To ask how else I can reduce risk of cancer ?

[iloveshetlandponies]

I just recently had a minor cancer scare and - thank god - after a long wait I've just found out that I'm okay. But I am absolutely terrified of it . I know one in two get it in their life time and that stat is beyond fucking depressing . I realise some cancers are sheer bad luck and nothing you can do. But I know some is lifestyle related etc

so want to try my absolute hardest to minimise my personal risk

This is what I do already

Intermittent fasting (16:8 but I try and aim for 18:6)

Eat at least 5 different fruit and veg a day (I need to eat way more I know)

I run most days for at least half an hour plus do other exercise

I don't smoke ever (Altho I did used to gave up 15 years ago at 29)

I very rarely drink alcohol

Always have smears when due and check my breasts monthly or so and keep an eye on any moles

Keep slim (8 stone 7 and 5 foot 2)

Always wear spf50 (on my face every single day) and any exposed bits of my body between say May and September

And - Don't laugh - but very cold showers at the end of each shower as it's meant to boost immunity (it defo wakes me up at least!)

I also, luckily, have no family history that I'm aware of

Does anyone else do this ? Or am I weird. And if there's any drs / nutritionists / scientists on here can anyone suggest anything else ?

I think you need to get the balance right. Eat healthily, do some exercise, don't smoke and don't drink to excess but the main thing is to enjoy life. Do more of the things that make you happy. If you want to eat a cream cake or a bar of chocolate do it, everything in moderation.

People die every day, healthy people die in car crashes every day, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. I know it's easier said than done but when you worry about the cancer returning get into the habit of thinking that ok it may come back but then again it might not come back so why worry about something that may or may not happen. When you practice thinking in this more balanced way it becomes easier each time until it's an automatic response.

Thinking positively makes no difference to whether someone survives cancer or not. If thinking positively cured cancer there wouldn't be any need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

@2dogsandabudgie

I have breast cancer. I'm on chemo 2/16

I was the most positive and happy person before I got it. But I hear this stuff about being positive and fighting it all the time.

I've considered this but sounds a bit woo!

If anything it's less woo than most of the suggestions on this thread!!

TheFormidableMrsC I’m sorry you went through that, glad to hear you are in recovery now.
Can I ask which medication you took for peri bleeding? I’m in peri and have some issues. My gynae wants me to take a medication but breast-cancer is listed as one of the risk factors of this medication and it’s really putting me off tbh. My gynaecologist says it’s protects against ovarian and uterine cancers but yes it does raise the bc risk so that’s put me on edge.

@nothingcomestonothing haha true !!

I'm the least woo person on the planet but hypnotherapy has really helped me, it isn't done in a woo way at all.

Sorry to hear that, I had breast cancer 9 years ago and I definitely wasn't positive all the time. I did have good days but I also had really dark days. Most days I just got through it as best I could which is all any of us can do.

Treatment for breast cancer has improved so much over the last 15-20 years. Even since my diagnosis they do things so differently now. I had my operation first then 6 rounds of chemo every 3 weeks followed by 15 lots of radiotherapy. Is your chemo weekly?

Hi, I am dealing with this as I believe it caused my cancer. I was on a clinical trial approx 4 months prior to being medicated and had multiple ultrasounds and mammos. I did not have breast cancer. I was then prescribed a double dose daily of Desogestrel and given Norethestrone to take on top. Both have been linked to the cancer I had (peer reviewed research). I was diagnosed around a year after starting those meds and had quite a big (but fortunately completely contained) tumour that appeared out of nowhere and most definitely would have been found at trial. When I was prescribed I asked about breast cancer risk and was told "negligible" (female specialist gynae GP). So I think it's wise to be cautious. Having said all of that, I am now on Tamoxifen and that brings with it a risk of uterine cancer. However, there is no choice!

Age is the biggest risk factor in getting cancer. So the failsafe way avoid it is not to get old.

But that is not an option (if you are lucky).

So live a healthy life, enjoy it and stop stressing.

@TheFormidableMrsC

That's awful !

I was put on the mini pill aka desogestrel (sp?) about 5/6 months ago due to heavy periods and random spotting. Which was thought to be peri related but also they sent me for investigations which have just come back clear so have come off the mini pill as I can now have the mirena instead. So I'm glad I'm not going to be on the mini pill any longer , no one told me about the increased bc risks 😟 but it was a game changer for my horrible periods

The pil were super-keen on being healthy: exercise, vitamins, 10 a day, mainlining Benecol… but they both developed Alzheimer’s which, because they were so fit and healthy, “allowed” them to live for years - years living in nappies and not knowing their own children.

I’m not sure what point I’m making really, but I suppose “my body is a temple” and seeking longevity can have an unwanted result. Better to enjoy a few buns and a few bevvies along the way.

Mirena js also a risk I'm afraid but probably less so because it's such a low dose. If you've got the leaflet still, it tells you on there. The thing is, millions of people take hormonal contraceptive perfectly safely with no ill effects. Some people, like me, will suffer effects. However, I deeply regret getting rid of my copper coil and not asking for a hysterectomy which would probably avoided all of the things I went through. C'est La vie!

Age is the biggest risk for cancer, which is why the cancer stats keep going up, more elderly, more cancer. So many of my rellies have had cancer, most survived into their 80's and 90's.

Of course many younger people also get cancer, my best friend died at 40, healthy, slim, fit, young man. Lymphoma. It was horrendous. Sometimes there is no reason.

Yes I can empathise with this. My Dad has Alzheimer's but he's in otherwise excellent health due to lifestyle. At 85 he's pretty amazing really. My aunt also got it and was super invested in plant based diets, tons of exercise etc. I have to say that that scares me more than cancer, I'd hate for my kids to have to deal with that ☹️

@TheFormidableMrsC

Ugh it's so annoying. Swings and round abouts as I believe the mirena also reduces risk of womb / uterine cancer

Tbh given the choice I'd just have a hysterectomy as I don't want more dc and I'm 44 anyway, and had painful and bad periods since late 30s . I've also got to have a uterine polyp removed at some point (waiting for the appointment to come through)

So yeah my uterus just feels like a needless thing in my body than could go wrong and is useless anyway as I don't need it.

Well yes indeed and all you can do is know your body, be vigilant, attend screening when you're invited. I had my last baby at 42 so definitely won't be having any more (54 now). Chemo stopped my periods but I still get all the cyclical symptoms and I would like to be rid of my womb but as it stands, that won't be happening! Onwards & upwards!

@2dogsandabudgie

3 months of 3 weekly and then 3 months of weekly. Then radiotherapy.

Don't want to scare anyone on this thread but there's been a real lack of care in my treatment so far.

I'm really sorry to hear this. That is not how it's supposed to be. I was very fortunate as we had a dedicated Macmillan unit at our hospital but I recall a friend at another hospital at the same time having a dreadful time of it. Please do go to PALS if you have to and also if you're not already in touch with Breast Cancer Now, it might be worth doing. They may be able to help. Good luck with it all

I love Burnt anything, but these days at least scrape the toast..abit.
Mop up your free radicles with Garlic, Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Chilli flakes, lemons, pepper, tomatoes.
Buy the best of anything fresh you can afford (but tinned Toms also fine)
Thick Greek yoghurt and even thicker Greek Honey (that you can cut with a knife 😂)

You are doing everything you can 👍 but I would add that when you get to a certain age, get yourself on HRT. It’s got cancer fighting immunity plus other benefits.

Cancer fighting immunity in HRT??? 🤔

Yet I can't have it because it would trigger a new round of cancer in me. Nobody should just get themselves on HRT without understanding the risks.

I'm steering clear of HRT given it was highly associated with cancer occurrence in the 00s.