“How to prevent cancer? Can cancer be prevented? Yes, some types of cancer can be prevented by modifying certain habits or avoiding certain substances. While the exact cause of cancer is not known, lung cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer can be linked to specific habits or substances.”
Following are some preventable strategies:
Quit smoking: How to prevent cancer
Chain smokers are usually at risk of developing lung or oral cancer than those who do not smoke. However, quitting smoking can decrease the risk of this type of cancer.
Lower alcohol limit:
Mostly gastric cancer and liver cancer are associated with excessive alcohol usage. The acidic content of alcohol spontaneously irritates the wall of the stomach or gastric wall. Secondly, it affects liver tissues. continuous exposure to alcohol can irritate liver cells that can mutate into cancer cells very easily. Hence, Limiting the use of alcohol can prevent a person from being affected with cancer.
Limit exposure to viruses:
Please remember the following: Avoid coming into contact with viruses such as hepatitis B, C, HPV, and dengue viruses. You can prevent hepatitis by avoiding having multiple sexual partners, and by not using the services of street barbers. Additionally, avoid using personal items such as razors and brushes used by an infected person, whether at home or in the office. Be especially cautious during dengue season to prevent becoming infected with the dengue virus.
Use of Organic diet:
“Organic food contains many healthy nutrients, while processed food has fewer beneficial elements. Additionally, processed food often contains chemicals called preservatives. When processed food is fried or smoked, it can produce carcinogenic products due to the presence of nitrites and nitrates. Therefore, consuming organic food can help build immunity and keep a person feeling fresh and healthy.”
Avoid overconsumption of red meat:
Red meat is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This is because red meat contains heme iron, which is a type of iron found in animal tissues. Consuming high amounts of heme iron can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which significantly contribute to the development of cancer.
Avoid sugary drinks: How to prevent cancer
Sugary drinks contain high amounts of added sugars and calories but lack essential nutrients. Consuming too many calories can lead to overweight and obesity, which can in turn increase the risk of developing several types of cancers. Regular consumption of sugars can also lead to insulin resistance, causing cells to become less responsive to insulin. This can result in elevated levels of insulin, which may increase the risk of developing cancer. In addition, the lack of essential nutrients and high-calorie content in sugary drinks contributes to obesity, which is also a risk factor for cancer.
Regular exercise: How to prevent cancer?
Regular exercise helps keep a person strong and healthy. It aids in maintaining a healthy weight and prevents fat deposition in the body, which can lead to obesity and other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Some studies have suggested a link between obesity and cancer. Therefore, staying active and consistent with exercise can help prevent cancer to some extent.
Maintain an ideal weight:
Obesity can lead to various inflammatory processes in the body, which in turn can increase the risk of cancer. Keeping a balanced weight can help prevent these inflammatory processes, reducing the risk of cancer. Maintain a healthy weight by consuming low-calorie foods, exercising regularly, and consuming antioxidant-rich juices.
Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure:
As radiation can cause cancer, unnecessary exposure should be limited to prevent cancer. This can be achieved by reducing unnecessary hospital visits, and local physicians and practitioners should limit X-rays or scans for minor illnesses.
Safe handling of chemicals especially pesticides:
“Pesticides are believed to be a cause of cancer. Individuals working in fields and dealing with farming or crops should minimize their use of strong chemicals. If necessary, personal protective equipment should be used properly to minimize exposure to the human body, such as wearing a proper mask to prevent inhalation of particles, and using proper gloves to protect hands from contact.”
USE OF Personal protective equipment:
“People who work with chemotherapeutic or nuclear agents, especially in hospital settings, should use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize the harmful effects of these drugs. Studies have shown that people working in environments where cytotoxic drugs are used extensively have traces of these drugs in their blood and urine when tested. Therefore, using proper safety measures can help prevent exposure to these harmful substances.”
Regular screening:
It’s important to undergo proper screening for certain diseases, such as self-breast examination and mammography, as it can help detect early changes in breast tissues and aid in early detection. Additionally, individuals with a family history of breast cancer can opt for elective mastectomy (breast removal) to lower their risk of developing breast cancer.
Detoxification:
Our bodies contain free radicals, which can contribute to the development of cancer. Eating foods rich in vitamins that have strong detoxifying properties can help prevent cancer by eliminating these free radicals. For example, natural fruits like beetroot juice, carrot juice, raspberries, and mulberries are known to help detoxify the body.
Boost your immunity:
“Our environment is full of toxins, bacteria, and viruses. When a person comes in contact with these, it can weaken their immunity. A healthy person with a strong immune system can fight off these causative agents. However, when the immune system is compromised, these toxins can overcome the host and cause disease. Boosting one’s immunity can help prevent such infections and may also help prevent certain types of cancer.”
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is essential for mothers as it helps prevent breast cancer. Most breast cancer cases develop within the milk-producing ducts. Breastfeeding helps maintain normal hormonal levels and keeps the ducts inside the breast open and unobstructed, which may prevent the occurrence of breast cancer.
Maintaining vitamin levels in your body:
There are certain vitamins and minerals believed to have protective effects against cancer, such as vitamin D and vitamin B12. Maintaining these nutrients within normal levels may help prevent cancer.
Be Mentally Relaxed.
Prolonged stress can have a big impact on your health by causing hormone imbalances and triggering inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer. It’s crucial to include activities such as yoga, jogging, and swimming in your daily routine to help alleviate stress. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy social life by engaging in meaningful conversations with loved ones and staying connected with supportive people can also contribute to stress reduction.
