Cancer prevention tips and risk factors

World Health Organization (WHO) says 30-50% of cancers can be prevented just like diabetes or hypertension. In the Indian context Oral cancer is among the top three cancers and the second most common cause of death in Indians is due to Cancer, however if detected at an early stage, it is not always fatal. Read on to find out tips to prevent cancer.

Quit Smoking, it harms you.

People who consume tobacco in any form whether it is cigarettes, chewing tobacco are highest risk of developing cancer, even secondhand smoke can prove detrimental for people who don’t smoke. Tobacco consumption can cause cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, stomach, liver, kidney etc. Tobacco smoke has 250 different chemicals, which are harmful for humans and out of these chemicals nearly 65 are capable of causing cancer.

Skip beverages with sugar.

Studies state beverages with high sugar increases the risk of cancer. Regardless of the weight of the person, people who consume sugary drinks develop cancer easily as compared with people who don’t, the study also suggests drinks are responsible for some forms of cancer.

Exercise often.

Body weight directly affects a few cancers. Obesity is one of the major reasons and risk factors for cancer. Being overweight causes cancers of breast, colon, rectum, kidney, pancreas etc. Being overweight adversely affects the immune system and levels of hormones in the body. Eat clean, exercise often and cut down the access fat, if you are obese.

Keeping a healthy body weight is extremely important to prevent cancer. Hit the gymnasium, there are numerous physical activities, which one can opt from. Do yoga, go for a run, or play your favorite sport. People who exercise are at a lesser risk of developing cancer than people who don’t. Exercise for at least half an hour, daily. Break down 30 minutes in three parts, if you can’t take out half an hour in one go.

Adopt small changes in daily living, take the stairs instead of the elevator, give up alcohol, skip that donut, impulsive eating. These small-small actions will have a positive impact on your health. Exercising helps in improves the immune system too and you’ll overall feel more energetic.

Consume more fruits and vegetable

Cancer prevention is possible if people adopt a healthy lifestyle, add more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet, say no to sugar and processed meats. What you eat determines your overall health, include foods rich in antioxidants to your diet.

Prevention is key and so is early detection of cancers; track your health on a regular basis. If cancer runs the family, go for regular screenings and medical check-ups.