Prevention tips: Lower your chances of suffering from cancer
Here are tips to help you lower your chances of suffering from cancer.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, states the World Health Organisation.
There were an estimated 18.1-million cancer cases around the world in 2020, according to World Cancer Research Fund International.
The site states that 9.3-million cases were in men and 8.8-million in women.
According to cancer.net, there are more than 120 types of cancer and related hereditary syndromes.
What is good to know is that you can decrease your chances of suffering from cancer.
The following tips are from the CANSA organisation.
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Watch what you eat and drink
What you eat has a great impact on your health. Certain food can pose a health risk and expose you to certain diseases including cancer.
CANSA organisation advices eating foods that are not high in sugar.
Cancer.net also advices against eating too much meat.
"Any amount of processed meat and more than around 18 ounces of fresh meat per week are most strongly linked with a higher risk of cancer," states the website.
Fast food or processed foods can also increase one's chance of suffering from cancer.
Also beware of consuming fizzy drinks or sugary drinks.
Exercise
"Research indicates that regular physical activity in combination with smart food and drink choices can help lower the risk for cancer, in particular for colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes," reports CANSA organisation.
Avoid substance abuse
Smoking and drinking non-recommended amount of alcohol can put you at risk of suffering from cancer.
"Smoking has been linked to many types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. Even being around secondhand smoke might increase the risk of lung cancer. But it's not only smoking that's harmful. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the mouth, throat and pancreas," reports Mayo Clinic.
The site also reports: "Alcohol increases the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver. Drinking more increases the risk."
Do regular check-ups
"Knowing your family’s medical history, going for regular health checks and cancer screening is also strongly advised," states CANSA.
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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