Check out the most preventable cancers and how to avoid them!
Mukta Agrawal
The word cancer seems to spell doom for a person or family but according to World Health Organization at least one-third of the case can be prevented.
According to research around five percent cancer, is hereditary while the rest are lifestyle related causes that can be tackled if a disciplined life is maintained. Nearly all the men and a third of women are likely to develop cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
The statistics are based on cancers like cervical, breast, oral, lung, testicular and skin which can be detected early and prevented through lifestyle changes.
However, a number of factors other than lifestyle are responsible for the ailment like passive smoking, chemical exposure, and carcinogens in the place of work.
These fill the body with deadly poisons that can otherwise be prevented. But in order to do so it is important to be informed of the methods of prevention and practice them regularly so that the body can be kept safe from cancer.
The list of preventable cancers includes breast, cervical, lung, colorectal, oral, prostate, skin, and testicular.
Breast Cancer
Preventive Measures
Breast cancer is highly preventable and curable if detected and diagnosed in time.
Breastfeeding is very important and mothers should do it on a regular basis. If you are working even then try to breastfeed your baby.
Smoking should be stopped immediately for those who do.
Alcohol should be limited to a drink a day for women and two for men.
Regular exercise is very important and you should do it for 30 minutes to an hour. Try to stay healthy and maintain the right weight.
Detecting Cancer Symptoms
Cancer diagnosis should be started from early 20s. It is important to undergo clinical breast exam or CBE once in three years so that the germs can be detected as soon as they start attacking the body.
Once you step into your 40s try to get a CBE done every year as well as an annual mammography screening.
Women with a family history of breast cancer should be even more cautious and begin the screenings from an earlier age.
A hormone replacement therapy is very important once you reach menopause. Try consulting a doctor prior to reaching the age and understand the do’s and don’ts.
Spend some time in front of the mirror and check for any anomaly or lump in the breast. If you find anything unnatural then immediately check with the doctor right away.
Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix is the most common reason for thousands of women to die in the United States alone. But it can be monitored and prevented with regular PAP tests.
The infection can be prevented by practicing safe sex avoiding infection with the help of HPV. Smoking can increase the chances of contracting the disease so it is best to give up smoking if you haven’t already.
Early Detection
Cervical cancer tests should be started from the early age of 21.
If you are between 21 and 29 then carrying the PAP tests every three years is sufficient.
Women between 30 and 65 should take a PAP test and HPV every five years. However, women with a weak immune system should be more careful and carry out tests more frequently.
You can also avail the HPV vaccine against the HPV types which are most likely to cause the disease. Young girls above the age of nine can get vaccinated.
Women who had a hysterectomy disease that left behind the cervix should continue with the PAP and HPV tests.
The tests should be carried out according to the guidelines without waiting for the cancer symptoms to appear. But if you have any of the following then it is best to consult a doctor.
Excessive discharge from the vagina.
Blood spots other apart from regular periods.
Pain or bleeding while having sexual intercourse.
Bleeding following menopause.
Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts for a long time.
Colorectal Cancer
The cancer of the rectum or colon is known as colorectal cancer and is extremely common among men and women. Regular screenings can help remove the polyps before they turn cancerous and removed easily through operations.
The initial stages of cancer don’t give any detectable symptom. Except for the screenings, there is no other way of detecting. However in the advanced stages some of the following symptoms may be seen.
The abdomen may feel bloated, crampy, and full.
You may start losing weight suddenly.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Sudden vomiting and tiredness.
Stools those appear narrower than usual.
Diarrhea and an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach.
In order to prevent colorectal cancer, it is important to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day and eat a healthy diet of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Eating red meat and processed meat should be avoided. Regular screenings should start from the age of 50 and after 75 it should be done frequently.
A colonoscopy every 10 years, a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years and a barium enema every five years should be able to detect the cancer symptoms.
Lung Cancer
This is the most commonly found form of cancer in both men and women. It accounts for almost 27 percent deaths.
Early Detection
It is important to quit smoking at the earliest and stay away from passive smoking.
Checking the homes for radon is a good option.
Eating fruits and vegetables can help to improve the immune system.
Staying physically active is essential.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is extremely common and is caused by exposing yourself to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Applying sunscreen and using shades can help to stay protected from the harmful rays. Preventing sunburns in childhood is also important.
Most forms of cancer can be prevented if monitored and kept under check. So, do not neglect a minor injury, as it might develop into cancer!
