Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Decreased Risk for Cancer

Good news: Overall, new cancer cases in the U.S. have declined, according to the American Cancer Society. However, certain types of cancer—including lung cancer in women and liver cancer in men—are on the rise.

Chronic diseases like cancer account for 40% of all U.S. healthcare expenditure, and more than $180 billion is spent each year on cancer-related health expenses and lost productivity.

In 2009, one-third of all cancer deaths were attributed to obesity and poor nutrition. To help keep employees cancer-free, encourage a healthy diet and exercise program in the workplace and at home.

And support a smoke-free work environment: Lighting up has been linked to most cancers including lung and liver cancer. Smoking cessation programs that last two weeks or longer are said to have the highest success rate.

Here are more cancer prevention tips from the American Cancer Society:

Set up screenings. Studies show that screening tests can improve survival and decrease mortality by detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. Try setting up an office health fair for any onsite screening that may available (skin cancer screenings), and work with local hospitals to provide free or low cost screening options for employees.

Implement a smoking ban. Non-smokers are less likely to be ill, and show increased productivity in the workplace. Support quitting in your office by enforcing a non-smoking policy, banishing designated smoking areas, and offering support through smoking cessation programs.

Encourage exercise. Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major
risk factors for cancer, second only to tobacco use. (Not sure what constitutes as obese? Check our BMI calculator). Studies show at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five or more days a week can help lower the risk for several types of cancer including breast and colon cancer.

Promote produce! A daily diet consisting of five or more servings of fruit and vegetables is said to help ward off cancer. Tack up posters and put out tabletop reminders during meetings and in the lunch area to encourage employees to bring healthy snacks from home like carrots, sliced apples, or grapes. Also, talk to your vending provider to see if more nutritious items like almonds, dried fruit, and 100% juice can be offered around the office.

Support sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. And even though it’s not summer, the winter rays can be damaging. Keep an SPF 30 oil-free sunscreen around the office for people to use when walking outdoors. And encourage employees to wear sunglasses, lip balm with SPF 15 or higher, and cover all exposed skin outside.