Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
What are the most effective ways to prevent cancer?
An aberrant cell growth that has the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body is what is referred to as cancer. Certain lifestyle modifications that may help as cancer preventive measures, include:
Smoking and chewing tobacco have been linked to many types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and kidney. Even passive smoking might increase the risk of lung cancer. For help quitting tobacco, ask a health care provider about smoking cessation products and other ways of quitting.
While consuming a nutritious diet won’t guarantee cancer prevention, it may lower the risk. Consider the following dietary modifications: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting refined sugars and fat from animal sources, drinking alcohol only in moderation, limiting processed meats, and eating fish instead of red meat. A Mediterranean diet rich in mixed nuts and extra-virgin olive oil may lower the risk of breast cancer in certain people.
Does being physically active help curb cancer?
Maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of several cancers. These include kidney, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Physical activity by itself may reduce the incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer, in addition to aiding with weight control. Being physically active is beneficial to your health in every aspect. But for the most benefit, strive for a general goal and include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine.
What are the ways to prevent skin cancer?
One of the most prevalent and easily avoidable types of cancer is skin cancer. First, you must avoid the midday sun and stay in the shade as much as possible. When outdoors, use sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Wear clothes that are bright or dark to cover your skin. More solar radiation is reflected by them than by pastels or bleached cotton. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days and indoors. Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps. These can do as much harm as sunlight in causing cancer.
Can preventing infections also prevent cancer?
Preventing specific viral infections can help in cancer prevention. Consult with your health care provider about getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Refraining from high-risk behaviours that may result in infections and raise the risk of cancer is another useful strategy for preventing cancer. For example, practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles, etc. as regular cancer preventive measures.
Early detection of cancer can be improved by routinely performing self-examinations and getting screened for cancers, including those of the skin, colon, cervix, and breast. The best chance of success for the treatment is at that point. Find out from your medical professional which cancer screening schedule is most appropriate for you.
Do fruits have cancer-preventing effects?
Although some fruit varieties have the ability to prevent cancer, they cannot take the place of conventional cancer treatment. Berries and red grapes are among these fruits.
Berries are high in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Their antioxidant content may mean they have health benefits. Research highlights that bilberries and lingonberries may inhibit tumour formation and cancer growth in digestive tract cancers. Berries have the potential to alter the immune system and impede the growth of cancer. They might also support immunological therapy for cancer, though further study is needed to fully utilise this possibility.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant in red grape skins that has cancer-fighting properties, may act as a tool for preventing cancer, and it could become part of cancer therapy.
While above cancer preventive measures can help prevent cancer to some extent, they shouldn’t be used in place of professional advice specific to the circumstances of each patient. It’s crucial to emphasise that certain lifestyle choices and preventive measures should complement rather than replace personalised medical advice. Every individual’s health profile is unique and influenced by factors such as genetics, medical history, and current health status. Therefore, consulting with healthcare professionals for tailored guidance and screening recommendations is essential for effective cancer prevention and management.
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