Evidence suggests that women are a lot more vulnerable to lung cancer than men. In fact, it is more common than breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined. But don't worry, you can protect yourself with a few strategies.
Sit in the sun to get cancer fighting D
People who live in the sunniest places are far less likely to develop lung cancer. Sunshine helps your body create vitamin D, a nutrient that encourages lung cells to grow properly, preventing the formation of cancers. All you need is 15 minutes daily without sunscreen, or an 800 I.U. supplement.
Use marinades to make meat healthier
Cancer causing heterocyclic amines are formed when meat is grilled. But marinating meat before hand can cut their number in half. Marinating helps remove compounds that turn into HCAs at high temperatures. For the most effective and tasty marinades, use lots of antioxidant rich herbs, such as basil, rosemary and thyme.
Eat an apple a day to boost your defenses
Snacking on apples can cut your lung cancer risk 46%, thanks to the fruit's rich supply of cancer fighting flavonoid, Finnish. To more than double your flavonoid intake, eat the skin. That is where most of these antioxidants are stored.
Take aspirin to halve your risk
Taking as few as three regular strength aspirin weekly could slash your risk of the most common type of lung cancer in half. Aspirin works its magic by slowing blood flow to abnormal cells, starving them of the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow.
Sip cranberry juice to zap cancer cells
Natural chemicals in cranberries called proanthocyanidins inhibit the growth of precancerous cells in lungs. Drinking 8 ounces of juice every day will to the trick.
Load up on yellow or orange veggies to cut your risk 25%
Carrots and sweet potatoes get their color from arytenoids, a class of nutrients linked to lower lung cancer risk. Eating half a cup daily can cut lung cancer risk 25%.
Send smokers outdoors to dodge harmful chemicals
Government researchers say that nonsmoking women are twice as likely as men to develop lung cancer from secondhand smoke. Don't be shy about showing the door to the backyard to family and friends who smoke.
You can also eat a small green salad every day, serve broccoli often, fit in 20 minutes of exercise daily, and have two servings a week of tofu, soy milk or roasted soy nuts.
