It's important to educate the public about cancer disease, including early identification, signs, and symptoms associated with Cancer. At the same time, spreading awareness about lifestyle changes that can prevent the occurrence of Cancer is also paramount to effectively reduce the mortalities affected by this disease.
Dr Anil Heroor, HOD & Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund said, “Although there are no causative factors responsible for the occurrence of Cancer, there are high risks that it is associated with a combination of multiple factors. In this regard, awareness about the factors, particularly those that can be controlled, like dietary and lifestyle factors, is essential. By spreading awareness about the impact of lifestyle choices on increasing the risk of Cancer, it is possible also to ensure early diagnosis that can easily lead to better patient outcomes and even be the difference between life and death.”
How do lifestyle factors impact cancer risk?
An independent study showed that some expected, avoidable risk factors cause most preventable Cancers. Most of these risk factors are related to addictions that can be stopped or controlled by making appropriate lifestyle choices.
“For instance, refraining from smoking, avoiding harmful UV radiation, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol consumption, and consuming meals that focus on fruits & vegetables instead of processed food items can go a long way in reducing Cancer risk,” said Dr Heroor.
“There is no doubt that family history also plays a vital role in increasing the risk of Cancer. However, these factors are rarely in our control. On the other hand, smoking and drinking alcohol, which are proven risk factors, are those that can be controlled. While having a family history of Cancer and addictions like smoking and drinking are all risk factors, the latter can be prevented if a person does not indulge in those habits,” he added.
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Drinking alcohol is today a significant form of addiction that is responsible for increasing Cancer cases. This habit can cause several cancers, including Cancer in various organs, including the Liver, Pancreas, and Gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
In the current scenario, tobacco is responsible for a wide range of cancers in an individual. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016-17, nearly 267 million adults (15 years and above) in India (29% of all adults) are users of tobacco. This one substance is responsible for a lot of cancer cases, ranging from cancers of the head and neck to cancer in the urinary bladder. Besides tobacco, consumption of gutka (an Indian variant of smokeless tobacco with high levels of carcinogens) is also responsible for many Oral Cancers in the Indian subcontinent.
What lifestyle choices can help decrease Cancer risk?
“Although 5% - 10% of Cancer cases that occur are related to family history and other factors that cannot be controlled, the rest of the cases are associated with lifestyle choices. This is because many people consider addictions like smoking and drinking alcohol to be 'cool'; especially those who belong to the younger generation. While these are fine occasionally, these habits can have long-term consequences, especially if they are done without any repercussions,” Dr Herror explained.
The two most important pillars for a Cancer-free life are daily exercise and a healthy diet. Being Obese can increase a person's risk of contracting 13 different types of Cancer, which include Breast (post-menopause), Bowel, Kidney, Liver, Endometrial, Ovarian, Stomach, Thyroid, Oesophagus, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Multiple Myeloma, and Prostate (advanced) cancers.
Besides helping to keep extra weight from accumulating in the body, regular exercise can reduce Insulin and Insulin-like growth factors, which can promote the growth of cancer cells. In addition, physical activities can also reduce exposure to dietary carcinogens (known to cause Cancer) by speeding up food passing through the bowel.
On the other hand, focusing on having a balanced meal rich in essential nutrients is also vital in the fight against Cancer. Since fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, they reduce the risk of certain cancers. Not just that, they are also low in overall calories, which can help maintain a healthy body weight, adding further protection against Cancer.
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While unhealthy fats and saturated fats should not be a part of any healthy diet, it is equally important to avoid red meat for Cancer risk. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats, including Ham, Bacon, Salami and Frankfurts, as a group 1 carcinogen (known to cause Cancer), which means that there's strong evidence that processed meats cause Cancer.
Bottomline
All in all, it is essential to understand that though Cancer is not entirely preventable, proper lifestyle changes can reduce the risk. These lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, not smoking or drinking, and getting preventive health check-ups on time.