Yes, you can prevent cancer!

Cancer is a chronic disease that affects millions of people each year. Over time, research has led to the discovery of treatments to overcome certain cancers. But the battle is not yet won. Many cancers are still extremely difficult to fight and the cause of a great number of deaths. Knowing that lifestyle is an important determining factor (75% or more), you can understand the extent to which prevention plays a key role if fighting this enigmatic disease.

 “The majority of individuals have, hidden in their body tissues, normal cells that have become precancerous, just waiting for a favourable environment to develop.” (Translation – richardbéliveau.org)

Opt for healthy eating

Do you know that 30% of cancers are related to what we eat? This figure can increase to 70% in the case of the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, colon). Numerous studies have shown that eating fruits and vegetables is associated with a considerably reduced risk of developing cancer. This means we have a certain control over the disease and can take action each day to lower the risk of falling prey to many cancers. Put all the odds in your favour by adopting a healthy lifestyle and incorporating foods with anticancer properties into your meals: cabbage, garlic, onion, soy, turmeric, green tea, field berries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, even dark chocolate.

Physical activity is the way to go

With a view to cancer prevention, not only do you have to adopt healthy eating habits, but you also have to be physically active. No matter what your age, movement will benefit your health. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended. For that matter, persons who are overweight are at a greater risk for developing cancer. What’s more, a sedentary lifestyle is our worst enemy. In fact, staying seated for hours on end can actually increase the risk of cancer, even when we do do 30 consecutive minutes of exercise each day. This means you have to increase opportunities to be up and moving during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go to your colleagues office to discuss work rather than using the phone, spend less time in front of the TV, play physical games with your kids, and so on!

Take action today for a better life tomorrow

The key point is that we have the power to change our lives. We can make better choices each day with a view to preventing cancer and, should I say, many other chronic diseases. But that’s not all, we also have to invest in cancer prevention. Nautilus Plus is proud to have founded the Richard Béliveau fund for the UQAM Chair in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. For the last eight years, Nautilus Plus has organized its annual 30-minute workout to help out the Fund event to provide the Chair with financial support. Next Sunday November 15, take part in the event at the Nautilus Plus location of your choice and actively support cancer research. There are two ways to take part: the individual challenge (30 minutes of cardio) or the 4 X 4 team challenge (2 hours of cardio). You can sign up at any Nautilus Plus location or go to www.30minutesafond.com/en/ for more information.

Karine Larose, M.Sc.

References:

http://www.richardbeliveau.org/fr/la-prevention-du-cancer.html
http://www.richardbeliveau.org/fr/la-prevention-du-cancer.html?start=3
http://www.cancer.ca/fr-ca/cancer-information/cancer-101/what-is-a-risk-factor/sedentary-behaviour/?region=qc
http://www.cancer.ca/fr-ca/cancer-information/cancer-101/what-is-a-risk-factor/physical-activity/?region=qc

Yes, you can prevent cancer! is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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