What To Do To Avoid Getting Cancer: TOP-8 Conditions

Experts advise to change your habits and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Experts from the World Health Organization warn that if an effective cancer prevention program is not developed in the next 15-20 years, the number of cancer patients may reach 20 million, and the number of deaths - up to 12 million. But so far the program will begin to operate, each of us must take care of our own safety in this matter.

Cancer in Ukraine

Bitter statistics show that the number of cancer patients in Ukraine has increased by 25% over the past ten years, and their number continues to grow by another 2.6-3% every year, while cancer continues to "get younger". At first glance, it may seem that these results do not differ much from other countries. However, the average life expectancy of Ukrainians is 10-20 years lower, and the incidence of cancer increases significantly after the age of 50. So, dying of other causes, not every Ukrainian lives to "his cancer".

There is no such country in the world in which the costs of oncology treatment would be fully covered by the state budget, without the use of insurance and the patients themselves. As for our country, everything looks much sadder here - the entire health care budget will not be enough to cover the real needs of the oncology service in drugs, diagnostic and treatment equipment by 100%. In addition, the treatment of cancer patients is extremely expensive. For example, treatment of stage III cancer requires 25-30 thousand dollars, and hematological oncology patients - within 50 thousand dollars.

Saving the drowning is the work of the drowning themselves

According to the well-known medical magazine Healthista, according to the results of the latest scientific research, changing only one lifestyle can give an amazing result - a reduction in cancer by 40 percent! Isn't this a better argument in favor of starting to change your bad habits today to preserve your health into old age?

To determine the main points of cancer prevention, here is an article from the same magazine, prepared by medical journalist Hanna Magee, which reveals eight proven ways to reduce the risk factors of cancer. So …

 

1. Normal weight is not a luxury, but a necessity

About 60 percent of Britons are overweight or obese, and in Europe alone, 52,000 cases of cancer of the breast, uterus, liver, prostate and pancreas are recorded among obese people every year. Obesity ranks second after smoking among the reasons causing 64,000 cases of cancer every year.

"The more you weigh, the higher your risk of getting cancer," says Linda Bauld, a professor at the University of Stirling.

She explains that if you're more than 20 pounds overweight, any weight loss can lower your risk of developing this dangerous disease.

WCRF previously published new evidence linking obesity to stomach cancer, the world's third-largest cancer killer.

 

2. Even small doses of alcohol pose a threat

Earlier this year, Dr Dame Sally Davies said that no level of alcohol consumption can be safe. The reason for this statement was the connection between even moderate alcohol consumption and seven types of oncology, including cancer of the breast, liver, intestines, oral cavity and throat.

A recent WCRF study found a link between three or more drinks a day and stomach cancer, too.

"The risk of developing cancer begins even at low levels of alcohol," says Professor Bauld, adding, "Alcohol contains ethanol, which is metabolized into a substance called acetaldehyde, which is difficult for the body to process. Its high levels in the body cause dehydration, which makes cells more vulnerable to the oncoprocess, and this effect is greater the more alcohol you drink at one time.

 

3. Take care of healthy intestinal microflora

Our gut bacteria, or microbiome, affects everything from mood to weight gain and cancer risk. The more beneficial bacteria in the intestines, the lower the risk of serious diseases.

"Although most of the research on gut bacteria and cancer prevention is still only done in animals, the results in humans will be no less positive," says Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London.

According to him, the beneficial intestinal microflora helps to neutralize those toxins that usually cause cancer. Thanks to this, the immune system is kept in excellent shape and, as a rule, copes well with cancer cells. A mixture of such probiotic foods as live yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can be sources of beneficial intestinal bacteria.

"In addition, it is very useful to include prebiotic foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, as well as foods from whole grains and legumes with a high fiber content. After all, they serve as food for these beneficial bacteria." – Professor Spector explains.

 

4. Use aspirin

Until now, we have known that taking low-dose aspirin every day can help prevent the risk of heart attack.

But now, there is growing evidence that it can help prevent colorectal or bowel cancer - diseases that are found in more than 40,000 Britons each year.

In April, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that all adults ages 50-59 take low-dose aspirin continuously for ten years.

"The evidence that taking aspirin for five or more years reduces the risk of bowel cancer is overwhelming," says Professor Johnson.

He also added that people who already have cancer are less likely to spread it if they take aspirin. Professor Johnson believes that if you have a hereditary predisposition to bowel cancer, taking low-dose aspirin is also a good idea.

"Aspirin may work by reprogramming the immune system and preventing the development of inflammation in the lining of the gut, which will increase its ability to recognize cancer at an early stage and successfully deal with it," says Professor Johnson.

However, if you have a stomach ulcer, you should talk to your doctor before taking aspirin.

 

5. Marinate red meat in spices

Among the key findings of the European Study on Nutrition and Cancer (EPIC) was the statement that consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of stomach and bowel cancer.

In addition, burnt or fried meat of other species is also associated with an increased risk due to the fact that carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed on its surface at high temperatures. But as shown by the results of a study conducted at Kansas State University, marinating meat before cooking in such spices as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, sage and marjoram can reduce the HCA components in it.

 

6. Eat foods with coarse fiber

Scientists claim that it is enough to increase the proportion of products with coarse fiber in your diet to five portions a day to protect yourself from 14 different types of cancer. These foods include: oats, brown rice and whole grain bread.

"EPIC studies have consistently shown that people who eat a lot of fiber, fruits and vegetables have lower rates of cancer. This may be because they have a healthy gut microflora, which helps the immune system fight cancer.” - Professor Spector says.

 

7. Use SPF 30

Despite the fact that the number of cases of skin cancer in Britain has increased by 360 percent since 1970, this type of disease is still one of the most preventable. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to use SPF 30, which, according to researchers from Ohio State University, can help prevent not only burns, but also malignant melanoma.

"Sunscreen should be used not only in the sun, but also in the shade. It is also important to wear a hat that protects against direct sunlight, both adults and children. This will protect against sunburn, which contributes to the development of skin cancer, ..” – This is Professor Bauld.

The choice of color can also help. A Spanish study showed that blue and red fabrics provide better protection from the sun than white or yellow.

Make sure you protect from the sun the areas where cancer is most likely to develop - bald heads and torsos for men, chests, shoulders and calves for women.

 

8. Move!

EPIC researchers claim that active movement for 30 minutes every day could prevent around 3,400 cases of uterine, breast and bowel cancer in the UK alone.

"Being active means increasing the level of hormones that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and uterine cancer in women," says Professor Johnson.

In addition, according to him, the movement helps the faster transit of food through the intestine, protecting it from possible inflammatory phenomena, which in turn reduces the risk of developing intestinal cancer.