Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in our body. Despite significant advances in cancer research and treatment, morbidity and mortality associated with cancer remain high. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Cancer prevention aims to eradicate the disease even before it occurs in at-risk individuals. Fortunately, some of the most common cancers are preventable. Here are seven ways to prevent cancer
1. Stop smoking or using any form of tobacco:
Tobacco is responsible for causing nearly twenty types of cancer, including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer
2. Avoid or limit alcohol intake:
Alcohol consumption is linked to seven types of cancer, the most common being breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and liver cancer
3. Be physically active:
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity-related cancers, such as stomach, breast, and uterine
4. Adopt a healthy diet:
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables protects against stomach cancer. Consuming less red and processed meat helps prevent colorectal cancer. Additionally, a healthy diet helps maintain healthy body weight
5. Limit sun exposure:
Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure reduces the risk of skin cancers
6. Vaccinate against Hepatitis B and Human papilloma virus HPV):
Hepatitis B and HPV vaccinations protect against uterine cervix and liver cancer, respectively
7. Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding has been shown to offer protective effects against breast and ovarian cancer.By implementing these preventive measures, we can take significant steps towards reducing cancer incidence. Remember, prevention is critical in the fight against this devastating disease.