Slashing your cancer risk
Around 40% of Americans develop cancer. But there's a lot you can do to reduce your risk. Some smart moves seem obvious: Wear sunscreen daily. Don't smoke or hang around folks who do. Don't drink too much alcohol (or any). Avoid red meats and foods laced with toxins, preservatives and sugars.
But here are some equally powerful, lesser-known ways to reduce your risk:
Become a healthy vegetarian. A study in BJC found that vegetarians have a 28% lower risk of kidney cancer, a 31% lower risk of multiple myeloma, 21% lower risk of pancreatic cancer, 12% lower risk of prostate cancer and 9% lower risk of breast cancer than meat eaters. Not a candidate for becoming a vegetarian? Stick with fish, like salmon and occasionally have skinless poultry -- along with lots of fresh produce.
Achieve a healthy weight. Up to 8% of cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer, are attributable to obesity. Consider a GLP-1 if you need help getting to a healthy waist size.
Get vaccinated (or get your kids vaccinated ) for HPV. The human papillomavirus causes most cases of cervical cancer and can cause cancer of the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Girls can get vaccinated from ages 9 to 26; boys from ages 9 to 21.
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is associated with 70% to 80 % of cases of liver cancer.
Get recommended screenings for prostate, breast, gynecological, skin and oral cancers.
For help adopting a cancer-free lifestyle, check out the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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