According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (Oncology), there has been a significant 79% rise in new cancer cases among individuals under the age of 50 worldwide over the past three decades[1].
Every year, November 7th is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day, dedicated to a noble cause to stress the importance of early detection and cancer prevention. This date is not chosen randomly; it coincides with the birth anniversary of the eminent scientist Madame Curie. Her work laid the foundation for nuclear energy and the development of radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
On this day, individuals come together to pay homage to her legacy and renew our commitment to raising awareness about the significance of cancer prevention and early detection. For 2023, the chosen theme emphasizes the critical need to ‘Close the Care Gap,’ highlighting the significance of providing equitable cancer care for all individuals.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) states that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including measures like abstaining from tobacco and receiving immunizations against cancer-causing infections, can potentially prevent 30-50% of cancer cases[2].
Here are some preventive tips to reduce your risk of developing cancer through healthy choices, which include:
1. Get Vaccinated Against HPV and Hepatitis B: In low- and middle-income countries, infections that can lead to cancer, like hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV), contribute to as much as 25% of cancer cases[2]. Fortunately, vaccines are accessible for hepatitis B and certain HPV strains.
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2. Get Screened Regularly: Regular cancer screenings, including mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for bowel cancer, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer can help detect cancer in time. Prioritize these routine check-ups to detect and address potential issues early, enhancing your chances of a healthier, cancer-free life.
3. Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco use is a leading cause of various cancers, particularly lung, mouth, and throat cancers. Not using tobacco in any form, including smoking and smokeless products, is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cancer.
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4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is a recognized risk factor for several cancer types, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and breast. The likelihood of developing cancer increases in proportion to the quantity of alcohol consumed.
5. Maintain Healthy Body Weight: A healthy weight helps control inflammation and provides essential nutrients for well-being. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of several cancer types.
6. Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Excess weight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including those affecting the esophagus, colorectal, breast, endometrium, and kidneys[3]. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and following a balanced diet can help mitigate this risk.
7. Opt for Nutrient-Rich Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants and essential nutrients to help prevent cancer. These foods support the body’s defense against cancer-causing agents.
8. Get Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation, primarily from the sun and artificial tanning devices, is essential for reducing the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid excessive UVA and UVB radiation[4]. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
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9. Minimizing Occupational Radiation Exposure: To safeguard against cancers, it is important to limit your exposure to radiation while at work, ensuring the lowest possible levels of occupational radiation exposure.
Cancer may challenge your strength, but it can never shatter your resilience. With the right preventative tips, rest assured in your fight against cancer.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. Zhao J, Xu L, Sun J, et al. Global trends in incidence, death, burden and risk factors of early-onset cancer from 1990 to 2019. BMJ Oncology 2023;2:e000049. Available online: https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000049
2. World Health Organization. Home/Activities/Preventing cancer. Available online: https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-cancer
3. Pati S, Irfan W, Jameel A, Ahmed S, Shahid RK. Obesity and Cancer: A Current Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Outcomes, and Management. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Jan 12;15(2):485.Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9857053/#:~:text=Obesity%20has%20been%20linked%20to,cancers%20are%20attributed%20to%20obesity.
4. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Melanoma: How can you avoid too much sun? 2015 Sep 10 [Updated 2018 Nov 29]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321123/