SURPRISING FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR CANCER RISK
From time to time the majority of us stop and ask ourselves are we increasing our risk for cancer? Today Dr. Oz gives us the surprising Cancer Facts That Affect Your Cancer Risk For 3 Leading Cancers.
Learn what biological factors and behaviors raise and reduce your risk of cancer.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
Factors that Increase Risk Of Colon Cancer
Eating 3 or more servings of red meat a week
Drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day
Currently smoking
Being obese
Being taller than 5’7″
Factors that Decrease Risk Of Colon Cancer
Using birth control pills for at least 5 years
Taking aspirin (325 mg tablet) 4 to 6 times a week
Eating more than 3 servings of milk or dairy products a day
Taking a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and folate
Taking a daily vitamin D supplement
Performing 30 minutes of exercise a day
Having colon cancer screening (colonoscopy) at regular intervals
Having inflammatory bowel disease
Stomach Cancer
Factors That Increase Risk Of Stomach Cancer
Eating a high salt diet such (canned, processed, frozen and preserved meats)
Eating 3 or more servings of red meat a week
Eating at restaurants or fast food places
Having type A, A+ or A- blood
Being a smoker
Not taking treatment for Helicobacter pylori stomach ulcers
Factors that Decrease Risk of Stomach Cancer
Eating a Diet High In Fruits And Vegetables
Keeping salt intake under 6000 mg a day (or sodium under 2300 mg a day)
Breast Cancer Risk
Factors That Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer
Having a family history or breast cancer
Being taller than 5’7″
Getting first period younger than 11 or older than 15
Having a first child when older than 35 or younger than 20
Currently using birth control pills
Using hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years
Of Jewish ancestry
Drinking more than one alcoholic drink a day
Having a BMI greater than 27
Testing positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
Having a history of atypical hyperplasia a type of benign breast disease
Factors that Decrease Risk Of Breast Cancer
Breastfeeding for one year or more
Eating a diet that includes monounsaturated fats over saturated fat
Performing more than 3 hours of physical activity a week
Birthing more than 2 children
Taking drugs that block estrogen (Tamoxifen and Raloxifene)
Taking the vitamin folate if you are a moderate alcohol drinker
Diets high in vegetables and fruits have been linked with a lower risk of colon cancer, and diets high in processed and/or red meats have been linked with a higher risk. The American Cancer Society recommends the following:
Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources.
Choose foods and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains rather than processed (refined) grains.
Limit consumption of processed and red meats
To know more about Eat For Health – The Anti-Cancer Diet
