Download Diet, exercise and balanced lifestyle key to cancer prevention

Diet, exercise and balanced lifestyle key to
cancer prevention
Cancer touches many lives, and is a Canada’s leading cause of death.
However, you can take steps to protect yourself. To mark Cancer Awareness Month,
Almonte physician Dr. Ursula McGarry shares her advice on cancer prevention.
Eat a balanced diet – “A balanced diet made up of foods with lots of antioxidants helps
you maintain overall health,” says Dr. McGarry. “Our grandmothers were right: You are
what you eat.”
Exercise – “Good aerobic fitness is a cornerstone of overall health, helps prevent illness
and boosts your immune system,” Dr. McGarry says. “Exercise also helps you avoid
stress and reduces anxiety, which can diminish your immune function.”
Don’t smoke – “In current scientific exploration we are seeing things that affect us at the
cellular level,” explains Dr. McGarry. “Cigarette smoke contains mutagens, which alter
our DNA in a negative way, and can set up a sequence of events that may lead to the
development of cancer. Not smoking is one of the most important things you can do to
prevent cancer.”
Limit sun exposure – “We need some sun exposure to help the body produce Vitamin D,
but that can be accomplished through 15 minutes of daily sun exposure,” says Dr.
McGarry. “Sunscreen should be applied from childhood onwards to prevent exposure that
may lead to cancer. While many skin cancers can be locally treated, melanoma is a very
aggressive cancer.”
Strive for balance in your life – “A good balance between work and relaxation, stress
reduction and a positive outlook will help you physically, mentally and spiritually,” says
Dr. McGarry. “Cancer is a serious disease, but you should not be overly worried about it.
If you take steps to protect your overall health, such as a good diet, exercise, adequate
rest, stress reduction, not smoking and protecting yourself from the sun, you are taking
important steps to reduce your cancer risk.”