Diet and lifestyle measures that can reduce your risk of cancer

One of the most common causes of mortality all over the world, cancer has spread across all demographics, age, and gender. It is estimated that 2.25 million people in India are diagnosed with cancer every year, and over 7,84,821 people die of cancer every year. Research studies have proven that certain changes in lifestyle and diet can greatly reduce the risk of cancer.

Read along to know some of the main preventive measures you can take to avoid falling prey to this deadly disease:

• Quit tobacco/smoking: Almost 90 percent cases of lung cancer and oral cancer are related to smoking and chewing tobacco. The correlation is just too high to continue this negative habit, and it is never too late to quit.  Not just direct smoking, even passive smoking has been related to lung cancer. All the more reason to pursue your loved ones to ditch the butt.
• Eating a balanced diet & avoiding red meat: A balanced diet, which has enough leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, beans, and whole grains will not only help you prevent cancer but other illnesses too. It is advised to avoid red meat and processed food, as they can slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer. If you consume alcohol, please do so in moderation. High alcohol consumption is related to more than 50% of liver cancer cases.
• Safety from the sun: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, which is caused due to exposure to UV rays from the sun. The best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to use sunscreen during harsh sunlight and wearing protective clothing to block sunlight.
• Immunization for Hepatitis B&C: Studies have found that there is high-risk cancer from the hepatitis virus. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have been linked to around 33% cancer cases in the USA. It is imperative to get vaccinated for Hepatitis. Generally, the vaccination is given to babies after birth at the hospital, but it is advised to check your medical history for the same and get vaccinated if you haven’t done yet.
• Practice safe sex: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection is responsible for more than 90 percent cases of cervical cancer. HPV can also cause vaginal, penile, anal and oral cancer. HPV tends to spread through unprotected sex. Adopting safe sex practices can decrease the risk of STDs and thus also reduce the risk of cancer.
• Study your family history: Studies have shown that certain genes can predispose us to the risk of cancer. These genes are mostly passed on by our family members primarily our parents. Although we can’t do much about the genes we have been passed on, but a regular screening is very helpful in such cases. Provide your doctor with the complete family history along with cases of cancer or any other major disease. This will help them chart a better prevention plan for cancer and any other illness treatment.

At Regency Healthcare’s Cancer Care Department, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment to patients. We also strongly believe in patient education and advocate a tobacco-free lifestyle for everyone.