Cancer prevention: 10 tips to reduce your risk

Cancer prevention is the most important point, but when the development of the disease has already begun. We have the necessary resources to diagnose and treat it in the shortest time and in the best possible conditions.

A few years ago, the commission of European medical experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) met with the intention of creating some simple recommendations that would be available to the entire population and that would reduce the death rate by 15%. related to cancer. For the moment, awareness and information campaigns for the population have had an effect. Since mortality rates have decreased in recent decades.

Avoid Tobacco

The association between tobacco and cancer has been shown to favor the appearance of lung and stomach tumors, among others. Currently, in the field of smoking prevention, there are many campaigns underway. Especially aimed at minors in the school environment, since the age of onset of smoking, coincides mostly with high school studies and even before.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption

The intake of alcoholic beverages in excessive amounts and on a regular basis is associated with the risk of stomach and liver tumors. A worrying fact is an association between the habit of smoking and drinking. This generates a multiplication of the harmful effects of both substances. It is estimated that more than half of young people between 15 and 35 years of age consume alcohol. And tobacco on a regular basis when they go out to dinner or parties.

Awareness campaigns have an impact on changing the mentality that young people have about alcohol and fun, although it is a deeply rooted cultural habit in our society, which is why it is still difficult to reverse it today.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure And Protect Children

Prolonged and excessive exposure to the sun is associated with the development of skin tumors. Prevention measures involve the use of sun creams with an adequate sun protection factor. Avoiding direct exposure to the sun in the middle of the day. Wear a hat or sunglasses that protect the head and eyes, and, above all, stay hydrated to compensate for losses caused by sweat and perspiration.

Follow The Professional Instructions For The Prevention Of Exposure To Certain Substances

Leaving aside the substances popularly known for their association with the development of tumors. We also find other more unknown ones present in our social or work environment. Some of them can be asbestos or asbestos, used in construction; silica dust in mining and construction; lead for the manufacture of paint and pipes; epoxy resins used for fixing in construction and the automobile industry, and even substances found in nature with is radon.

It has been estimated that more than half of the carcinogenic diseases caused by exposure to substances at work could have been avoided with adequate safety measures.

Follow A Balanced Diet Based On Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, And High-Fiber Cereals

The consumption of fruits and vegetables has shown a reduction of up to 20% in the risk of suffering from gastrointestinal cancers. Other known effects are: it promotes the reduction of bad cholesterol, prevents obesity, protects against vitamin deficiency states, and is an excellent source of energy for sports. The consumption of 6 pieces of fruit daily is recommended.

Increase Your Physical Activity And Limit Your Intake Of High-Fat Foods

A diet is rich in fats, especially the so-called saturated fats. Present in foods such as tallow, lard, cream, or animal skins, is associated with the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and colon tumors. The consequence of a disordered diet leads to the appearance of being overweight. Which is another risk factor for the appearance of hormone-sensitive tumors. For this reason. It is advisable to perform daily physical exercise for at least 30 minutes. Beginning progressively until reaching a good degree of effort.

Consult Your Doctor In Case Of Any Significant Changes In Your Body

The human body is continually in a state of change and evolution, generally taking place slowly. Changes that last over time or that start quickly and without explanation should be studied. Some examples may include the following: skin lesions such as ulcers or cuts that do not heal may hide skin cancer; changes in the size, shape, color, or consistency of a mole can lead to melanoma; or the appearance of lumps or nodules that do not have to be painful in the body, and that were not previously there should be studied by a specialist.

Consult Your Doctor

Persistent disorders such as chronic cough, persistent hoarseness, change in bowel or urinary habits, or unexplained weight loss. Sometimes, the excessive duration of normal processes in the human body. Such as cough, sore throat, voice changes, or diarrhea, can hide other more important pathologies. The persistence of dry cough and altered tone of voice, especially in smokers or drinkers, can hide tumors of the lung or larynx among all. The alteration in adulthood of the intestinal or urinary rhythm for a long time and without justification should be studied to rule out tumors of the colon or the urinary system.

Get Regular Gynecological Checkups

Participate in early diagnosis programs, such as cervical cancer with a vaginal smear as established by your specialist doctor.

Women, once they have started sexual intercourse or when they are of adolescent age, should start regular gynecological check-ups. For a few years, the association between human papillomavirus infection and the development of cervical cancer in later years has been demonstrated. Therefore, at this time, efforts are directed at the vaccination of women between 12-16 years of age. As the most effective method to prevent the appearance of cervical tumors.

Check Your Breasts Regularly

If possible, have a mammogram at the regular intervals your doctor recommends. Probably the best known and most followed prevention program by the population is that of breast cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women will develop some type of cancer related to the breast. Which indicates the need and validity of prevention campaigns.

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