Do you know that there is a presence of cancer cells in all our bodies? But some people get majorly affected by a particular kind of cancer during their lifetime. They develop slowly within our systems, but what if we tell you that there are certain life choices that you can adopt to save yourself from the risks.
This February 4, World Cancer Day you can reduce the risks of developing cancer, just by being a little cautious with the way you live. Here is how:
A healthy balanced weight with an active lifestyle
Staying healthy and active is the key. Because an excess weight leads to the production and circulation of more estrogen and insulin the body. These hormones result in cancer growth. A healthy weight lowers the risk of breast, prostrate, lung, colon and kidney cancers.
Medical experts reveal that an adult requires at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week to prevent cancer. Apart from the exercise, on must ensure keeping their body active during the day, just by doing anything be it cycling, walking, pickle ball or anything for the movement.
Mindful eating
It is very important to take care of your diet, what you eat and drink. 50% of preventable cancers are a result of the food we eat. Opting for a plant based diet, a limited consumption of red meat and alcohol prevents risk of certain types of cancers.
Notably, alcohol increases the risk of breast, colon, lung, kidney and especially liver cancer. The heavy drinkers are at a more possible risk. A balanced diet that includes green veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds, that has got all the necessary requirements for the body is the best possible measure.
Plus, it is necessary to avoid smoking. Tobacco is a major cause behind certain cancers. It not only affects the lungs, but also kidneys, pancreas and even the bladder.
Regular screening
This is something that people opt not do, unless something major happens with their health. Regular self-exams and routine screenings are necessary, so that you can detect early traits of cancer, if any. You can take breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, lung cancer screening, and colorectal cancer screening, the ones that are very common these days. Regular screening and pap tests will help you keep in check your health, as well as not cause anything major all of a sudden.
The genes, DNA and family history down the line
People realize this quite late in life. They aren’t aware of the lineage passed on, if the disease runs in the family it plays a vital role in understanding about your cancer risk. If you have a history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colorectal cancer, then you have a high possible risk of developing these cancers.
For, it is rightly said, “It runs in the family.” The family that you are related by blood, i.e. your biological parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. their health history says a lot. And the similar, you will pass it on to your children.
Avoid the risk of infections
Some kinds of behaviors carry the risk of infections, which ultimately results in development of cancers. These can be avoided through:
Safe sex- practicing safe sex is necessary. It involves the use of condoms. Moreover, limiting the sexual partners. Because then you have greater chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV or HPV. There is a high risk of having anus, liver and lung cancers. And mostly, cervical cancer in women.
Do not share needles- Using drugs with shared needles leads to HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C that can affect liver.
There is no possible measure known that can completely prevent cancer, but still certain life choices can make a difference with reducing that risk of developing cancer. Therefore, this World Cancer Day make sure you incorporate these measures and even make others around you aware of them.