Action week for cancer prevention: How to protect your health

This year, from February 19 to 25, we will be celebrating Cancer Prevention Week, which aims to raise awareness of the necessity of preventing and treating cancer. Although there is no established time frame for the beginning or progression of cancer, several conditions may promote the proliferation of cancer cells. Numerous factors, including food, lifestyle decisions, exercise level, and routine screenings, significantly lower the risk of cancer.

The medical profession, political entities, and numerous groups can save millions of lives annually from this terrible disease by raising awareness of the illness and taking preventative actions.

Give off smoking as soon as possible.
According to statistics, those who have never smoked or who stopped smoking when they were young may live longer and have a 35% to 50% lower chance of developing lung and oral cancers. Consequently, you still have the chance to avoid this fatal illness by giving up smoking, regardless of how often you smoke.

Smoke from cigarettes impairs cells’ ability to grow, heal, and function normally. This damage occurs whether one smokes or inhales the smoke passively. Additionally, it impairs immunity, which makes the body less capable of fending off cancerous cells. See your physician for advice on stopping smoking, and act quickly.

Enjoy wholesome eating practices.
It may not be revolutionary, but it is important to know the difference between foods that are really healthy and those that are being misrepresented as such. Eating the appropriate meals may help prevent cancer cells and strengthen your immune system. Phytochemicals found in fresh fruits may suppress cells that promote cancer. To achieve maximum health, it is essential that you include a diverse range of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and other nutrients in your diet.

Reject a sedentary way of life.
A minimum of six days a week, or even only thirty minutes a day, of moderate exercise may raise your level of fitness and improve your general health. Exercise assists the body in getting rid of toxins and free radicals in addition to helping one maintain a healthy weight, which is important for good aging. Take part in mind-rejuvenating and metabolism-boosting activities, such as swimming, cycling, working out at the gym, or taking evening jogs. Any kind of exercise is good for you.

The sun may be a major offender.
Overexposure to the sun without using enough sunscreen may hasten skin aging, cause premature skin damage, and raise the chance of developing skin cancer. Your skin needs the best possible protection as it serves as a barrier to keep your body safe. Because our area has severe summers and job responsibilities often prevent indoor activities, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect yourself from dangerous UV rays.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
As tempting as it may be to relax with a beer or glass of wine after a hectic week, consuming too much alcohol increases your chance of developing cancer. Acetaldehyde, which is created when alcohol is digested, may quickly damage DNA and impair immunity.

Remember these important pointers, and make sure you have screening tests on a regular basis. This is because early discovery of cancer allows for timely prevention, treatment, and elimination.