How to Prevent Cancer | 7 Ways to Prevent Cancer
How to Prevent Cancer | 7 Ways to Prevent Cancer | One in Three Cancers Can Be Prevented | Dr Geetha
7 ways to prevent cancer: You can lower your risk of getting cancer if you pay attention to your lifestyle. According to the World Health Organization statistics, cancer is the leading cause of deaths across the world. And, according to a report from the same organization, one in three cancer cases can be prevented. There is neither any golden rule of thumb nor any magic pill that works wonders as far as cancer is concerned; however, there are certain things that you can do to prevent cancer in its tracks. The following are 7 ways to prevent cancer:
Manage Your Weight
Obesity or overweight can make an individual at risk of developing colon, pancreas, esophagus and thyroid cancers. If reports are to be believed, then obesity would very soon surpass tobacco as the topmost preventable cause of cancer. Even a 5% reduction in weight by every adult individual can reduce the number of new cancer cases by as much as a few hundred thousand.
Avoid Red Meat
It is better to avoid red meat altogether or eat it less. Red meat or any other type of meat cooked at high temperatures can produce certain chemicals (heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that increase the risk of colon and stomach cancers.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Green vegetables and colourful fruits and vegetables pack nutritional punch including potential cancer-fighting antioxidants that help in healthy growth of cells and preventing cancer. Some vital vitamins and minerals present in the fruits and vegetables help prevent damage caused to the cells. It is therefore recommended to take at least two cups of fruits and vegetables per day.
Don’t Depend on Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are not good for your health as they don’t offer the same benefits as whole fruits and vegetables – and if taken in inappropriate amounts can alter the balance of other nutrients in the body. Take nutritional supplements only if recommended by your doctor as they may help with some conditions, but may not work to prevent cancer.
Avoid Sugar
Once the craving for sugar sets in it becomes difficult to resist – especially for the children, but the fact is that if you overcome such craving, you will get another arsenal in your fight against cancer. Sugar is not good for your health as it nullifies the fruitful effects of fruits and vegetables you eat by displacing good nutrients, increasing calories count and contributing to obesity – all risk factors for cancer. The better alternative to sugar is a fruit packed with nutrient punch.
Be Active
People who stay active throughout the day by actively managing day-to-day activities, work, exercise and proper rest are less likely to get cancer compared to those who lead a sedentary life. Those who move around, work and exercise, remain more active, agile and energetic and prevent the build-up of fat and stress-induced hormones that are linked to cancer. Furthermore, active people are less likely to get other serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Get Screened
The chances of better cure are more if the cancer signs and symptoms are spotted early and cancer is diagnosed in the initial stage itself. There are several screening tests available for screening colon, prostate, breast and cervical cancers. If you think you are at risk, then it is better to approach your physician at the earliest and ask the doctor about the screening tests that you may need to get done.
In addition to the above 7 ways to prevent cancer, there are other measures that you can take to prevent breast, uterine and cervical cancers.
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