Preventing Cancer
Cancer remains a major health scourge, despite the progress being made in the research and treatment of this disease. Each year, it is estimated that there are about 3.2 million new cases of cancer in Europe, of which 13.5% are breast cancer, 12.9% are colorectal cancer and 12.1% are lung cancer. Additional data suggests that the number of deaths reached is 1.7 million each year as the first cause of death is lung cancer.
Prevention and early diagnosis are the most important part of treating and preventing certain types of cancer. According to the Greek Cancer Society, there are strong indications that in the near future, Genetics and Molecular Biology will introduce new techniques and methods that will provide important solutions to the effective treatment of cancer. However, early screening is a critical process for addressing the disease. Half of the people who develop cancer will lose their lives only because the diagnosis is made at an advanced stage.
We know the causes of around 50% of cancers, as they mainly involve factors such as habits and lifestyle, environmental factors, nutrition and social and cultural practices. By avoiding all the dangerous risks of developing cancer you will be implementing primary prevention. The European Union has taken initiatives at various levels to ensure overall health and improvement in the quality of life of patients. The European Code Against Cancer includes ten guidelines based on scientific data, which should be adopted by citizens so as to avoid certain cancers and to improve general health.
1. Avoid smoking and the exposure to tobacco smoke.
Smoking is the most important cancer factor that we can reduce. It is not only responsible for lung cancer, but many other types of cancer as well. One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to stop smoking on the whole, which will bring many benefits to your body. It is also advised to avoid secondhand smoke as it contains more than 60 known carcinogens, which interrupt the normal growth of cells - hence the development of cancer.
2. Protection from the sun.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and women, and accounts for about half of all cancer diagnoses. Avoid excessive sun exposure on all counts. To boot, the protection of children and adolescents is particularly important. Individuals who have a tendency of getting sunburnt must use protective measures throughout their entire lives. When it comes to using sunscreen, take note of the following points:
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
Increase your daily intake and variety of vegetables and fruits. Both these food sources contain antioxidants that help restore damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits as well as vegetables are the ideal allies for combating cancer and keeping it at bay. Studies have also revealed that dark-colored fruits like berries also contain anti-cancer properties, and the same applies for vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Remember to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily whilst limiting your intake of foods containing animal lipids.
4. Reduce intake of red meat and animal fat.
Countless studies have shown that a diet rich in animal fat can increase your chances of developing several forms of cancer, especial colon cancer. Red meat in particular contains more fat than poultry and fish. The reduction in the quantity and frequency of red meat can help with cancer prevention. A diet that has high levels of fat can also lead to obesity, which is responsible for increasing the risk of developing cancer as well.
5. Limit alcohol consumption.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cancer. Studies show that men who consume two alcoholic drinks a day and women who consume one alcoholic drink a day significantly increases their risk for certain types of cancers.
6. Increase physical activity on a daily basis.
Exercise can reduce the risk for many cancers and it is recommended that you undergo at least 30 minutes of exercise, five days per week. Keep in mind that exercise does not just mean fitness and weights. There are many ways and options in respect to exercising methods and techniques so find out what suits you best.
7. Family medical history.
It is exceedingly important to know the medical history of your family so that you can better protect yourself from certain types of cancer. For example, we know that breast cancer and colon cancer are hereditary. If you know that there is a hereditary cancer in your family you should contact your doctor. Along with his help, you will be able to devise a strategic prevention plan for regular check ups.
8. Exposure to carcinogens.
Chemicals present in the workplace may increase the risk of many types of cancer, including cancer of the kidneys and the bladder. Follow the instructions outlines to avoid exposure to known carcinogens and abide the official state guidelines for radiation protection.
9. Safe sex
Practicing unsafe sex can result in HPV infection, a common sexually transmitted disease, which is transmitted through sexual contact, and has been associated with carcinogenesis of the cervix of the woman's uterus, the vagina, the penis, and other forms of cancers.
10. Regular examinations
Regular check ups are not only useful for detecting cancer, but for its early detection and to prevent its development. Women from the age of 25 should undergo screening for cervical cancer (Pap Test). Women from the age of 40 should be tested for breast cancer. A mammogram enables the detection of breast cancer at a stage where it would be undetected clinically. Individuals over the ago of 50 should participate in screening programs for the detection of colorectal cancer with a test of occult blood in the stool (haemoccult Test) or in combination with a colonoscopy.