Cancer Prevention: Need Of Time
Cancer is a disease due to change in our genetic material. Hence such cells are characterized by unrestricted growth of cells that is independent of need, body signals and lack the cell mortality unlike normal cells. so such ever proliferation immortal sort of cells produce a big toll on our body as they consume lots of nourishment instead of other normal vital tissues. Hence cancer is a dangerous disease.
Cancer incidence in our country is on tremendous rise and soon it will be No1 disease as far as total number of affected population and the death toll too. Thus a lot of efforts need to be put in control and more importantly prevention of such disease. Following are the simple measures that can significantly reduce cancer risk.
AVOID TOBACCO:
Tobacco in any form is dangerous and can cause cancers in multiple organs. It is the single largest and preventable cause for cancer. It accounts for almost 40 % of total cancer burden in India. Despite the media publicity and warning signs on cigarette packs and tobacco pouches, the consumption of these products hasn’t yet ceased. Hence a stringent public awareness and deaddiction programs are a must and be made available at multiple accessible places.
HEALTHY DIET:
Diet has a great role in normal growth of an individual. However with the changing trends in food, food habits, food storages, fast food, pesticides, genetically modified animals and plants used in food have greatly increased the risk of cancers.
one need to consume 1/4 portion of diet as raw fruits and vegetables. They provide good antioxidants and vitamins apart from the loads of fiber contents. The vitamins and antioxidants aid in neutralizing the cancer causing agents and fibers in diet reduce the contact period with gut and aids in excretion of harmful substances.
NO ALCOHOL:
Alcohol has become a status symbol for many and habit or addiction for the rest consumers. However both the subset of people do not understand the gravity of issues like cancer which are invited with each peg of liquor. Alcohol is itself harmful for oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, gut, liver and pancreas.
It also increases the solubility of other cancer causing agents and help in their absorption in blood. So its role is not additive but multiplicative in cancer causation. Alcohol habit can only be prevented by public awareness and deaddiction facilities.
EXERCISE:
Daily moderate exercise helps in maintain circulation, muscle activity, good lung and heart compliances. It as well utilizes the stored excess fats and sugars in body and thus keeps the weight under control. Obesity contributes to 15% of cancer load. Exercise is an effective method to keep it under control.
BREAST FEEDING:
The risk of breast cancer is less in the ladies who have breast fed the kids at least for first 6 months. It is a protective factor hence need to be advocated among the young mothers.
VACCINES:
Human papilloma virus causes cervical, anal or perianal cancers, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Thus vaccine against HPV is postulated to prevent these cancers. the two dosages are to be administered to young teens ie 9-12 years ideally and maximum up to 26 years, more importantly to the ladies not exposed to sexual intercourse.
Hepatitis B is also a preventable cause for liver cancer. The vaccine against HBV is effective and time tested.
CANCER SCREENINGHK:
Screening is evaluation of apparently asymptomatic population to find out disease under evaluation. the effective screening detects many early cancers that are curable. Screening may detect pre cancerous conditions or high risk individuals that can be treated in time to prevent cancers completely.
AVOID TOO MUCH SUNLIGHT:
though sunlight is essential source of vit D, excess of it may expose one to the harmful U V rays. UV rays are known to produce skin cancers like Basal cell carcinoma etc. Use of sunscreens and avoiding long exposure to sun may prevent skin cancers