Cancer Prevention Tips

Either we like it or not, cancer affects most of us directly or indirectly. It’s hard to define, who is going to be the patient of cancer.

However cancer prevention is easier than we may think. With slight change in lifestyle, we can minimize our risk of developing any type of cancer.

Avoid smoking

All of us almost daily hear that, the smoking is injurious to health. Eve some packs of cigarettes deliver the warning “smoking causes lung cancer and heart diseases.” Smoking is the most important risk factor for cancers that is in our own control. Except lung cancer, smoking can be the main culprit for many other cancers.

Take good care of your skin

Skin cancer is spreading swiftly, especially among youngsters. Use sunscreen when outdoors, even if it is shady. Try to stay indoor as much as you can, during the sun’s peak hours, from10 am to 2 pm. Uttermost requirement is, to notice your skin’s moles and spots. Any change in your skin needs immediate attention of professional.

Eat fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables are the best source of antioxidants, which repair our damaged cells. Green veggies and orange and yellow fruits are well-known in reducing the risks of cancer.

Avoid too much animal fats and smoked or cured foods

Research has proven that, a diet contain lots of animal fat can lead to the development of certain cancers. A diet high in smoked foods, salted fish and meat, and pickled vegetables increases risk factor for cancer.

Cut down alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol drinking regularly increases your risk for cancer. Studies suggest that, men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks and women who have 1 alcoholic drink each day notably increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.

Exercise

Being obese significantly increases chances of developing cancer. So, exercising to maintain or reach your optimum weight is one of the best defenses against cancer.

Family history

Cancers can be genetic; knowing your family history can be helpful and would let you to make, more accurate decisions about your healthcare. It can also aid in genetic testing or counseling and to find out, whether you carry a mutated gene that can cause cancer.

Chemicals exposure

If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, during your work, you must know what you are being exposed to. Gasoline, exhaust diesel, arsenic, polyvinyl chloride, nickel, coal by- products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be easily found in some work environments especially in industry. It’s your right to talk to your employer about limiting exposure.

Safe sex

Unsafe sex can lead to the infection of the HPV virus, an identified cause for cervical cancer. HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Regular screening tests

Make sure you have regular screening tests like the Pap smear and mammogram, for women, and a DRE (digital rectal exam) for man. The Pap and DRE can detect cellular changes before they become cancerous, and the mammogram may detect breast cancer before time.