Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health reported in 2016 that a healthy lifestyle could prevent 50% of cancer deaths and nearly half of the cancer diagnoses.

For young adults, those in their 20s-30s, a cancer diagnosis is often delayed due to many factors including financial instability, generally good health, or irregular doctor visits.

Although the rates for cancer diagnoses in young adults are relatively low (around 4%) there is still good reason to take initiative and work towards building a lifestyle that supports cancer prevention. If you are in your 20s-30s there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent many types of cancers, so why wouldn’t you?

With fluctuating eating habits, environmental changes, and busier social lives it’s no wonder that cancer rates are on the rise amongst this age group. We’re going to give you a rough guide of how to shape your lifestyle as well as some age specific milestones you should keep an eye out for.

What You Should Avoid

• Cut down your alcohol intake: Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per week puts men and women at a higher risk for different cancers. This study found that women who have 2 or more drinks per day have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who don’t drink.
• Stop smoking!
• Skip the fast food: If you can’t get away from meat, at least wean yourself off of the processed stuff. Consider only eating meat on the weekends to cut your meat intake drastically. If you need some guidance in adopting a new diet, check out our 5F’s to avoid!
• Steer clear of infections: HPV and HBV are both preventable, get immunized! And don’t forget, practicing safe sex can help lower your risk of contracting HPV and HIV.
• Don’t get burnt: Stay away from tanning beds and be sure to always use sunscreen, yes, even in winter and on cloudy days.
• Overworking yourself: Find your happy place; try not to let stress take over your life and learn what relaxation techniques work for you. Is it a walk after lunch? Meditation in the morning? Maybe it’s just taking half an hour at the end of each day to read a book or write in a journal.

If you have any doubts about how to follow these tips or begin to cut out certain unhealthy habits, browse through our old blog posts as we’ve covered many of these topics. Don’t be afraid to reach out with questions, that’s why we’re here!

Screenings

While making the right choices when it comes to your diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle are all great; it’s important to include regular screenings and exams in the mix as well.

Screenings are used to find cancer in people who have no symptoms and gives you the best chance at finding cancer while it’s small and hasn’t spread.

Important exams:

• Cervical cancer: Women should get a Pap test at age 21 and then continue every three
• Colon cancer: Investigate your family history and possible genetic disorders. You only need to begin testing this early if you have an increased risk.
• Breast cancer: Like colon cancer, you should begin early screenings if you have a family history with breast cancer. Regular self-exams should be done.
• Testicular cancer: Administering monthly self-exams should be done. See your doctor for any irregularities!

Take the initiative today and ensure your health is not in jeopardy! What are some steps you take to keep yourself following a cancer-free lifestyle? Let us know in the comments!

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