In today’s hectic lifestyle, cancer has become a dangerous and deadly disease, claiming lakhs of lives in India alone. All of this happens because of our poor lifestyle choices and dietary choices. It’s time we take some serious steps to avoid catching the disease in the first place.
According to a World Health Organization report on cancer in India, it has been considered a prominent disease.
Furthermore, cancer is claiming lives every year in India and this is quite a harrowing and scary picture for the people.
On the other hand, according to a report from India Against Cancer, around 8.5 lakh people died because of cancer in the year 2020. So, even during Covid times, people were battling with this deadly disease and losing lives.
Therefore, as technology is increasing the chances of survival for cancer patients, we still need to be quite aware of our health and lifestyle so that we don’t allow this disease to take control of our lives and hamper it.
Meanwhile, oncologist Dr Leena Dadhwal of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute has a different take on cancer. She is of the opinion that people with low immunity levels face the ill effects of cancer more.
The exact cause of cancer is not known, but the growth of a cancerous tumour mainly happens because of low immunity. Foreign cancer cells can invade the body and not be detected if one’s immunity is low. A good immune system requires a healthy lifestyle, which can significantly reduce the chances of cancer.
Meanwhile, a recent study with the title ‘Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes in the National Library of Medicine has stated that around 5 to 10 percent arise because of genetic defects while the rest arise because of poor lifestyle choices.
The evidence indicates that all of the cancer-related deaths, almost 25-30 percent are due to tobacco, as many as 30-35 percent are linked to diet, about 15-20 percent are due to infections, and the remaining percentage is due to other factors like radiation, stress, physical activity, environmental pollutants etc.
5 Ways in which you can kick cancer out of your life
So, according to Dr Dhadwal, the below-mentioned five tips can help overcome cancer.
Doing Daily Exercise
Any form of physical exercise is quite beneficial for our health and helps in keeping cancer away.
Says Dr Dhadwal on the habit of exercising for people on a daily basis,
At least 40 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as fast cycling, brisk walking, swimming or yoga is recommended. However, it is advisable to practice mindful exercising, where one concentrates on their movement, limbs, and breathing, instead of having any distractions.
Thus, we must always take to exercising if we are to keep the cancer cells away from our bodies.
Start Eating Healthy
Apparently, eating a well-balanced and healthy diet increases our chances to fight off cancer. When we have a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, we can be assured of a good and long life.
According to Dr Dhadwal,
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, containing antioxidants can help protect against cancer, while red meats and processed foods should be consumed less.
Some of the cancer-fighting foods that we can incorporate into our diet are cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
Avoid the Usage of Tobacco in Any Form
Smoking and the usage of tobacco items are already injurious to the person in the habit as well as the passive smokers who surround him/her.
Therefore, it is high time that people should dump the habit and adopt a healthier and smoke-free life.
Says Dr Dhadwal,
Smoking is not only a threat for the smokers but for the passive smokers as well.
Meanwhile, smoking and tobacco use causes multiple types of cancers such as oral, lung, bladder, pancreas, and throat.
Reduction in Alcohol Consumption is a Must
On the other hand, apart from tobacco use, people must also consciously stop drinking alcohol in huge quantities.
While small amounts will not cause any major effects, small droplets are enough to cause heart and liver diseases.
Says Dr Dhadwal,
According to studies, 30 ml and 60 ml alcohol intake for women and men respectively is acceptable daily. However, more research needs to be done to estimate the exact amount of alcohol which can be consumed.
Protection from Sun Essential to Avoid Skin Cancer
To ensure that you don’t get the ill effects of skin cancer, it is highly advisable that you use sunscreen.
Additionally, wear full-sleeved clothing and avoid going out in the afternoons as the sun is at its highest peak.
According to Dr Dhadwal,
Use sunscreen of a minimum of SPF 30, wear full clothes and try not to step out in the sun during the middle of the day as sun rays are strongest.
So, these are some of the tips that you can follow quite easily while trying to win the battle against cancer.
Moreover, these tips also ensure that you can live your life to the fullest and enjoy it to the max.
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