By As a record number of Americans are set to be diagnosed with cancer this year, researchers are exploring unconventional methods of prevention beyond traditional advice. Here are six unexpected habits that studies suggest might lower cancer risk:
Masturbate
A recent review of 11 studies examined the effect of masturbation on prostate cancer risk, the most common form of cancer in American men. A 2017 Harvard Medical School study found men who climaxed 21 or more times a month had a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than those who did so four to seven times monthly. Another study reported men ejaculating at least four times monthly through sex or masturbation had the lowest prostate cancer risk. While the exact mechanism is unclear, increased blood flow to the prostate and flushing out of carcinogens are proposed explanations.
Pair avocados and tomatoes
Combining avocados with tomatoes may enhance the body’s absorption of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to lower cancer risk. Tomatoes contain essential vitamins and minerals that help lower inflammation and promote blood pressure control. Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce cholesterol and inflammation. The fatty acids in avocados improve lycopene’s bioavailability. A review in The Journal of Nutrition noted this combination’s potential to lower prostate cancer risk in animal studies, though more research is needed in humans.
Drink your tea lukewarm
While green tea contains beneficial polyphenols that may help prevent skin cancer, drinking it at very high temperatures could raise the risk of esophageal cancer. A 2018 study of over 450,000 adults in China found those who drank “burning hot” tea, smoked tobacco, and drank excessively had a five-fold increased risk of esophageal cancer. Another study in Iran reported a 90 percent higher risk for those consuming very hot beverages compared to cooler drinks.
Switch to the day shift
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention analyzed data from almost 4 million women, finding those working nights had a 19 percent increased overall cancer risk. Specifically, they were 41 percent more likely to get skin cancer, 32 percent more likely to develop breast cancer, and 18 percent more likely to have gastrointestinal cancers. Every five years of late shift work increased breast cancer risk by 3.3 percent. Disruptions to circadian rhythm are thought to be a contributing factor.
Cut down on oral sex
While increased sexual activity might lower prostate cancer risk, oral sex has been linked to an increase in esophageal cancer, possibly due to higher likelihood of contracting HPV. A 2021 study from Johns Hopkins University found those with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer were about 80 percent more likely than those without cancer to have ever performed oral sex on a partner. The HPV vaccine and limiting sexual partners can help mitigate this risk.
Soak up the sun
Despite being the main risk factor for skin cancer, sun exposure may help prevent other forms of cancer due to vitamin D production. Research in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found getting at least 1,000 units of vitamin D daily could lower the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer by 30 to 50 percent. A 2019 study also found higher vitamin D levels associated with reduced risks of colorectal and bladder cancers.
Experts caution that more research is needed to fully understand these associations. The American Cancer Society continues to emphasize established prevention strategies, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Source: Daily MailOnline
