The Big C sounds scary. People who have it know the battle is long and challenging. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery at a cancer hospital in Navi Mumbai can take a toll on your physical and mental health. While there’s no foolproof way to prevent cancer, some tips, especially lifestyle modifications, can reduce your risk. Here’s a look.
- A Healthy Diet Matters
Choose a Mediterranean diet. Although it doesn’t make you immune to cancer, it can lower the risk. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and plant-based foods. Switch red meat with fish.
- Quit Tobacco
Did you know 9 out of 10 deaths due to lung cancer occur because of smoking tobacco? Smoking isn’t only linked to lung cancer, but can increase your risk of getting colorectal, breast, ovarian, head, and neck cancers. If you haven’t quit smoking already, do it now.
- Cover Yourself in the Sun
Many cases of melanoma are linked to constant exposure to the harmful UV rays. When you go out in the sun, cover yourself with a scarf. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, protective glasses, and a hat if needed.
- Get Vaccines
Certain viruses can cause cancer. HPV, for example, is associated with increased risk of cervical cancer, although not everyone who has it develops cancer. It’s best to get vaccinated just to be on the safe side.
- Keep Your Weight Under Control
Obesity is also linked to certain types of cancers, like breast, pancreatic, colorectal, and kidney (to name a few). You don’t have to go overboard with dieting. Losing a few pounds can be effective in mitigating your risk.
- Quit Alcohol
Avoid alcohol, as it’s another contributing factor to increased cancer risk. There’s no known safe amount of alcohol that can reduce your risk of developing cancer. It’s best to quit drinking, especially if you have a gene mutation that’s associated with an increased risk of cancer.
- Manage Stress
Although not directly linked to cancer, stress can disrupt hormonal balance, get you into unhealthy habits, like smoking, and make your immune system weak. All of these increase your risk of developing cancer.
- Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as pesticides, asbestos, and radon, can cause cancer. Radon, specifically, is a common cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Keep your home well-ventilated and wear protective gear when working in environments with high chemical use.
- Be Physically Active
Physical activity won’t just keep you fit, but is believed to lower your risk of cancer. Walking, biking, and exercise are all ways to keep yourself fit and minimize your cancer risk.
- Get Screenings
A cancer specialist in Navi Mumbai recommends screenings for different types of cancers depending on your age, lifestyle, and genetics. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smear tests are common screenings. It’s advisable to get these early on to detect the cancer before it even begins.
Conclusion
While many types of cancers develop because of mutations in the genes, a family history, and other factors that might not be in your control, most can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. From avoiding tobacco and alcohol to eating healthy and exercising regularly, small changes in your lifestyle can make a huge difference.