Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the number of people affected by cancer is growing with each passing year. According to Cancer.gov, by 2040, the number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 29.5 million and the number of cancer-related deaths to 16.4 million. Although recent advances in medicine have improved the way we diagnose and treat cancer, there is no sure way to prevent the onset of this deadly disease. Experts say that cancer can be caused by bad luck, environment or heredity, but the environment plays a big role in increasing or decreasing the chances of getting cancer. According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, the root of most cancers lies in the environment and lifestyle, and only 5-10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects. (Also read: Can You Still Get Cervical Cancer If You’re Not Sexually Active?)
The report says that certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet (fried food, red meat), alcohol, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, obesity, and physical inactivity are factors in risk for cancer. “Evidence indicates that of all cancer-related deaths, almost 25-30% are due to smoking, up to 30-35% are diet-related, about 15-20% are due to infections, and the percentage The remainder is due to other factors such as radiation, stress, physical activity, environmental pollutants, etc.,” the report says.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Senior Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute in Bangalore, in an interview with HT Digital, shares ways to reduce the chances of developing cancer through certain lifestyle modifications.
“Cancer is a disease that has affected humanity for centuries, and while advances in medicine have greatly improved our ability to diagnose and treat it, preventing it from occurring in the first place is still the most effective way to combat the disease. While there is no sure way to prevent cancer, there are certain lifestyle modifications that can greatly reduce your risk,” says Dr. Nayak.
Here are five ways to reduce your chances of developing cancer:
1. Maintain a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to reducing the risk of cancer. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and red meat may help protect against cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may help protect against cancer, while processed foods and red meat have been linked to increased risk. In particular, a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity is essential to reduce the risk of cancer. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as brisk walking, bicycling, or swimming. Studies have shown that regular physical activity not only reduces the risk of cancer, but also improves overall health and well-being.
3. Avoid tobacco use
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide and is responsible for nearly half of all cancer deaths. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. In addition to oral and lung cancer, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of several other cancers, including bladder, pancreatic, and throat cancer.
4. Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancer. It is best to limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. In addition to cancer, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to other health problems, such as liver and heart disease.
5. Protect yourself from the sun
Sun protection is essential to prevent skin cancer. To protect yourself, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Also, it’s important to be aware of any changes in your skin and have any suspicious moles or blemishes checked out by a dermatologist.
“Remember that no one can guarantee that you will never get cancer, and no single action can prevent it, but by making these changes, you can create a healthier environment for your body to function in. Also, it’s important to see a doctor regularly, and to be both of any signs or symptoms that may be related to cancer. It’s never too early or too late to start making these changes and take control of your health,” concludes Dr. Nayak.
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Source: news.google.com