Did you know that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally? One in every six deaths across the globe are due to cancer. As per the reports of the National Cancer Registry Programme Of India more than 1300 people die due to cancer everyday in the country.
This is one of the most deadliest diseases affecting people of different genders, age groups, and regions worldwide. People end up spending a fortune in the cancer hospitals in Bangalore and other cities.
What is Cancer?
The abnormal rapid growth of cells in any part of the human body is known as cancer. In this case, the old cells which are supposed to die , don’t die and new cells start growing . Cancer is also known as malignancy. There are about 200 types of cancers like lung cancer, breast cancer , bone cancer , skin cancer, blood cancer, etc. In many cases if the cancer cells are not treated on time they tend to become fatal, leading to the death of the patient.
There are many ways in which cancer can be treated. The treatment depends on the type of cancer a person is diagnosed with. The most common treatments for cancer are surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Other forms of treatment include immunotherapy, targeted therapy and laser treatment.
Though cancer is very dangerous, it can be prevented. The doctors of the best cancer hospitals in Bangalore say that following a few steps and making a few changes in our lifestyle reduces the risk of cancer.
Tips to reduce the risk of cancer:
● Healthy weight:
Over weight is one of the major causes for cancer. Obesity can lead to various types of cancers like breast, kidney, colon, pancreatic, endometrium and esophagus cancer. The maintenance of healthy body weight can reduce the risk of cancer. Healthy weight can be achieved through proper diet and regular exercise.
● Healthy diet:
Fresh vegetables and fruits contain various essential nutrients like vitamin C, E, A, iron and many more. Eating plant based foods like green leafy vegetables and nuts help in the prevention of cancer. The intake of processed meat and red meat should be limited, since they increase the risk of cancer. Tomatoes, grapes, green tea, garlic, onion, whole grains, beans and fish have abundant amounts of antioxidants and nutrients which help in fighting against various types of cancer.
● Regular exercise:
Regular physical activity lowers the risk of different cancers like breast, colon and kidney. Not just cancer exercise prevents other deadly diseases like heart stroke, blood pressure and obesity. Vigorous exercise of at least 30 minutes per day is suggested.
● Say no to tobacco:
Tobacco is one of the serious causes for cancer. Usage of tobacco in any form leads to various cancers like lung, mouth, pharynx, larynx, throat, pancreas, bladder , kidney and cervix. More than 7000 chemicals are present in tobacco smoke out of which 250 are harmful. 50 chemicals out of these are linked to cancer. Passive smoking also increases the risk of lung cancer. It is important to quit smoking for better prevention.
● Limit alcohol:
The risk of mouth, liver, kidney, breast, colon cancer and other types of cancers increases with the intake of alcohol. It is also suggested to avoid alcohol based foods. Consuming at least one alcoholic drink per day increases 5 to 30% risk of being attacked by various types of cancers. It is advised to quit drinking for better health.
● Protection from the Sun:
The sunrays consist of harmful ultraviolet rays which cause skin cancer. The sun rays are strongest from 10am to 4pm, it is advised to stay indoors or under shade during this period. Usage of sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF of minimum 30 reduces the impact of ultraviolet rays on our skin. Also, the sunscreen should be reapplied after every 2 hours. Tanning beds and sunlamps should also be avoided as they emit harmful ultraviolet rays.
● Get regular health checkups / screenings:
Cancer identified in very early stages can be treated and restricted from spreading to other organs in the body. Cancer cells can be identified only through screening. Regular health checkups and screenings should be done for better and early treatment.
Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Poor diet, hygiene and lifestyle increases the risk of various types of cancers. These simple yet effective lifestyle changes should be adapted to prevent this unpredictable disease. The above mentioned tips are also useful in preventing various other dreadful diseases. Following these tips would help us lead a healthier and longer life.