People with certain specific lifestyles, medical observations show, tend to exhibit a relatively low risk of cancer. This difference does not stem from innate endowments, but from the health habits that accumulate over time, creating a cornerstone for the body to help prevent cancer. At the heart of cancer prevention lies life choice, and the characteristics of the following four groups of people provide us with an example to learn from:
1. A long-term practitioner of balanced diet
This group of people focuses on dietary diversification, with a rich daily intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and high-quality proteins (such as fish, beans, eggs, milk). This balanced model ensures that the body receives a comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Adequate nutrition supports the proper functioning of the immune system and cell repair, and helps reduce possible damage from environmental carcinogens. They know well that cancer prevention and fighting cancer begin at the dinner table.
2. “A firm guardian of healthy habits”
They stay away from tobacco (including secondhand smoke) and severely limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Tobacco smoke contains several well-defined carcinogens, and alcohol metabolites such as acetaldehyde are also important carcinogenic risk factors, and avoiding them is directly reducing the risk of multiple cancers. At the same time, they maintain a regular schedule and ensure adequate (about 7 hours) and high-quality sleep. Good sleep helps regulate a variety of hormones, including melatonin, and its effects have been linked to a reduction in the risk of certain cancers.
3. “A careful holder with a positive attitude”
They know how to manage stress and try to be emotionally stable and optimistic. Long-term psychological stress and negative emotions may weaken immune function, scientific research has found. And “a positive mindset helps maintain or even enhance the vitality of immune cells (such as natural killer cells) and reduces the level of chronic inflammation in the body——. Chronic inflammation is considered one of the boosting environments for cancer development”. This “psychological resilience” is also an important resource for cancer prevention and fighting.
4. “The perseverant of regular movement”
Insisting on doing about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling) is part of their lives. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation and accelerates the excretion of metabolic waste; helps maintain a healthy weight, regulates insulin and sex hormone levels (high levels of sex hormones are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers); and enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and clear abnormal cells. Together, these effects help create an environment in the body that is more detrimental to the growth of cancer cells.
The World Health Organization clearly states: About 40% of cancers can be prevented through active lifestyle interventions. The above features, which help reduce the risk of cancer, are not distant gifts, but healthy habits that everyone can gradually develop through conscious choice and lasting action.
Oncology Reminder
Health is never the product of chance. Start by enriching your plate, start by extinguishing the smoke in your hands and putting down your wine glass, start by finding a healthy way to release stress, start by letting your body move regularly—— These daily choices are all laying the foundation for reducing your own cancer risk, and also proactively building your own anti-cancer barrier. Act, and you can be a guardian of your own health!
Disclaimer: All photos used in this blog are generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These images are original creations produced by AI technology and do not depict real people, places, or events. They are provided for illustrative purposes only and cannot be claimed or used as real photographs.
Dr. Ashish Singh is not just a consultant orthopaedic surgeon but a visionary leader in the field. Serving as the Medical Director at Anup Institute of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation in Patna, Bihar, he holds an illustrious academic background with MBBS, MS Ortho, MCh.Orth. (UK), PG Diploma CAOS (UK), and SICOT Diploma Orth. (Sweden).
