Why Everyone Should Learn the Basics of Cancer Prevention

Cancer doesn’t always make a nuisance of itself with obvious symptoms. It often grows quietly, once in a while years before the first obvious signs. That is why prevention is important. Everyone, not just those who are considered “high risk” need a basic understanding of cancer prevention so everyone has a fighting chance at long-term health and, if needed, early intervention. 

In this blog, we will run through the most important steps you can take and why knowing these steps now, rather than later, can make all of the difference. 

Understanding Cancer Risk Factors

Many cancers are caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Although we cannot change our genetics, we can modify quite a few risk factors. For example, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diet, physical inactivity, sun exposure, and specific infections.

The great thing about prevention is that the benefits of even small, constant behaviour changes, either in risk factors mentioned above or in early detection of cancers, can all greatly reduce an individual’s risk over time.

The Role of Lifestyle Choices

Food and Nutrition

Starting with a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins is a great place to start. Avoiding processed meats and red meat has also been associated with decreased risk of all cancers, including colorectal and stomach cancers.

Physical Activity

Regularly engaging in some sort of physical activity can also help maintain weight, helps maintain a healthy immune system and improves your overall state of health. You can make a long-term impact by engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.

Avoiding Tobacco

Tobacco use is still one of the most prevalent causes of cancer and cancer deaths. Quitting tobacco in any capacity at any age will result in better health outcomes, including cessation of smoking and chewing tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Alcohol and Cancer: What You Should Know

Even moderate levels of alcohol use have been associated with an increased risk of many cancers, such as breast cancer, liver cancer, and esophageal cancer. Adjusting your consumption, or eliminating your consumption of alcohol will decrease your risk. 

This is not an absolute approach of eliminating alcohol use; rather, being mindful of your consumption.

Screening and Early Detection

Understanding the basics also means knowing the significant role that screening plays in the early detection of cancer. Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, and low-dose CT scans (for those with smoking history) are types of cancer screenings that help catch cancers as soon as they appear and shortly after, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Everyone should consult their doctor regarding cancer screenings based on age, family history, and risk factors.

Sun Protection and Skin Safety

Ultraviolet rays do, indeed, cause skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds can double if not triple your risk of developing melanoma, which is highly aggressive and, often, lethal. The great news is that basic sun precautions such as sunscreen, long sleeved shirts, sun-free umbrellas and, ideally, avoiding the sun altogether between 10am and 3pm will do wonders for your skin and sacrifice little for your overall health.

Infection-Linked Cancers

Some viruses, such as HPV (human papillomavirus), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, can heighten one’s cancer risk. Vaccines exist to combat the risk of certain cancers caused by viruses, such as the HPV vaccine. Safe practices, vaccinations and regular health assessments are all integral tools for cancer prevention.

Why This Matters for Everyone

Cancer prevention is so much more than preventing cancer. It’s also about how we decide to live. Making educated choices, establishing regular health assessments like visiting a cancer hospital in Chennai and making sure the people around you are doing the same can lead to a healthier community, all from a little awareness and intent.

There’s no need to change your whole life in one day; even small steps, like walking every day, eating whole foods with greater frequency, quitting smoking, or booking that check-up, can be the right step in the right direction.