4 Tips To Prevent Cancer
There is no 100% effective method to prevent cancer. Remember that this is one of the most important diseases today. It is estimated that during 2018 there were approximately 18.1 million cases worldwide. For this reason, it is important that we take steps to try to reduce the risk of suffering from it.
The development of cancer is linked to a person’s exposure to known risk factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a risk factor as: “any trait, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases their probability of suffering a disease or injury.”
Some of the risk factors cannot be avoided, since they are intrinsic to the person, such as age, sex or some genetic mutation. Therefore, we will focus on avoiding or reducing exposure to certain substances and will try to adopt some healthy behavior patterns. Discover them!
Tips to prevent cancer
According to information from the Mayo Clinic, it is well accepted that our chances of developing cancer are affected by our lifestyle choices. In this sense, we must know that we can prevent, or at least reduce risks, with some changes. Let’s see the most important ones below.
1. Avoid tobacco use
Smoking is one of the most important risk factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking was related to 22% of all cancer deaths worldwide in 2004. This was the equivalent of the total of 1.6 million people worldwide.
Tobacco is linked to more than 10 types of cancer, with lung cancer being the most important. Studies have revealed that 16% of smokers who have used tobacco from a young age develop lung cancer by the age of 60.
Other forms of smoking, such as cigars and water pipes, are perceived as less toxic, which, unfortunately, generates false confidence for the user and a greater risk for passive smokers. There are no safe forms of smoking, so we must avoid it under all circumstances.
2. Lose weight to prevent cancer
Obesity is related to at least 8 different types of cancer and, for the most part, they belong to the gastrointestinal tract. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), obesity is directly related to:
- 39% of endometrial cancer cases.
- 37% of esophageal cancer.
- 25% kidney cancer
- 11% colorectal cancer
- 9% of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Consuming too much red meat and canned goods may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, regular physical activity and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy body weight can help us prevent cancer.
3. Consume alcohol moderately
Alcohol consumption is linked to oral cavity cancer and 7 other types of cancer. These different types of cancer include breast cancer in women. The risk of suffering from some type of cancer is related to the amount consumed.
The recommendation is not to exceed two regular glasses of wine or two bottles of light beer a day, in the case of men. In the case of women, the ideal is not to exceed a glass of regular wine or a bottle of clear beer a day.
4. Avoid excessive sun exposure
Ionizing radiation is carcinogenic to humans. One of these is ultraviolet radiation, that is, one of the radiation emitted by the sun. This type of radiation is closely related to different types of skin cancer, mainly melanoma.
According to estimates made in 2018, approximately 55,000 deaths annually are caused by melanoma. The recommendations that the WHO gives us to avoid the harmful effect of the solar ultraviolet rays are:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Use sunscreen
- Wear clothing that covers most of the body to avoid exposure to the sun’s rays.
Final recommendations to prevent cancer
In addition to the above, there are other actions that we can consider when it comes to preventing cancer. In this sense, we must try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, reduce sugar consumption and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Likewise, it is convenient to go to the doctor on a regular basis and request relevant tests, especially if we have risk factors.
