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A Doctor's Guide to Cancer Prevention: 9 Lifestyle Risks to Avoid

Cancer prevention is a topic that concerns us all. But where do you start? This doctor's guide to cancer prevention is based on expert advice from Dr. Wang Shuo, an oncologist at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. He breaks down nine key lifestyle risks to help you create a practical plan.

This article translates and expands on his expert advice, offering actionable steps for a healthier lifestyle.


A Doctor's Guide to Cancer Prevention: The 9 Risks to

A Doctor's Guide to Cancer Prevention: 9 Lifestyle Risks to Avoid | MedBridgeNZ Medical Tourism China
A Doctor's Guide to Cancer Prevention: 9 Lifestyle Risks to Avoid | MedBridgeNZ Medical Tourism China

Avoid


Dr. Wang outlines nine categories of risk, each represented by a single Chinese character. Following this medical guidance is a key part of preventing cancer.


1. Sugar: The "Accomplice" to Cancer


Many people underestimate the harm of excessive sugar consumption. It's not just about weight gain; a high-sugar diet is considered an "accomplice" to cancer.

  • The Risk: High sugar intake can lead to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, conditions that are known to accelerate the growth of cancer cells.

  • What to Avoid: Be mindful of sugary drinks like bubble tea and sodas, processed sweets, cakes, and pastries. Reducing intake of these items is a direct step toward lowering inflammation and, in turn, cancer risk.


2. Alcohol: The Group 1 Carcinogen


The idea of "moderate drinking for health" is a pervasive myth. A core part of any doctor's guide to cancer prevention is clarifying this: from a medical standpoint, there is no "safe" level of alcohol consumption.

  • The Risk: Alcohol (ethanol) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is directly linked to several cancers, including liver, esophageal, breast, and colorectal cancer. Long-term drinking severely damages the liver, which can progress from fatty liver to cirrhosis and finally to liver cancer.

  • What to Avoid: The best advice is to drink as little as possible, or not at all.


3. Smoke: Beyond Just Cigarettes


This category includes two types of smoke: cigarette smoke and kitchen fumes.

  • Cigarette Smoke: First-hand, second-hand, and even third-hand smoke are all proven causes of lung cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and other malignancies.

  • Kitchen Fumes: When cooking oil is heated to high temperatures (especially in frying or stir-frying), it releases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These are potent carcinogens that, with long-term exposure, significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for those who cook frequently.

  • What to Avoid: Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. When cooking, always use a range hood and ensure good ventilation. Leave the fan on for a few minutes after you finish cooking to clear residual fumes.


4. Scalding: The Risk of "Too Hot"


Many people enjoy their food and drinks piping hot. However, this habit can be dangerous.

  • The Risk: Consuming foods and beverages consistently above 65°C (149°F) can cause thermal injury to the delicate lining of your esophagus. Over time, this repeated damage and repair cycle can lead to inflammation and cellular changes, dramatically increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

  • What to Avoid: Let your hot soup, tea, or coffee cool down to a warm, non-scalding temperature before consuming. "Eat it while it's hot" should not mean "Eat it while it's burning."


5. Sun: The Danger of UV Exposure


While moderate sun exposure is essential for Vitamin D production, this doctor's guide must emphasize that excessive sun exposure is a primary cause of skin cancer.

  • The Risk: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main culprit behind skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the most dangerous form, melanoma.

  • What to Avoid: Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing, and, most importantly, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly.


6. Cured: The Problem with Preservatives


This refers to cured, pickled, and salted foods, such as bacon, sausages, ham, and salted fish.

  • The Risk: These foods are often high in nitrites, which are used as preservatives. In the stomach, nitrites can be converted into nitrosamines, which are powerful carcinogens strongly linked to stomach and colorectal cancers.

  • What to Avoid: These foods can be enjoyed occasionally, but daily consumption should be avoided.


7. Charred: The Barbecue Trap


This category includes smoked foods and heavily barbecued (grilled) meats, especially the burnt parts.

  • The Risk: The black, charred parts of grilled meat are a "gathering place" for carcinogens. The high-temperature grilling process creates heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and benzopyrene, both of which are known to cause DNA damage and increase cancer risk.

  • What to Avoid: Eat less barbecue. When you do grill, avoid charring the meat. If parts get burnt, cut them off before eating.


8. Mold: The Hidden Toxin


Moldy food is a "hidden king of toxins" and should never be consumed. No guide to cancer prevention is complete without this warning.

  • The Risk: Certain molds that grow on foods like corn, peanuts, and other grains produce a substance called aflatoxin. This is one of the most potent carcinogens known and is a primary cause of liver cancer. Even a small dose can be toxic.

  • What to Avoid: Do not "gamble" by cutting off the moldy part. Mold toxins can penetrate deep into the food. For your health, discard any food that shows signs of mold.


9. Viruses: The Infectious Link to Cancer


The final category refers to viruses (toxins) that are known to be "promoters" of cancer.

  • The Risk: Certain viral infections can lead to cancer if left unmanaged.

    • Hepatitis B (HBV) & Hepatitis C (HCV): Chronic infection with these viruses is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.

    • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): High-risk strains of HPV are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers, as well as many anal, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

  • What to Avoid: Prevention is key. This includes vaccinations (for HBV and HPV) and regular health screenings to detect and treat these infections early.


Applying This Doctor's Guide to Your Health


These nine points—Sugar, Alcohol, Smoke, Scalding, Sun, Cured, Charred, Mold, and Viruses—form the core of this doctor's guide to cancer prevention. They highlight that our daily choices are our most powerful tool.

Proactive prevention is the best strategy. However, if you or a loved one are facing a diagnosis and exploring advanced treatment options, such as those available through Medical Tourism China, our medical concierge provider service can help you connect with specialized treatment centers and support you throughout your journey. We do not provide medical services directly, but we ensure you have access to the critical care you need.


Medical Disclaimer


This article is for informational and popular science purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This guide is intended to support, not replace, the relationship between you and your healthcare provider. If you feel unwell or have health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.


Sourced From


This doctor's guide to cancer prevention is based on the medical science popularization video by Dr. Wang Shuo (汪硕), a physician in the Department of Oncology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University (首都医科大学附属北京世纪坛医院-肿瘤科).


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