Everyday life is full of advice about habits that are said to affect the risk of cancer.
However, according to oncologist Dr. Khalil Choucair, some areas may deserve far more attention than others, Parade reports.
Tobacco tops the list
Choucair highlights tobacco as the most important area to address. You should avoid smoking, as it can harm your body and cause disease.
Avoid secondhand smoke
It is not only about staying away from tobacco yourself. Choucair also stresses the importance of avoiding secondhand smoke when the goal is to reduce the risk of cancer.
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Smoking has widespread effects
Tobacco is not only associated with lung cancer. According to information from Cancer Research UK, smoking also increases the risk of at least 16 other types of cancer.
All movement counts
A sedentary lifestyle is among the habits Choucair tries to avoid. Even regular walks may be beneficial, according to research published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Put fruit and vegetables on the menu
Parade links a diet low in fruit and vegetables to an increased risk of cancer. Choucair therefore emphasizes the quality of his daily diet.
Skip the sugar
When Choucair drinks coffee or tea, he adds neither sugar nor sweeteners. He prefers both drinks without additives.
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Obesity plays a role
Parade refers to research published in Cancers, which estimates that between 4 and 8 percent of all cancer cases may be linked to obesity.
Limit fast food
Choucair very rarely eats fast food. Parade points to fried foods and fatty meats, among other foods, in connection with cancer risk.
Mediterranean diet is preferred
The oncologist follows a Mediterranean diet. It includes vegetables, fruit, plant-based proteins, lean meat, fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds.
Exercise several times a week
Choucair stays active and explains that he exercises three to four times a week.
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Limit processed foods
He keeps ultra-processed foods to a minimum in his diet. Parade refers to research linking high consumption of such foods to a greater risk of several types of cancer.
Risk can be influenced
Cancer cannot always be prevented, but lifestyle plays a role. Choucair estimates that around 30 percent of cancer cases can be prevented through diet and lifestyle.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.