Cancer prevention. Is It possible?

Cancer prevention. Is It possible?

Cancer is among the 10 leading causes of death in the world, according to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), in particular: tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer.

Although these statistics do not sound very encouraging, doctors have made great progress in understanding the way cancer cells act, and have already been able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. But instead of waiting for new technological advances, much can be done to prevent cancer right now.

You may also be interested in…

What you can do to prevent cancer

  • Stop smoking, this is the most important risk factor we can control. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer is to stop smoking or, even better, never start.
  • Avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Use sunscreen, avoid midday sun, wear protective clothing when outdoors and avoid sunbeds.
  • Limit alcohol consumption, drinking too much increases your risk of cancer.
  • Exercise. The American Institute for Cancer Research currently recommends exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, or at least 3 times per week.
  • Know your family’s medical history in depth. If you have a family history of cancer, your chances of suffering from the disease are higher.
  • Eat healthily. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of not only developing cancer, but also heart disease, diabetes and other life threatening diseases.  
  • Eliminate all animal protein and processed foods.
  • Practice safe sex. Certain viruses that can be transmitted through sex, have been linked to cancer. Wear a condom.  
  • Get regular check ups, including detection tests that may help detect cancer before any symptoms appear.
  • Check that your house, place of work or the place where you spend most of your time, does not contain toxic substances like Radon, a radioactive gas that can leach into the soil or water supply.
  • Avoid exposing yourself to potentially carcinogenic chemicals, by always reading the labels when choosing products that have hazardous ingredients, both at home and at work.
  • Men between the ages of 15 and 35 should have regular check ups with a doctor to check for signs of testicular cancer, as well as perform regular self examinations.
  • Men over the age of 50 should carry out regular detection exams for colon and prostate cancer.

Detection tests can help detect malignant diseases in the early stages, but you should also be aware of potential warning signs. The American Cancer Society has established the following warning symptoms that could be a sign of cancer:

  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • A wound that does not heal
  • Abnormal bleeding or secretion
  • Growth or lump in the breast or other part of the body
  • Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
  • Noticeable change to a mole or freckle
  • Persistent cough or hoarseness of the throat

There are many ways to prevent cancer, ignorance is not an excuse to open the door to such a serious disease that takes the lives of so many each year. Do you research and seek advice.