Cancer can affect anyone at any time — but did you know that teaching your child certain healthy habits can help reduce their risk of cancer later in life?

Published: December 9, 2022

No one wants their child to get cancer, no matter what stage of life they’re in. The reality is, cancer can affect anyone at any time — but did you know that teaching your child certain healthy habits can help reduce their risk of cancer later in life?

“It is never too early to learn healthy habits. Although risk factors for childhood cancers are different for children than adults, avoiding tobacco and excessive sun exposure are great habits to start forming early,” said Jun Zhao, D.O., pediatric hematologist/oncologist and medical director for Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.

7 ways to reduce the risk of cancer

1. Eat healthy.
   • Unhealthy eating habits, such as a diet high in processed food and low in fresh fruits and vegetables, can potentially increase the risk for cancer. Eating red and processed meats also increases the risk for intestinal cancers. Teach your child to eat a diet rich in produce and fresh foods and encourage healthy snacks.
2. Protect them from the sun.
   • Too much time in ultraviolet (UV) light can increase the risk for skin cancer. This doesn’t mean your child always should stay inside; teach your child to protect their skin with proper sunscreen and clothing, including hats and long sleeves.
3. Exercise.
   • Physical activity is good for children’s bodies and minds. A sedentary lifestyle or being overweight are associated with various cancers. An active lifestyle in the younger years can follow a child into adulthood. Teach your child the importance of exercise by finding and encouraging activities they enjoy.
4. Say “no” to alcohol and drugs.
   • Abusing drugs and alcohol is dangerous for kids, and it can cause health issues later in life. These practices also are tied to other chronic health issues, such as hepatitis, which can lead to liver cancer. Talk to your child about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.
5. Follow safe sex practices.
   • Sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of cancer, and viral infections such as HPV, HIV and hepatitis infections are known to cause different forms of cancer. Talk to your child about having safe sex, including the use of protection, to keep them healthy and help reduce their risk for developing cancer later in life.
6. Stay up to date on vaccinations.
   • Ensure your child receives their vaccinations on time. If they’re not up to date on vaccines, reach out to a pediatrician. Vaccinations against viruses, such as hepatitis B, can prevent a child from developing liver cancer later in life.
7. Do not smoke, vape or use tobacco.
   • Smoking causes lung cancer — and it’s not just tied to cigarettes. Other tobacco products include cancer-causing chemicals as well. These products can lead to a nicotine addiction in addition to cancer. Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking to reduce their risk for cancer as an adult.