Choose Right, Live Life

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. About 70% of world’s cancer deaths occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. By and large people believe Cancer to be a sheer bad luck. But according to WHO around one third of cancer deaths are generally a result of inappropriate lifestyle choices, which people are not aware of. And experts say that it can be prevented to some extent by making some minor changes in the lifestyle. 

Here are some of the tips that may help to reduce the risk of cancer.

• Quit smoking and avoid drinking: 90% of lung cancer cases are related to tobacco smoking. A research study has indicated that quitting smoking has lowered the risk of cancer in lungs, mouth, throat and larynx. It is not that everyone who drinks alcohol develops cancer yet unquestionably, there is a correlation between the two and people who drink and smokes at the same time multiply the risk of developing it.    

• Exercise regularly: Being physically active or regular exercising for at least 30 minutes often improve the physical condition and overall quality of life.

•  Eat balanced diet: A balanced diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, dairy food and rich in fibres may reduce the chances of having cancer. But at the same time you should cut down on consumption of trans and saturated fats. These fats are referred as ‘bad fats’ and red meat ,doughnuts, fast foods, fried food are the common sources of such fats.  

•  Avoid prolonged exposure to sun: Vitamin D, a very important component of sunlight is essential for proper maturation and reproduction of cell. Lack of this vitamin may lead to risk multiple cancers but this exposure to sun for generating vitamin D is necessary just for few minutes. Staying out in sun for long hours may increase likelihood of having skin cancer. So, try wearing light coloured clothes and applying sunscreen lotion before stepping out.

•        Regular cancer screening: If you have a family history of cancer then you should probably go in for cancer screening tests as these tests may increase the possibilities of early diagnosis and treatment.