Pickleball Cancer Prevention Tips: Staying healthy can help pickleball players stay active this spring and beyond. Experts at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute say that healthy habits and regular cancer screenings can lower cancer risk and help catch it early if it develops.
Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer every year, but many cases can be prevented with smart lifestyle choices. Early detection through screenings and doctor visits can also lead to better treatment results. Doctors say eating healthy, exercising, protecting skin from the sun, learning family history, and getting regular cancer checks all play a big role in prevention.
Exercise can lower your cancer risk
Being active helps reduce the chance of getting several types of cancer. “Exercise plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of several types of cancer,” The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James behavioral scientist, Roberto Benzo, PhD, says.
“Physical activity is linked to lower risk of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, bladder, esophageal, and stomach cancers.” – (Roberto Benzo)
Pickleball is a fun way to exercise and helps the heart. Playing often may also help reduce cancer risk.
“Cardiovascular exercise improves metabolic function and supports weight management, a key factor in reducing risk, particularly for hormone-related types like breast and endometrial cancers. Social engagement in sports like pickleball can improve mental health and reduce stress, which contribute to overall well-being and may indirectly lower cancer risk.” – (Roberto Benzo)
Eating smart helps your body fight cancer
What people eat can affect their chances of getting cancer. Choosing better foods every day can help the body stay healthy.
“Think of food as medicine. What we eat should be enjoyable, but we should also eat in a healthy way to reduce the risk of cancer,” says Fred Tabung, PhD, a researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Fred Tabung suggests a mostly plant-based diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Meat and other proteins can be part of a healthy meal plan, too.
“It doesn’t have to be vegan or vegetarian — the goal is to fill the majority of your plate with fruits and vegetables and whole grains.” – (Fred Tabung)
Protect your skin when playing outdoors
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Most cases can be avoided with good sun safety.
“Sun protection is all about reducing UV ray exposure, so it’s important to make sure you’re using sunscreen when outside and reapplying when needed, which can vary depending on the SPF,” says The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James oncologist Merve Hasanov, MD.
“Remember that UV rays can also come through clouds, so skin protection is important no matter the weather.” – (Merve Hasanov)
Wearing a hat, long sleeves, and using sunscreen are simple ways to protect the skin while playing pickleball outdoors.
Know your family history to stay ahead
Some cancers are passed down in families. Knowing about your family’s health can help find problems early.
“When we think of family history in terms of cancer genetics and inherited genetic mutations, we think about a broad spectrum of relatives, more than just your parents and siblings,” says Leigha Senter, MS, CGC, a licensed genetic counselor at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James.
“We ask about grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and that can inform us about how likely people are to have hereditary predispositions for cancer.” – (Leigha Senter)
Genetic tests and advice from doctors can help people understand their risk and choose to start screenings early.
Screenings help find cancer early
Doctors say regular screenings can save lives by finding cancer when it is easier to treat. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James offers many tests to check for different cancers.
Breast cancer: Women 40 and older should get yearly mammograms. The technology now uses 3D images to find cancer early.
Lung cancer: Smokers who smoked a pack a day for 20 years or quit within the last 15 years should get checked.
Cervical cancer: Pap tests can find cell changes that may lead to cancer. HPV tests are also helpful.
Skin cancer: Dermatologists check the skin for signs of melanoma and other cancers. People should also check their skin at home and look for the “ABCDE” warning signs:
- Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other half.
- Border: The edges are uneven.
- Color: The color is mixed or changing.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: The spot is growing or changing.
Staying on the court and staying healthy
Living a healthy life and seeing the doctor regularly can help players avoid cancer or find it early. Exercise, good food, sun safety, family history, and screenings are simple steps that make a big difference. These habits protect against cancer and keep pickleball players strong and active for years to come.
News in Brief: Pickleball Cancer Prevention Tips
Pickleball players can reduce cancer risk by staying active, eating well, using sunscreen, learning family history, and getting regular screenings. Experts from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James say early detection saves lives and healthy habits help people stay on the court longer and feel better.
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