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How to Prevent Cancer?

Cancer is among the dangerous diseases and researchers are still going on to develop efficient vaccines for its treatment. It is very important to know how to prevent cancer by taking small steps. The cost of cancer treatment is very high and the processes will drain your physical and mental energy.

People who have higher risk factors may have higher chances to have cancer in the future. To prevent yourself from cancer, you need to know about the factors that lead to this dangerous disease.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death across the world according to reports by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Some of the leading cancer diseases are stomach, lung, stomach, breast, and liver.

To prevent yourself from cancer-related diseases, you first need to understand which factors are responsible. After determining the factors, you can take the necessary steps and change your lifestyle accordingly for prevention.

Here are some factors that cause cancer

1. Genetics

It is found that a person has around 5-10% higher chances to have cancer if someone in his/her family had cancer in the past. It can happen with minor changes which are known as mutation and can be transferred to the next generation through genes.

Some cancers that can occur through genes are-

• Colon cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Melanoma cancer

2. Smoking or Passive Smoking

Cigarettes contain tobacco which can lead to damage of DNA among the cells and destroys the immune system.

Passive smoking is also a crucial factor that can cause cancer even if the person is not smoking. The inhale of smoke which is released from a regular smoker can also cause cancer. Some of the cancer diseases caused by smoking are-

• Bladder
• Liver
• Lungs, Bronchus
• Throat and Mouth
• Cervix
• Blood
• Stomach
• Pancreas

3. Chewing Tobacco

Other than smoking, chewing tobacco can also lead to cancer. The nicotine present in tobacco is released in the same amount as in smoking. Chewing tobacco products releases above 25 chemicals that increase the chances to have cancer.

These following diseases mainly occur due to chewing tobacco-

• Pancreatic cancer
• Gum, cheek, tongue, and mouth cancer 
• Esophagus cancer 

4. Environmental Pollution

An unhealthy environment or air pollution is also a major risk factor that can cause cancer. Pollution from factories, burning of coal, wood, or vehicle tyres and tiny dust particles can increase the chances of cancer. The presence of particles called PM 10 and PM 12 in the air can cause lung cancer.

5. Unhealthy Lifestyle

Living an unhealthy lifestyle, such as alcohol consumption, lack of physical activities, obesity, unhealthy diet, or eating too much junk can increase the risk of cancer. Also, less sleep and consumption of packed food and processed meat can also cause cancer.

Have queries or concern ?

To prevent cancer, we need to prevent its risks. The above-mentioned factors will help to determine what steps to take next to reduce the chances of cancer. Here are some steps that can help-

1. Healthy Lifestyle

Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol, and other chemical substances. Consumption of a healthy and balanced diet such as eating green vegetables and fruits and lessening the intake of meat and controlling the weight is helpful.

2. Healthy Activities

Involving in healthy activities such as daily exercise, sleeping on time, early wake-up, helps to reduce the risks of cancer.

If you have obesity, then these daily exercises will not only help in reducing weight but also increase your overall stamina physically and mentally.

3. Protect from Sunlight

Try to avoid staying under the sun for a long period. Harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer which is also known as melanoma.

4. Regular health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups or screening helps to detect any type of cancer or other diseases at an early stage. Early detection can help to begin treatments so you can avoid further complications.

According to reports by WHO, cancer-related diseases will increase in the future due to unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles of people. But, you can still reduce the chances of having cancer by taking some precautions and living a healthy lifestyle.

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