A colleague had been fighting against cancer for last 5years. The cancer of the red blood cells which was diagnosed very late just refuses to go, despite all modalities of treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation brings a transient relief, but the cancer relapses after some time. Treating a cancer is difficult, but preventing it is far easier! Cancers can be prevented if we decrease the risks associated with it.
Cancer is said to have many causes. Cancer causing factors are called carcinogens. Age, genetic predisposition, immune system, environmental factors, infections, bodyweight, diet, and physical activity are all said to influence the chances of developing a cancer. Most often a disease of the elderly, cancer can also affect kids.
Different cancers can have different cause or set of causes. Several of these factors like age and genes are not modifiable. and others may can be modified wholly or partially to contain the risk of causing a cancer. Cancer is preventable, therefore, it is important to be well informed about how to change lifestyle to adapt to more healthy living and lessen the chances of developing a cancer.
Lower you risk of cancer
Risk of cancer can be lowered by exercising vigilance and caution.
Regular screening
If you are beyond the age of 40 years, it is good to undergo screening for cancers. Some of these procedures are the mammogram for breast cancer, pap smear for cervical cancer, and blood tests for PSA levels for prostate cancer. If you have an occupational exposure to potential carcinogens, you need to undergo periodic screens. Example, those exposed to dyes at work stand a higher risk for bladder cancer.
Some medicines can increase risks of cancers, example the hormone replacement therapy. If you are on hormones, you should undergo periodic screening for cancer.
Know your genetic risks. If you have a family member with cancer, get yourself screened.
Maintaining healthy weight
A healthy weight is known to ward off certain cancers like that of the lung, breast, prostate and colon. Weight gain and obesity are independent risk factors for several cancers. Weight influences the levels of hormones and growth factors that are likely to be contributing to development of cancers.
Be on the move
Physical activity is the most important contributor to cancer prevention. Sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for certain cancers like the breast and colon cancers.
The benefits of physical activity are manifold in cancer prevention. Physical activity keeps a check on weight gain and obesity which are risk factors for cancers. Besides this, physical activity has an independent influence on preventing cancer. It reduces the levels of several harmful hormones in the body and keeps the immune system healthy. In colon cancer for example, physical activity increases the intestinal movement and supposed to reduce the contact of potential carcinogens with the intestine.
Get active. Make a routine to walk for at least 30 minutes daily. This can work wonders. Join a sports club or an aerobics session. Find a friend to accompany you to a walk.
Dietary considerations
Selecting a healthy diet is no assurance to prevention of cancer but it is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of cancers. A diet rich in fat is a risk factor for many cancers like breast and colon. A fiber rich diet is a protection against colon cancer. Fiber increases the motility of the intestines and reduces the contact between the potential carcinogens and the intestines.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Several cancers like those of the mouth, stomach, colon, pancreas, and bladder can be prevented by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. These are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, many of which in themselves are a safeguard against cancers. Tomatoes for example contain lycopene which protects against prostate cancer. Selenium, a micronutrient is believed to prevent against colon cancer. Fruits and vegetable intake is known to prevent lung cancer. Foods like cabbage, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, garlic, ginger, and many more are proven to prevent cancers.
Healthy habits
Alcohol is a proven carcinogen. It acts as an irritant and induces erratic cell division in tissues. It acts as a vehicle for absorption of several other carcinogens. It is a definitive causative factor for cancers like the mouth, esophageal, breast and colon cancers.
Limit you intake of alcohol to moderate amounts. One drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men are fine but not recommended.
Smoking is associated with several cancers. Cigarette smoke has several carcinogens. If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Avoid passive smoking too.
Practice safe sex. This checks the spread of carcinogenic virus like HPV and lowers the risk of some reproductive cancers like the cancer of cervix.
Lowering stress levels
Stress can raise the levels of several hormones in the body, and adversely affect the immune system to contribute to development of cancers. Emotional stress or stress at work can hamper the biological rhythms and processes. Keep away stress. Maintain a positive attitude towards life. Keep happy.
Warning signs of cancer
Cancer manifests in several ways, therefore, be alert on the warning signs of cancer. An unexplained weight loss or a lump can be the first sign of a hidden cancer. Loss of appetite and fatigue can be telltale signs of cancer. So are some trivial symptoms like fullness after meals, constipation, diarrhea, a non healing wound, loss in vision, change in voice, difficulty in breathing and even an unusual bleeding. Do not ignore any symptom as trivial. Seek medical help and have yourself evaluated to detect, and treat cancer at early stages.
The last word
Your life is precious and so is your body. Keeping it healthy, and protecting it from diseases like cancer, requires just one thing- your will power. Decide to include healthy lifestyle habits like healthy food and exercise in your daily life, and dedicatedly work towards it. A complete knowledge and a little effort from your side, can help you enjoy your life to the fullest.
