Patient Education
World Cancer Day 2024
Is Cancer Preventable ?
We view the diagnosis of cancer with the most significant apprehension. An entire community of family members and friends often experiences that sense of high anxiety. With an ageing population, an expected increase of 30 million cases is predicted by 2040. However, a WHO report shows 30-40% of cancers are preventable if we adopt a healthy lifestyle. There are certain cancers due to genetic mutations. I have listed the most crucial lifestyle choices one can make:
- Staying active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a plant-based diet
- Not smoking or using tobacco
- Get vaccinated
- Protect from sun
- Avoid risky behaviors
- Get regular medical care
Staying active
These lifestyle changes not only lower cancer risk but have other health benefits. Exercise is our most powerful tool to lower cancer risk and improve heart health. There are numerous studies to support this theory. Exercise helps reduce cancer risk and relieve stress by increasing endorphins in our brains, thereby improving our mood. Exercise can also lower symptoms associated with anxiety and mild depression. Regular exercise builds strength and endurance and thereby provides you with more energy. Experts recommend doing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five times per week.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to lower the risk of certain cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Physical activity helps to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers.
Eating a plant-based diet
Eating a nutritious diet not only lowers cancer risk but also helps to build a robust immune system. A strong immune system benefits to fight flu, arthritis, allergies and other health problems. Eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help manage your energy level. It is advisable to consume only a minimal amount of red meat and processed meat as they increase the risk of certain types of cancer, based on a report from the International Agency for Cancer Research(IARC), the research arm of WHO.
Not smoking or using tobacco
Smoking has been linked to many types of cancers, including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, vocal cords, pancreas, bladder and kidney. Even second-hand smoke is harmful as it may increase lung cancer risk. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancers of the mouth, throat and pancreas.
Get vaccinated
Protecting against certain viral infections can guard against cancer. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of liver cancer. Human Papilloma Virus is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cancers of the cervix and other genital cancers, as well as squamous cancers of the head and neck.
Protect from sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that is preventable. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially mid-day sun.
Avoid Risky Behaviours
Practice safe sex as HIV and HPV infections increase cancer risk. HIV is linked to cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is often connected to cervical but can also raise the risk for anal, penis, vagina, vulva and throat.
Regular Medical Check Ups / Screening
Doing regular self-exams and having screenings for cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can raise the chances of finding cancer early. That's when treatment is most likely to succeed. Ask a healthcare provider about the best cancer screening schedule for you.
Conclusion
To live a long, healthy life, one must exercise regularly, eat right, maintain a healthy weight and avoid tobacco. According to the report by the Centre for Disease Control, practicing a healthy lifestyle makes your risk of premature death from cancer 66% less likely. But it also makes death from cardiovascular 65% less likely and death from other causes 57% less likely.
It is our responsibility to live a healthy life and it takes a little effort to achieve it. One need not spend money joining any gyms or other clubs. Walking and running at a moderate pace have huge health benefits. By switching to a plant-based diet, one can eat light meals and at the same time reduce global warming. I wish everyone great health, as that is our only wealth to treasure.
This article was contributed by Dr. C.R. Beena Devi