Aside from your weight, smoking, and drinking, the Harvard study found other lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing cancer. Here are some other ones that are likely to affect your health here in North America:
- low intake of fruits and vegetables
- "unsafe" sex
- air pollution
Just as with the three main factors, there are ways you can reduce the risk posed by these factors as well. Here are some tips.
Increase your fruit and vegetable intake:
- To get your 5 to 10 servings per day as recommended by nutritionists, keep
fresh fruit and veggies washed, cut and ready to eat. You're more likely to
grab them as a quick snack if there's not a lot of preparation.
- Start meals off with a salad.
- Keep frozen veggies on hand. Vegetables maintain their nutrient content through the commercial freezing process and can easily be incorporated into a pasta or stir-fry.
- Top cereal with fresh berries or cut up bananas.
- Freeze fresh fruit to blend with milk, juice or yogurt for a quick smoothie.
Practice "safe" sex:
- Have a sexual relationship with only one partner at a time, and use condoms until you and your partner have been in the relationship exclusively for 6 months and have tested negative for any sexually transmitted diseases.
- Learn how to use condoms properly. They are the only form of contraception that, when used properly, can decrease your risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Don't store condoms in your wallet unless you plan to use them within a few hours.
- Use a water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to break down.
- For women, have Pap smears as recommended by your doctor in order to check for early signs of cervical cancer.
Reduce your exposure to air pollution:
- Check the air quality index in your area before spending time outside. Limit your time outdoors during smog advisories, particularly if you have a respiratory condition.
- Make your home smoke-free.
- Prevent fumes from lingering in your living space by regularly checking exhaust systems and flues for home furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, and other possible sources of indoor pollutants.
- Make sure air filters in your home are cleaned or replaced as often as recommended.
- Do your part to reduce air pollution: when possible, walk, take the bus or ride a bike instead of driving your car.