The Most Common Question: Why Did I Get Cancer?

The most common question we receive in Support Services from folks who have been diagnosed with cancer is “why did I get cancer? I did everything right”. The truth is, unless your cancer has been directly associated with genetics, you may never find the answer to this question. Cancer risk is increased by a long list of factors that sometimes intersect and work together. I know, that is a hard truth that nobody wants to hear. The good news is while we cannot tell you why you got cancer, we can provide you with risk reduction tips that are within your control in most cases. The reason I say most cases is because some folks have unique circumstances that affect their ability to follow specific guidelines related to movement, brain health, and diet. If this is you, please contact us to discuss your situation and retrieve resources and/or referrals.  

How can you reduce your risk of Cancer? 

There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of a cancer diagnosis. Combining these risk reduction tips to make a well-rounded healthy lifestyle is known to have positive impacts as it relates to reducing your risk for cancer [1].  

Exercise: Regular physical movement is correlated with a reduction in cancer , including colon Cancer [2]. It is recommended that we complete 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, muscle strengthening activities 2 times per week, and balance training [3]. We are mindful that this level of exercise is not possible for some folks. If you can complete low-intensity exercises on days you feel well, every little bit helps! 

Eat Nutritiously: Eat the rainbow! A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and plant protein helps reduce your risk of cancer . Reduce red meat intake and saturated fats. It is also very important to limit alcohol intake as well. [2] 

Stress Management: Chronic stress may contribute to the development of cancer in your body. Stress increases inflammation and decrease immune function which makes it easier for cancer to develop and grow. This is not to say that a stressful event will cause cancer; it is saying that chronically uncontrolled stress may impact your body in such a way that makes it easier for cancer to thrive in your body. It is important to find helpful coping strategies to help combat the stress in your life. Things like mindfulness, journaling, exercise, nutrition, and good sleep may help with managing stress. [4] 

Avoid tobacco and other toxins: first and second-hand smoke from cigarettes is linked to increased Cancer risk. Additionally, protect yourself from environmental toxins such as asbestos fibers by wearing a mask when these toxins are known to be present. [2] 

In Closing… 

This is just a small list of factors to consider regarding cancer risk reduction. Nothing is guaranteed to prevent cancer; however, every little bit counts, right? If you require more information or clarity on the content of this blog or any other topic you are wondering about, please contact us at support@colorectalcancercanada.com.  

References : 

[1] World Health Organization. (2024). Preventing cancer. https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-cancer 

[2] Harvard Medical School. (2019). The 10 commandments of cancer prevention. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-10-commandments-of-cancer-prevention 

[3] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Physical activity and cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet 

[4] MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2014). How stress affects cancer risk. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/how-stress-affects-cancer-risk.h21-1589046.html