How Can Cancer Be Prevented?
- Thursday, November 19, 2009, 23:27
- Health Care
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Cancer is one of the deadliest and most dreaded diseases of the world. The term ‘cancer’ literally means a crab and is responsible for over 550,000 deaths every year in the United States alone.
While medical science is still under pressure to find cures for different types of cancers, it is known that various diet and lifestyle changes can play a significant role in the prevention of this disease.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancer might be a scary disease, but it can certainly be prevented by making simple amendments in your lifestyle patterns. A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of a healthy life. Thus, by adopting the following measures you can safeguard yourself against the menace called cancer.
Say no to tobacco: Research tells us that smoking is accountable for 80-90% of all lung cancers and 30% of all deaths caused by cancer. Individuals smoking more than 2 packs of cigarettes on a daily basis are 15-25 times more prone to getting struck by cancer in comparison to non-smokers.
When you smoke, the carcinogens in the smoke are transported to your bloodstream, thereby posing a risk for various types of cancer. Intake of smokeless tobacco also increases the risk of oral cancers.
Diet: Medical research has revealed that about one-third of all cancers are associated to our diet. Individuals consuming a low-fat diet with high fiber content along with plant foods abounding in phytochemicals are at a reduced risk for developing cancer.
Processed, smoked, artificially flavored and high fat foods should be avoided. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation and heavy drinkers are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer as well as cancers of the larynx, esophagus, liver and throat.
Obesity: Watch your weight before it is too late. Obese individuals are at an increased risk of developing colon, uterine and breast cancer. Regular exercise and healthy weight management significantly lowers the risk of cancer.
Skin protection: It is essential for you to apply a good sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before stepping outdoors. The ultraviolet radiation of the sun can cause skin cancer. Avoid going to tanning salons as they do not offer safe tans.
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