Cancer is
one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that cancer
claims more than 7.6 million people annually.
The deadliest forms of cancer include breast, stomach, colon and
liver. One-third of all cancer cases can
be prevented through improving one’s diet, exercise and lifestyle habits.
About
70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- to- middle-income countries. Deaths from
cancer worldwide are projected to continue to rise to over 13.1 million by
2030.
Experts
agree that prevention offers the most cost-effective, long-term strategy for
the control of cancer. One of the
primary problems is that cancer commonly develops silently over time. By the time that you’re aware that you have
cancer -- it’s commonly too late.
Apply the
following to reduce your risk and take proactive steps to prevent cancer.
Throw Out Tobacco
Cigarette smoking is still very common despite the known
hazards to one’s health. There is a direct relationship between the amount of
cigarettes smoked per day and the risk of developing cancer.
Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for
cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year
according to the World Health Organization.
Tobacco smoking causes many types of cancer, including
cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder,
pancreas, stomach and cervix. About 70% of the lung cancer burden can be
attributed to smoking alone. Second-hand smoke has been proven to cause lung
cancer in non-smoking adults.
Cigarette smoke
contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancer-causing compounds and
400 other toxins. The toxins include but are not limited to nicotine, tar,
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT.
Nicotine is highly
addictive. Smoke containing nicotine is inhaled into the lungs, and the
nicotine reaches your brain in just six seconds. As a cigarette is smoked,
carbon monoxide makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout
the body. Oxygen is a critical element in preventing the development of
cancer.
Obesity, Physical Inactivity and Poor Diet Linked to Cancer
Obesity is a strong indicator of cancer risk. It has been linked to the increase of
esophagus, breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, thyroid and gall bladder
cancers. Individuals who are overweight
also suffer higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and high blood
pressure.
The following are several mechanisms have linked obesity to
the development of cancer:
- Extra fat tissue will produce excess estrogen. High levels of estrogen have been linked with breast and other reproductive cancers.
- Individuals who are overweight have increased levels of blood sugar and altered levels of insulin. Insulin and similar hormones have been found to promote tumor growth.
- Feeling “full” is achieved through a hormone called leptin. Excess body weight and weight loss resistance can affect the action of this hormone. Studies show that leptin imbalances can contribute to the development of cancer.
- One of the contributing factors to obesity and weight loss resistance is inflammation in the body. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress will play a significant role in developing inflammation throughout the body. Increased levels of inflammation have been linked to cancer.
Exercise Reduces Cancer Risk
Up to one in six deaths can be linked to physical inactivity
according to a recent study published in The Lancet. Dr. I-Min Lee, the lead researcher from Harvard
Medical School said “only about one quarter of the world’s population smoke but
about two thirds are inactive.”
It is recommended to exercise daily. The easiest form of exercise is to go for a
15 -30 minute walk. It will increase
your heart rate, reduce inflammation, balance hormones and increase oxygen
consumption in your body – all good for preventing cancer.
Poor Diet Increases Cancer Risk
What you
eat—and don’t eat—has a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of
cancer. Without knowing it, you may be eating many foods that fuel cancer,
while neglecting the powerful foods and nutrients that can protect you. If you
change your diet and behaviors, you can minimize your risk of cancer.
Diet Tips to Prevent Cancer
Simple ways to add more fiber to your diet:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice
- Eat whole-grain bread instead of white bread
- Choose a bran muffin over a croissant or pastry
- Eat fresh fruit such as a pear, a banana, or an apple
Alcohol Can Cause Cancer
Studies now demonstrate the damaging effects of alcohol on hormones of the body. Weight gain, diabetes and cancer are commonly associated with hormones. Alcohol has been found to decrease testosterone in men and increase levels of cortisol.
4 Tips to Lose Belly Fat & Cancer Risk
- Don’t drink while trying to lose weight. You will be able to make healthier choices and reduce the cravings that will contribute to weight gain.
- Don’t drink daily. Daily drinking can lead to heavier drinking and addictions. Addiction to alcohol has severe health complications.
- Watch your appetite. The correlation to alcohol and body fat is higher in men in most studies. One possible explanation is that men tend to eat and drink.
- Watch out for fatty foods. When drinking we tend to consume fattier foods.
Cancer Causing Infections
Science is now showing that cancer is associated with one’s exposure to viruses. Infectious agents are responsible for almost 22% of cancer deaths in the developing world and 6% in industrialized countries according to WHO.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person. Many people are unaware that hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
The main ways of getting infected with Hepatitis B are:
- Mother to baby at the birth
- Child-to-child transmission
- Unsafe injections and transfusions
- Sexual contact.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females.
The most effective way to prevent exposure to
HPV, HIV and hepatitis is to practice safe sex or abstain from sex until after
marriage.
Cancer is a serious health condition but your
daily choices impact your overall health.
You can significantly reduce your risk by taking proactive steps to
prevent cancer. Don’t wait until it is
too late, act now!
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
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