This episode of the Dr. Joe Galati podcast discussed the top 7 strategies to reduce your chance of #cancer.
Avoiding tobacco
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping, and smokeless products. Chemicals in tobacco damage DNA and cause cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, and more. Quitting at any age significantly lowers risk, with benefits appearing within weeks.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Excess body fat increases inflammation and hormone levels linked to at least 13 cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and kidney. Aim for a BMI between 18.5–24.9 through balanced eating and regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly).
Avoiding risky behavior
This covers limiting alcohol (no more than one drink daily for women, two for men), practicing safe sex to reduce HPV and HIV transmission, avoiding needle sharing, and steering clear of unnecessary radiation or toxin exposure. These behaviors directly elevate risks for liver, cervical, and other cancers.
Getting routine medical care
Regular check-ups and age-appropriate screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap/HPV tests, low-dose CT for lung cancer) enable early detection when treatment is most effective. Discuss family history and personal risk factors with your doctor to create a tailored screening schedule.
Maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Aim for at least five servings daily of colorful produce, whole grains, and legumes. These foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help protect cells from damage. Limit processed meats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods, which are linked to higher colorectal and other cancer risks.
Protecting your skin against cancer
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the primary cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing and hats, seek shade during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), and avoid indoor tanning. Monthly self-exams and annual dermatologist visits aid early detection.
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV
The hepatitis B vaccine prevents chronic liver infection that can lead to liver cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against strains responsible for nearly all cervical cancers plus many throat, anal, and genital cancers. Both are most effective when given before exposure, ideally in adolescence or early adulthood.