoxic kitchen. Their 100% pure ceramic cookware is safe, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Plus, Food Revolution Network members can enjoy a 15% discount with code FRN15. <a href=\"\/xtrema-versapan\">Find out more about their best-selling Versa Pan here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<h3>10. Drink Less (or No) Alcohol<\/h3>\n<p>While the media and wellness influencers debate the pros and cons of red wine for heart health, the evidence is clear and increasingly compelling that alcoholic beverages qualify as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8470184\/\">group 1 carcinogens<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t mean they get to board airplanes first. Rather, \u201cgroup 1\u201d is used by the WHO to indicate that there\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/cancer-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat\">convincing evidence that the agent causes cancer<\/a>\u201d in humans.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Drinking alcohol increases the risk of several cancer types, including cancers of the upper digestive tract, liver, colorectum, and breast.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worldwide, about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8470184\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4% of cancers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a correlation with alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>But how much alcohol do you need to drink before your risk of cancer increases? According to the WHO, there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/europe\/news\/item\/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health\">no safe level<\/a> of alcohol consumption. While the risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol you consume, even light or moderate consumption raises your odds of developing cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Find out more on <a href=\"\/blog\/how-does-alcohol-affect-your-health\/\">how alcohol affects your health here<\/a>, and get some suggestions on nonalcoholic or <a href=\"\/blog\/mocktails-non-alcoholic-drinks\/\">mocktail recipes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>11. Get Regular Cancer Screenings<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_46411\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46411\" style=\"width: 1254px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46411\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1456761556.jpg\" alt=\"Senior woman having mammography scan at hospital with medical technician. Mammography procedure, breast cancer prevention\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1254,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1456761556.jpg 1254w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1456761556-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1456761556-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-1456761556-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-46411\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iStock.com\/peakSTOCK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although no substitute for prevention, it\u2019s often true that early detection can be a lifesaver. <strong>Getting regular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/screening\/patient-screening-overview-pdq\">cancer screenings<\/a> can enable your health care provider to find precancerous cells as well as cancerous tumors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specifically, medical societies recommend screening for cancers that are easier to treat and cure when found early. For example, screenings can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers by identifying and removing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9044902\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">precancerous lesions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before they become cancerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Recent studies are also showing that mammography screenings decrease women\u2019s risk of dying from breast cancer. A large-scale 2020 study out of Sweden <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7318598\/\">found<\/a> that women who participated in mammograms reduced their risk of dying of breast cancer within 10 years by a whopping 41%.<\/p>\n<p>Another screening success has been the Pap smear, which I just learned was named after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4613936\/\">Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou<\/a>, the Greek pathologist who discovered the test and publicized it in 1943. Over the past three decades, its widespread use has been credited with decreasing cervical cancer incidence and mortality by over 50%.<\/p>\n<p>Colonoscopies that look for colorectal cancer may also be beneficial once people have reached a certain age. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/screening\/screening-recommendations-by-age.html\">According<\/a> to the American Cancer Society, that age is 45 for folks with \u201caverage risk\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, however, that there are also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/news-events\/cancer-currents-blog\/2022\/cancer-screening-guidelines-lack-harms\">risks<\/a> involved in all cancer screenings, including false positives that can lead to invasive treatments, as well as aggressively treating tumors that may be so slow-growing as to represent little threat to health.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, certain cancer screening tests may only be suggested for people who are high-risk. Others are routine tests done regularly after a certain age. To find out what cancer screenings are recommended by the American Cancer Society, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/screening\/screening-recommendations-by-age.html\">here\u2019s a resource they put together<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And remember the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For most of us, the best prevention is a healthy diet and lifestyle. Starting with choosing to\u2026<\/p>\n<h3>12. Eat Cancer-Fighting Foods<\/h3>\n<p>While most of the items on this list are things to avoid \u2014 tobacco smoke, plastics, processed foods, etc. \u2014 there are also things you can add more of to help prevent cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vegetable and fruit consumption is associated with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC526387\/\">lower risk<\/a> of many cancers, including those of the stomach, esophagus, lung, oral cavity and pharynx, endometrium, pancreas, colon, and others.<\/strong> The effects are likely due to the many positive qualities of whole plant-based foods. But two of the best studied are phytonutrients and fiber.<\/p>\n<p>Phytonutrients and phytochemicals found in <a href=\"\/blog\/eating-the-rainbow-health-benefits\/\">colorful plant foods<\/a>, in particular, have been shown to possess anticancer effects. These and other <a href=\"\/blog\/what-are-antioxidants\/\">antioxidants<\/a> help neutralize free radicals in your cells and fight oxidative stress in your body.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-3921\/10\/5\/642\">Oxidative stress<\/a> plays a major role in cancer cell metabolism. <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/cancerjournal\/fulltext\/2021\/17010\/oxidative_stress_and_its_role_in_cancer.4.aspx\">Cancer patients<\/a> frequently have low antioxidant stores, and experience increased oxidative stress, leading researchers to seek ways to increase antioxidant activity as a cancer prevention strategy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fiber is another key nutrient for cancer prevention.<\/strong> There\u2019s a clear link between fiber and colorectal health. You can think of fiber as the \u201cbroom\u201d that sweeps your colon clean. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7190379\/\">Studies show<\/a> that people who consumed just 10 more grams of fiber per day had a 10% reduction in their risk of developing colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n<p>But fiber\u2019s benefit doesn\u2019t stop there. Multiple studies have <a href=\"\/blog\/fiber-gut-health-hormones\/\">found<\/a> that the more fiber you eat, the lower your risk of breast and other hormonal cancers.<\/p>\n<p>For more on why fiber is good for you, including a beautifully designed graphic showing 33 of the best high-fiber foods and a bunch of delicious fiber-rich recipes, <a href=\"\/blog\/why-is-fiber-good-for-you\/\">check out this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And for more on anticancer foods, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/eat-to-defeat-cancer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 Ways to Eat to Defeat Cancer Today and Every Day<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Dr. William Li.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Cancer-Fighting Recipes<\/h2>\n<p>While some of the strategies shared in this article may take time and even a bit of expense to implement (changing cookware and sunscreen, replacing plastic containers with glass ones, getting a home air purifier, and so on), you can quickly make a dent in your cancer risk through the food you prepare and eat today.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few of our favorite anticancer recipes that taste so good, you\u2019ll be forgiven for forgetting how good they are for you.<\/p>\n<h3>1. <a href=\"\/recipes\/smashed-edamame-avocado-toast\/\">Smashed Edamame Avocado Toast<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-40696\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Smashed Edamame Avocado Toast\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2560,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2000,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smashed-Edamame-Avocado-Toast-6-scaled-2000x1335.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This easy toast recipe delivers a hefty dose of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Avocado is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The star ingredient, however, is edamame, which adds a substantial dose of plant-based protein and isoflavones. These phytonutrients may protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer development. Enjoy the flavors, textures, and nutritional attributes of this craveable breakfast.<\/p>\n<h3>2. <a href=\"\/recipes\/strawberry-spinach-salad\/\">Strawberry Spinach Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44542\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad.jpg\" alt=\"Strawberry Spinach Salad\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2000,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Strawberry-Spinach-Salad-2000x1333.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Delight in a vibrant salad bursting with flavor and packed with cancer-fighting nutrients. This colorful ensemble features nutrient-rich spinach, known for its abundance of antioxidant cancer fighters like vitamin C and beta-carotene. It\u2019s also complemented by sweet and succulent strawberries, offering a dose of ellagic acid \u2014 a phytonutrient that helps scavenge free radicals. The Strawberry Spinach Salad also provides quercetin \u2014 a plant compound with anticancer properties. Topped with a tangy beet balsamic dressing, this salad is a mouthwatering treat and a potential ally in your journey toward cancer prevention.<\/p>\n<h3>3. <a href=\"\/recipes\/pink-cauliflower-soup\/\">Pink Cauliflower Soup<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-46403\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2000,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pink-Cauliflower-Soup-2000x1333.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Indulge in a flavorful blend of cauliflower, beets, garlic, tofu, and aromatic spices designed with potential cancer-fighting properties in mind. Cauliflower, a cruciferous vegetable rich in sulforaphane, may assist in reducing the risk of certain cancers by aiding in the body&#8217;s natural detoxification processes. Vibrant beets contribute betalains known for their anti-inflammatory properties. And garlic adds allicin, believed to possess powerful anticancer effects. With the addition of delicate microgreens, you\u2019ll also get an extra boost of essential vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n<h3>4. <a href=\"\/recipes\/plant-powered-lunch-bowl\/\">Plant-Powered Lunch Bowl<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-46405\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2000,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Plant-Powered-Lunch-Bowl-2000x1333.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This Plant-Powered Lunch Bowl is a vibrant mix of nutrient-dense kale, antioxidant-packed turmeric, and carotenoid-rich sweet potatoes. Complemented by a vibrant matcha turmeric dressing, this bowl is more than just a delicious meal \u2014 it&#8217;s a cancer-fighting recipe. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals from all of the ingredients creates a bowl bursting with health benefits.<\/p>\n<h3>5. <a href=\"\/recipes\/rainbow-smoothie\/\">Rainbow Smoothie<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-46407\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2048,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=300,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1024,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1536,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=2000,quality=75,format=auto\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rainbow-Smoothie-2000x1333.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Indulge in a vibrant Rainbow Smoothie, a flavorful concoction blending the goodness of banana, apple, mixed berries, nutrient-rich spinach, and chia seeds, all with potentially cancer-preventive properties. This colorful smoothie offers a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Both berries, particularly rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, and spinach, abundant in folate and antioxidants, are believed to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing cancer risk. Combined with the fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, this refreshing smoothie is a nourishing and delightful treat!<\/p>\n<h2>Take Control of Your Health with These Cancer Prevention Strategies<\/h2>\n<p>Cancer can be devastating. And while medical advances have been largely modest and limited to certain families of cancer, there\u2019s a lot of hope in the form of evidence-based strategies for lifestyle-based cancer prevention.<\/p>\n<p>From steering clear of harmful substances like tobacco and plastics to embracing stress reduction techniques and consuming cancer-fighting foods, there are many steps you can take toward a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p>While no approach guarantees immunity from cancer, the combination of these measures can significantly reduce your risk. And the collective impact of these lifestyle changes holds promise not just for individual well-being but also for a future in which the devastating impact of cancer is diminished.<\/p>\n<h4>Tell us in the comments:<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"list text-h4 text-600\">\n<li>Which of the 12 cancer-fighting strategies above do you already engage in?<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s one thing you can do right now to reduce the risk of cancer for yourself and your loved ones?<\/li>\n<li>Which cancer-fighting recipe will you make next?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>Featured Image: iStock.com\/FatCamera<\/i><\/p>\n<h4>Read Next:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/cancer-fighting-foods\/\">The Top 10 Vegetables You Can Eat to Prevent and Reverse Cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/what-is-igf-1\/\">IGF-1: The Growth Hormone That Can Fuel Cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite decades of medical research as part of a comprehensive \u201cWar on Cancer,\u201d the disease is still the number two killer worldwide. The good news is, there are actions you can take to significantly reduce your cancer risk. And many of them are simple, inexpensive, and well within the reach of most people. In this article, we\u2019ll explore 12 of the most effective ways to lower your chances of developing cancer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":46398,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,2639,2640,2642],"tags":[2560,108,2628,2572,141,2553,2554,1204],"class_list":["post-46396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-blog","category-health","category-lifestyle","category-social-impact","tag-air-pollution","tag-cancer","tag-health-care-industry","tag-non-toxic-home","tag-pesticides","tag-product-recommendations","tag-self-care","tag-water-crisis","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>12 Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk With Diet &amp; Lifestyle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cancer rates are on the rise, especially for young people. 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Find out the ways to reduce cancer risk using lifestyle strategies for prevention.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Food Revolution Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"foodrevolutionnetwork\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-12T18:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-17T11:49:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\/foodrevolution.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/iStock-672689882.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1255\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"835\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ocean Robbins\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@oceanrobbins\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ocean Robbins\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"21 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ocean Robbins\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/6fdf86123e23e8cde83843e347223ffd\"},\"headline\":\"12 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk Using Diet &amp; Lifestyle\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-12T18:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-17T11:49:08+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4126,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/iStock-672689882.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Air Pollution\",\"Cancer\",\"Health Care Industry\",\"Non-Toxic Home\",\"Pesticides\",\"Product Recommendations\",\"Self-Care\",\"Water Crisis\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Blog\",\"Health\",\"Lifestyle\",\"Social Impact\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/\",\"name\":\"12 Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk With Diet & Lifestyle\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/blog\\\/ways-to-reduce-your-cancer-risk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/cdn.foodrevolution.org\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/iStock-672689882.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-12T18:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-17T11:49:08+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/foodrevolution.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/6fdf86123e23e8cde83843e347223ffd\"},\"description\":\"Cancer rates are on the rise, especially for young people. 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