Know the “can” in cancer: Curb the menace by raising awareness and choosing a healthy lifestyle

Mumbai, February 4: Millions of people are struggling with a global terror namely Cancer. Medical science has progressed far but still during this disease remains an impossible task. While treatment is costly and tough, an early detection can lower the risk definitely. On World Cancer Day, the pledge should be taken to raise awareness for prevention of cancer, early detection, and change in lifestyle.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases in 2012 . This more alarming is, the number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Globally, nearly 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.

Mend poor lifestyle:

Though still now, the reason of cancer is not known properly but it is certain lifestyle affects a lot. The irregular or poor dietary habits including high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.

Chronic infections as a risk factor:

Some chronic infections are risk factors for cancer and have major relevance in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 15% of cancers diagnosed in 2012 were attributed to carcinogenic infections, including Helicobacter pylori, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, and Epstein-Barr virus (3).

 

There’s a definitely can in cancer if we abide by some suggestions from health specialists, doctors. Here are a handful of suggestions to prevent the deadly menace.

1. Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco.

2. Make your home smoke free. Support smoke-free policies in your workplace.

3. Take action to be a healthy body weight.

4. Be physically active in everyday life. Limit the time you spend sitting.

5. Have a healthy diet by eating plenty of whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits, limiting high-calorie foods (foods high in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary drinks.

6. If you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake. Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention.

7. Avoid too much sun, especially for children. Use sun protection. Do not use sunbeds.

8. In the workplace, protect yourself against cancer-causing substances by following health and safety instructions.