How Can We Prevent Cancer?

Medically Reviewed on2/3/2021

The wordcancerrefers to a diverse group of medical conditions characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells. Below are some common ways to preventcancer:

  • The best way to prevent the spread ofcancerand the emergence of related complications is by detecting the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages. Advanced technologies in medicine can find pre-cancerous changes and treat them before they progress to cancer (such as pap smears forcervical cancerand colonoscopies forcolorectal cancer). Maintain a regular screening schedule and consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
  • Smokingis widely recognized as a risk factor forlung cancerand has also been linked to several othercancers. Forsmokers, quitting the habit is an important step in reducing cancer risk. Non-smokers should of course not take upsmokingand be aware of the risks ofsecond-hand smoke. This means avoiding individuals who smoke and smoke-filled environments.
  • Beingoverweightorobeseincreases your risk of many health conditions, including cancer. If you are overweight or obese, consult your doctor about a healthy weight-loss plan. If you have a healthy weight, maintain it with a balanceddietand regular physical activity.
  • Physical activity can be greatly beneficial for overall health and well-being. It may also help prevent cancer. Even moderate amounts ofexercisemay reduce cancer risk and boost health. It’s important to find healthy ways to managestress. Considerexerciseand relaxation techniques, such asyogaor meditation.
  • Diets rich in fruits and vegetables (plant-based foods) may help lower cancer risk. Moreover, beans, whole grains, lean meats, and fish may help incancer prevention. Keep red meat consumption (such as beef, veal, pork, and lamb) to no more than three portions per week for a total of 12-18 ounces. Eat little or no processed meat (anything salted, cured, grilled, and smoked). Get your protein from whole grains, legumes,soy, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs.
  • Alcoholconsumption may increase cancer risk; it is usually not recommended to consume more than one drink per day for women and no more than twodrinksfor men.
  • 某些癌症的风险在家族中遗传。学习about cancer incidence (including the disease type and age at diagnosis) among your relatives and share this information with your doctor. Your family history will help you and your doctor determine your cancer risk and develop a screening andpreventionplan.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a medical condition in which cells grow out of control and crowd out the normal cells. This makes it difficult for the body to work the way it should. Cancer can start at any place in the body. There are many types of cancer. It’s not just one disease. Cancer can start in thelungs, breast, colon, or blood. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The most common cancers include:

The most common treatments for cancer include:

  • Surgery:It is usually used to take out the cancerous cells from the body. The surgeon might also take out some or all the cancer-affected body parts. Forbreast cancer, the surgeon might remove part (or all) of the breast. Forprostate cancer, the surgeon might remove theprostate gland. Surgery is not used for all types of cancer. For example, blood cancers, such asleukemia, are best treated withdrugs.
  • Chemotherapy:These are the type of drugs that kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These drugs may be given through an intravenous (IV) line, into a vein through a needle, or like an oral pill. Becausechemodrugs may travel to all parts of the body, they are especially useful for the treatment of aggressive cancer.
  • Radiation:This method is also used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be used alone or with surgery or chemo. Radiation treatment is like getting an X-ray. Sometimes, a “seed” inside the cancer is put to give off radiation and kill the cancerous cells.

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Medically Reviewed on2/3/2021
References
Michigan Medicine. Cancer Prevention. https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/cancer-prevention

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