According to research, one out of three Americans will develop cancer malignancy at some point in their lifetime. Indeed, it’s a scary thought. That means that every time you turn when you’re in the street anywhere in the country, you’re probably looking at someone with cancer. Worse, that could include you. In Michigan alone, cancer leads the pack. The big C is the #1 cause of death in the state, second only to heart disease.
Despite such statistics, scientists have made some progress in studying cancer cells biology. This discovery has helped in improving cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment.
However, rather than waiting for these breakthroughs, it is best to protect yourself. Screening tests may help in discovering malignancy at its early stages. But it’s best to be alert to signs and disease symptoms.
Some of these signs include bladder or bowel habits changes, unusual discharge or bleeding, lump or thickening of the breast, wound that doesn’t heal, difficulty or indigestion in swallowing, mole or wart changes, and hoarseness or a nagging cough, just to name a few.
The majority of these symptoms are a result of nonmalignant disorders. However, this list is not all-encompassing as other symptoms may show up due to cancer. Indeed, you should always listen to what your body is saying and report any abnormality or distress to a doctor.
The good news is you can actually free yourself from the dangerous talons of cancer altogether. Listed below are expert tips to minimize your risk of developing abnormal genetic changes in the body.
Avoid Tobacco
Hands down, tobacco increases your risk of cancer. If there’s a surefire way to get cancer, smoking could be top of that list. As reported, 10 to 15% of people who smoke regularly develop lung cancer.
Also, chewing tobacco may cause pancreas cancer and other forms of mouth cancer. Smoking has also been linked to several cancer types such as lungs, larynx, mouth, bladder, throat, kidney, and cervix.
Secondary exposure to tobacco smoke also puts you at risk so take caution in the environment you find yourself in. So it follows that a good way to cut your risk from cancer is to stop smoking.
Never Forget Sun Protection
Skin cancers are preventable when you limit your sun exposure. Avoid staying in the sun during midday when the rays are usually at their strongest. Stay in shades when outdoors, a broad hat and sunglasses will also help. Cover exposed skin areas when you are out. Opt for dark or bright colors as they reflect ultraviolet radiation more than bleached or pastels cotton.
Don’t skip on your sunscreen. Apply broad-spectrum SPF sunscreens gorgeously when going out and reapply them at regular intervals. Avoid sun lamps for tanning beds as they are harmful, just like natural sunlight.
Watch Your Weight
Your weight contributes to your health and reduces your risk of cancer. Engaging in physical activities will benefit your health. At least try to get in about two hours of moderate or vigorous aerobic exercises weekly. You can start by having fifteen minutes of exercise in your daily life.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccinations help protect you from some viral infections such as hepatitis B and human papilloma-virus. Hepatitis B infection increases liver cancer risk while HPV leads to genital cancers. These vaccines are recommended to teenagers and adults likewise. If you are yet to have a shot, connect with your nearest health facility to schedule one.
Take note that many cancer patients have survived the disease. A trusted cancer treatment center or facility should bid you well in this regard. With their ability to come up with a variety of treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, music therapy) that’s specifically tailored to a patient, your chances of overcoming the disease increase over time.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy food decisions will go a long way in preserving your general well-being. Some of the foods you should consider eating are plenty of vegetables and fruits. Eat food with controlled calories as they will help you maintain a good weight. Avoid refined sugars, processed foods, animal-based fats, and alcohol.
Avoid Negative Behaviors
A good tactic to avoid certain cancers is to behave responsibly. Such behavior includes abstinence or safe sex, and not sharing needles or sharp objects. If you have multiple sexual partners and do not use a condom then you are likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases like HPV or HIV.
People living with Aids or HIV are at more risk of contracting liver, lung, or anus cancers. HPV is also associated with anus, penis, cervical, vagina, and vulva cancer.
Sharing needles is reckless behavior because you can easily get any blood-transmitted disease through such acts. These diseases may in turn increase your cancer risk. Don’t be reckless about these things, you only live once. Be responsible.
Get Regular Check-Up
It is good to go for regular screenings and self-exams as this can help in early cancer detection which will improve your chances of conquering it. You can get a screening schedule with your doctor.
For some, an annual monthly check-up is ideal but some will require a check-up every three months. Find out what works best for your case and stick with it.
When you focus on cancer prevention, looking into cancer treatment is a far-fetched possibility. Indeed, prevention is a lot better than cure.
