This one little word represents one of the most
feared diseases in the United States. And with good reason, the statistics are
scary. According to the American Cancer Society, 1:2 men and 1:3 women living
in the United States will develop some sort of cancer during their lifetime.
All cancers begin by the rapid multiplication of a single
mutated cell. But research has yet to pinpoint exactly what causes certain
types of cancer to develop. If one specific cause could be identified,
prevention and treatment would be simple. It is believed, however, that most
cancers are caused by the combination of two or more risk factors over a long
period of time. These risk factors can be broken into 4 main categories:
l Genetics
and family history
l Environmental
exposures
l Lifestyle
choices
l Obesity
and diet
Most people believe that a family history of cancer means
their own risk of developing cancer is practically inevitable. Research has
shown that genetics accounts for only 5-10% of a person’s total cancer risk. This
means the vast majority of cancers are NOT inherited.
Environmental exposures account for 25% of a person’s risk
of developing cancer. Repeated exposure to hormones and pesticides in foods,
household cleaners, secondhand smoke, and toxins in the air, soil, water, and
workplace contribute to this risk.
30% of a person’s overall risk of developing cancer has been
linked to his or her lifestyle choices. While smoking is the number one cause
of cancer, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity have also been shown to
increase cancer risk. Moreover, not smoking, consuming little to no alcoholic
beverages, and consistent physical activity can decrease the risk of developing
cancer.
35% of a person’s total risk factor is linked to diet and
obesity. Increasing evidence suggests that carrying excess body weight not only
raises the risk of developing cancer, but also raises the risk of cancer
recurrence and lowers the chances of survival for many types of cancer.
With an overwhelming 65% of a person’s total risk of
developing cancer attributable to diet, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle
choices, a cancer diagnosis can no longer be seen as a horrible twist of fate.
Rather, this should be translated to mean that each person has control of 65%
of his or her overall cancer risk. By eating a healthy diet, maintaining a proper
weight, staying physically active, and not smoking, it is possible to
considerably reduce the odds of developing cancer.
In response to increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle
can decrease overall cancer risk, organizations such as the American Cancer
Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the International Agency for
Research on Cancer have published guidelines for what is now believed to be a
cancer-preventative lifestyle. They include:
l Eating
5 or more servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
l Select
whole grain breads and cereals over those made from refined grains.
l Limit
the consumption of red and processed meats. When possible, replace them with
lean meats.
l Replace
regular milk and dairy products with low-fat versions.
l Limit
daily intake of salt, saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, and sugar.
l Avoid
sugary juices and carbonated beverages.
l Limit
consumption of alcoholic beverages.
l Control
your portion sizes.
l Exercise
for 30-40 minutes five days a week.
l Achieve
and maintain a healthy body weight.
l Stop
smoking.
A healthy diet and daily exercise classes in Atlanta cannot prevent a person
from ever developing cancer. But even modest changes have been shown to have a
positive effect on fighting cancer, both during its initial development in the
body and during treatment. It is possible that by making only dietary and
lifestyle changes, 20% of the American population currently expected to receive
a cancer diagnosis could instead live their entire lives without ever being
diagnosed with cancer.
At iLoveKickboxing.com in Atlanta (A Buckhead Fitness Kickboxing Gym) we make it our goal to provide a workout and atmosphere that motivates Atlanta residents to lead healthier lifestyles. We hope to get as much of Atlanta into great health as we can!
iLoveKickboxing.com Atlanta
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