Cancer has always been the gravest and most dreaded of all diseases & rightly so. For ages, little has been known about the precise reasons that cause cancer & whatever is known about its prevention is still evolving. It is as good as the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named of the medical world! Rather than going through the ordeal of being diagnosed and then trying to cure a cancer, it is better to lead a lifestyle which can aid its prevention.
The lifestyle choices that are widely known increase the risk of the growth of cancer are,
Lack of Exercise
There is a link between obesity and many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Research consistently shows that drinking alcoholic beverages increases a woman’s risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It also may increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA in cells.
Tobacco use
Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.
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Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and in particular solar radiation, is carcinogenic to humans, causing all major types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
Infections
Viral hepatitis B and C cause cancer of the liver; human papilloma virus infection causes cervical cancer; the bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer. The parasitic infection schistosomiasis increases the risk of bladder cancer.
In short, a healthy lifestyle can considerably reduce the chances of development of cancer.
Better Safe than Sorry.
Exercising and diet
Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. For substantial health benefits, indulge in 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous physical activity. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Conversely, excess consumption of red and preserved meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Quit Tobacco & Alcohol
Ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.
Protect yourself from the sun
One should avoid the midday sun by wearing hats, covering exposed areas and using sunscreens.
Immunization
Cancer prevention includes protection (vaccinations for) from infections like Hepatitis B (liver cancer), Human papillomavirus (HPV).
Regular checkups
Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Taking cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today will deliver rewards which will last a lifetime!
