Cancer is never too late to be prevented. While it’s often said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, the truth is that people of all ages can learn new skills and take control of their health. According to oncologists, certain habits can significantly lower your risk of cancer.
One habit oncologists recommend quitting by age 50 is delaying cancer screenings. Dr. Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, California, says that repeatedly putting off cancer screenings can become a habit. Delaying screenings can be detrimental to one’s health, as it may lead to undetected cancers that are harder to treat.
Other habits worth quitting by 50 include smoking, drinking carbonated beverages with sugar or artificial sweeteners, and not following recommended age-appropriate cancer screenings. Smoking is a direct risk for many cancers, such as lung, head, and neck cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly lower your cancer risk, with the younger you are when you stop, the faster you decrease your risks.
Additionally, oncologists recommend limiting sugary drinks like soda and diet soda, which have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Drinking unsweetened seltzer water or herbal teas instead is a healthier alternative.
By adopting these healthy habits, you can significantly lower your risk of cancer. While it’s never too late to adopt new habits, the sooner they’re in place, the better. Make today the day you get your cancer screenings on the calendar and take control of your health.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/one-habit-oncologists-wish-everyone-202500386.html