Prevent cancer before it starts

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There are 2 types of factor that play into cancer. One that is not under our control (<5% of cancer cases)and the other that is definitely under our control. So let’s talk and address those that are under our control. You make choices every day that affect your health.

Educated decisions and steps to help Prevent Cancer risks caused by items that are under control are: ​

1. DON’T USE TOBACCO

In Saurashtra very large % of people (>80% and increasing) are victims of cancer caused by Tobacco (smoking, chewing and snuff). Use of tobacco products has been linked to many types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, breast, throat, cervical, bladder, mouth and esophageal. It’s never too late to quit. About 90 percent of all lung cancer is related to smoking. Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also at risk for lung cancer and other respiratory conditions.​

2. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT AND BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Inactivity and obesity have been linked to breast and colorectal cancer, and there is also some evidence of a link to lung and pancreatic cancer. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day can make a big difference in your general health and well-being by reducing stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk for cancer. Carrying extra pounds increases the risk for multiple cancers.​

3. EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are rich in cancer-fighting nutrients — and the more color, the more nutrients they contain. No single food can prevent cancer, but the right combination of foods may help make a difference.  Eat a variety of vegetables. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption because alcohol can increase your risk for liver, colorectal and breast cancers. If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day if you are a man or one drink a day if you are a woman.

4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

Skin cancer is the most common and most preventable cancer. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually in USA. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes most skin cancer. Be sure to use adequate sun protection year-round.

5. PRACTICE SAFE SEX AND AVOID RISKY BEHAVIORS

Many strains of the Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, are spread through skin to skin contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. High-risk strains of HPV have increasingly been found to cause many types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can also be spread from person to person through unprotected sex. It can cause long-term liver infections that can increase a person’s chance of developing liver cancer.​

6. GET IMMUNIZED (HPV & HEPATITIS VACCINES)

Certain viruses have been linked to cancer, but are preventable through vaccination., such as HPV vaccines. Talk to your doctor for HPV vaccines. Some cancers are linked to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), so HBV vaccination is recommended for babies, older children not vaccinated earlier and adults at risk for HBV infection.

7. KNOW YOUR FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY AND GET REGULAR CANCER SCREENINGS

Talk to your family doctor about cancer screening. Some tests can help detect cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful, and some can also detect precancerous conditions before they become cancer. While screening has been proven to save lives, screening guidelines aren’t always “one size fits all.”