Cancer has always been, and likely always will be, a topic that is hard for people to discuss because almost everyone knows someone who was taken too soon by the horrible illness. February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, which means now is the time to talk about how we can prevent the deadly illness as much as possible, even though there are hereditary factors that make it unavoidable in some instances.
While there is currently no cure for cancer, medical science is getting closer to a solution every year. Until there are reliable cures for cancers’ many forms, the best we can do is take our knowledge of the factors that increase the risk of the illness and promote awareness. Some of the factors that are known to increase the risk of contracting the illness that you should avoid are:
- Cigarette and tobacco use
- Exposure to harmful levels of radiation
- Unhealthy diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Minimal physical activity
- Obesity
- Contaminants and carcinogens in our environment
National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month and other educational milestones and events are intended to inform the public of the actions that could be putting them at risk and promote healthier lifestyles. Although many of us are aware of the factors that increase the risk of developing the illness, many people still aren’t aware of the steps they can take to reduce their likelihood of getting cancer. The key is to live a healthy lifestyle and know your personal risk factors based on your family history, but you should also:
- Eat a plant-based diet to reduce your intake of high-calorie foods and the undue stress they put on your digestive system.
- Limit your consumption of meat, processed foods, and alcohol.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it’s just going for a short walk.
- Use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF level for the UV index and cover exposed skin when possible.
- Avoid using tanning beds and sun lamps.
There are many more steps you can take, in addition to these, to reduce your risk of developing cancer, but the unfortunate reality for many of us is our genetics dictate if we’ll develop the illness. Take the time to discuss these risk factors and preventative measures with your loved ones, and use it as an opportunity to discuss the uncomfortable topic of your coverage should you be affected by this terrible illness.
Provide yourself with reliable coverage in the face of the unexpected with
Critical Illness Insurance from Hudson’s Bay Financial Services.
Critical Illness Insurance is offered by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). This information is for general information purposes only. Actual coverage is determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular loss and the terms and conditions of the policy as issued.
Chubb Life is part of the Chubb Group of companies. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Chubb Limited, the parent company of Chubb, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.