With a few simple changes in our lifestyle we can positively impact our overall health and even stave off dreaded diseases such as cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) cigarette and alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are some of the leading cancer risk factors all over the world. And veering away from these unhealthy practices can cut cancer deaths by over 30 percent.
Though there is no proven way to prevent cancer, one can reduce the chances of being inflicted with the disease. Here are some tips that can help anyone steer clear from the ‘Big C’.
Stop smoking.
The use of tobacco, its by-products, and exposure to secondhand smoke are blamed for the high number of patients who suffer from lung cancer. WHO estimates that around 1.59 million people worldwide die of this form of cancer. It is also one of the leading forms of cancer that afflicts both men and women. Here in the country, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) offers tobacco-cessation services through in-person behavioral counseling and tobacco-cessation medication treatments.
Drink moderately.
Excessive intake of alcohol can heighten an individual’s risk of getting several forms of cancer such as: oral cancer, pharynx and larynx cancer, cancer of the esophagus, colorectal cancer in men, and breast cancer. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) says that it can possibly increase the risk of cancer of the liver and colorectal cancer for women. The agency advises that men limit their alcohol intake to 3-4 alcohol units per day that’s roughly less than three cans of beer, while women may drink up to 2-3 alcohol units or a glass of wine.
Eat healthy.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can hold the key in staving off not only cancer but other lifestyle diseases as well. The NHS advises to increase intake of fruits and vegetables to at least five portions a day. Starchy food, such as bread and rice, can also be a vital addition to one’s diet especially if it’s wholegrain because of the added fiber. Meat, fish, eggs, and other non-dairy sources of protein are also vital to a healthy diet, but consumers need to minimize their consumption of red and processed meats. For more tips about making your diet healthier ACI offers nutrition and diet counselling.
Be more active and maintain a healthy weight.
The National Nutrition Council says that one out of three adults in the country is obese. Obesity or being overweight can increase one’s risk to getting various types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of five cancer deaths can be linked to obesity. By living an active lifestyle and losing weight, an individual can drastically cut the possibility of developing cancer in the future.
Get screened.
Early screening and diagnosis is key to higher survivability rates for patients with cancer. According to WHO, early screening greatly decreases cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society, advises that women have yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40 and cervical cancer test should begin at 21 years old. For men and women, screening for colorectal cancer needs to start at the age of 50. While prostate cancer screening for men should start when a man hits 50 years old, but if an individual has relatives who had the disease before he needs to be screened as early as 45 years old. ACI offers various screening services for patients young and old in its Simply Women and Emmanuel Centers. Cancer risk assessment and genetic counselling are also offered in ACI’s Chrys Two Center.