Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Cancer

Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases but now-a-days it can be prevented by some basic changes in lifestyle. Cancer disease is characterized by uncontrollable cell growth; these cancerous cells are also named malignant cells. Cancer is of more than 100 different types and those are categorized by the kind of cell which is firstly affected such as lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, nerve tissue, etc. The body is damaged by cancer, when lumps or masses of tissue that are named tumors are formed by uncontrollable cells’ division.

Tumors can affect the body by growing and interfering digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems and releasing hormones that alter body function. If tumors continue in one spot and showed limited growth, then they are usually believed to be benign. Cancer starts to form when apoptosis (programmed cell death) process breaks down; normally, an orderly path of growth, division, and death is followed by cells. Cell division process is dependant on four key types of gene such as oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, suicide genes, and DNA-repair genes.

Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are responsible for the division of cells. Cancer takes place when the cell becomes unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide by a cell's gene mutations that also inhibit the function of oncogene and tumor suppressor gene, by which uncontrollable cell growth is led. Cancer is caused by many reasons such as benzene and other chemicals; certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins); certain viruses; radiation; sunlight; and Tobacco.

Symptoms of cancer vary with the type and location of the tumor. Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain can be caused in lung cancer; diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool are often caused in colon cancer; but symptoms of gallbladder cancer are seen when the disease reached in an advanced stage. Other symptoms of cancers are chills, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, night sweats, malaise, and weight loss. As per the type of cancer and its stage, treatment of cancer is varied.

Basic Lifestyle changes to Prevent Cancer:

Cancer can be prevented by healthy eating and exercises. Some simple lifestyle changes can drastically decrease the risk of many types of cancer. Most factors that play a role in development of cancer can be avoided. People need to understand about cancer, research proceeds made in the treatments for cancer and elevate awareness for early detection and prevention.

Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke:

The most important cancer risk factor is smoking that can be decreased by people. Not only lungs are affected by smoking but it also causes many other types of cancer. People can prevent from cancer by leaving smoking. When people leave smoking, body will get the advantages of being tobacco-free. Secondhand smoking is most dangerous and big cause of cancer because it contains over 60 identified carcinogens that interrupt normal cell development. This Intervention is responsible for development of cancer.

Use nonstick and stain-resistant products with care:

Clothes, carpets and furniture are protected from stains and water; food is cooked without sticking; grease is prevented from leaking out of microwave food containers by the use of perfluroooctanoic acid (PFOA) such as Scotchgard and Teflon. However, brain and nervous system disorders, birth and developmental defects, cancer, and immune system problems are linked with PFOA. As per Dr. Sarah Janssen, nonstick pans with no scratches are likely safe for use. People need to use nonstick and stain-resistant products carefully.

Practice Sun Safety and Identify when Skin Changes Occur:

The most general kind of cancer among men and women is skin cancer which is also one of the most avoidable kinds of cancer. People can prevent skin cancer by avoiding exposure to UV rays, by wearing sunscreen, staying away from noontime sun, wearing defensive clothing when outdoors, and by avoiding tanning beds.

Don't sterilize home or hands:

The products from body soap to counter spray that are used by people to clean themselves and their homes can affect them negatively. Most liquid soaps, some toothpaste, many body care products and even some toys contain antibacterial ingredient triclosan that has been associated to reproductive system and organ system toxicity, irritation, cancer, and hormone disruption. As per the studies, plain soap and water are just as effective as antibacterial soap. People need to use natural products (look for the green seal) that are effective, inexpensive cleaners, like vinegar (in place of bleach), baking soda (as a scrub) and hydrogen peroxide (for stain removal).

Eat Fruits and Veggies:

A well-balanced diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, is beneficial for health. The risk of developing cancer and many other conditions are reduced by a well-balanced diet. Antioxidants are present in fruits and vegetables and damaged cells are repaired with the help of these antioxidants. Cancer can be prevented with the help of green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. As per studies, anti-cancer properties may be presented in dark fruits, such as blueberries and grapes. Cancer can also be prevented by cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.

Steer clear of pesticides, inside and out:

People become sick by the flawless red apple and lush jade lawn. Many pesticides are categorized as carcinogens that can cause higher rates of skin, stomach, lip, lung, blood, brain, and lymphatic system cancers to farmers, who work closely with them. People need to purchase organics and if they are unable to buy organic items with the USDA organic seal, lists of the "Clean 15" (90 percent of sweet corn tested had no pesticides) and "The Dirty Dozen" (96 percent of peaches tested positive for pesticides) are provided to help people in making smart choices at the supermarket. A simple, cheap and environmental way is Integrated Pest Management to lower the instances of pests devoid of using chemical pesticides.

Limit Red Meat and Animal Fat:

The risk of some types of cancer, particularly colon cancer, is increased by a diet that is high in animal fat. In comparison to poultry and fish, red meat contains much more fat, so people can prevent from cancer by reducing amount of red meat in their diet. Obesity, a risk factor of many types of cancer, is caused by a diet high in fat.

Get to know about water:

Water can contain cancer-causing elements such as arsenic and radioactive radium-226. People need to know which chemical they need to remove. Public water supplies are experimented yearly so people can request for a water report, which should detail the pollutants out of their tap. If people utilize well water, then a local professional tests the well water. A guide to water filters is offered by the National Resources Defense Council.

Limit Alcohol Intake:

Several types of cancer are caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly. So people need to decrease or limit their alcohol intake. A study shows that more than 30 percent of cancer can be prevented by taking control of alcohol intake. Risks of cancers such as liver, breast, bowl, and mouth can be decreased by reducing consumption of alcohol.

Don't dry-clean:

A solvent called perchloroethylene is used to clean delicate fabrics by traditional dry cleaners. PERC has been classified as a possible-to-probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Vapors of this solvent can cause liver and kidney damage and also neurological effects. Wetcleaning is a new superior technologically and eco-friendly way of cleaning fragile clothing. Biodegradable soaps and computer-controlled washing machines are involved in wetcleaning. Each fabric requires the specific pressure and speed that is precisely measured by wetcleaning. So people can apply wetcleaning in the place of dry-clean with perchloroethylene.

Exercise for Cancer Prevention:

Cancer can be prevented by exercising 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week, according to the American Cancer Society. Lifting weight in gym is not exercise; there are many ways to do exercise in the whole day. People can prevent cancer with their activities. Moderate to vigorous physical activity can be done by adults for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days of the week; however, intentional physical activity for 45 to 60 minutes are preferable. Moderate to vigorous physical activity should be done by children and adolescents for at least 60 minutes per day and at least 5 days per week.

Avoid exposure to chemical in work environment:

Risk of developing many types of cancer such as kidney cancer and bladder cancer may be increased by chemicals in the workplace. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, etc. in the workplace, can increase the risk of cancer. Gasoline, beryllium, diesel exhaust, vinyl chloride, arsenic, coal products, nickel chromates, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens that can be found in some work environments. So people need to talk to their employer about restrictive exposure.

Know Personal and Family Medical History:

Certain types of cancer are depended on the family medical history that is called hereditary cancers. Breast, ovarian, colon, and probably other types can be hereditary cancer types. So people need to know about a certain type of cancer that is run in their family. They can tell their doctor, resolute a suitable screening plan and estimate their true risk.

Get Screened for Cancer Regularly:

Cancer is not only detected but also prevented by cancer screening tests. Abnormal cellular changes can be detected before they turn cancerous by screening tests such as the colonoscopy and Pap smear. If these test are done regularly, then they become more effective. So, people need to go for cancer screening tests regularly for preventing cancer.