Smart and effective ways to reduce the risk of suffering from cancer
Cancer Prevention Action Week takes place every year from 19 to 25 February. Here is how you can reduce your risk of suffering from cancer.
According to CANSA, 'food, nutrition, physical activity, and body composition all play a role in increasing cancer risk, or if managed correctly, reducing cancer risk.'
Obtaining knowledge and implementing it is one way of ensuring you lower your risk of suffering from this illness that takes millions of people every year.
According to Statista, 'in 2020, the number of new cancer cases in Africa amounted to over 1.1 million'. The publication states that 'breast cancer was Africa's leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by cervical cancer, with 85,787 and 76,745 deaths, respectively.'
READ: Four South African celebrities who died of cancer in 2023
These numbers can be lowered if people choose to take the following preventative measures provided by the CANSA organisation:
Eat and drink smart
The risk of cancer can be reduced by eating healthy food.
Cut down on processed foods.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states that 'an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an elevated risk of multimorbidity involving cancer and cardiometabolic diseases. Associations were specifically noted with animal-based products and artificially sweetened beverages (e.g. soft drinks)'.
The World Health Organization states that a healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods which include:
Staples like cereals (wheat, barley, rye, maize or rice) or starchy tubers or roots (potato, yam, taro or cassava).
Legumes (lentils and beans).
Fruit and vegetables.
Foods from animal sources (meat, fish, eggs, and milk).
When it comes to alcohol, CANSA states: 'Most people are not aware that drinking any type of alcohol (even in small amounts) increases cancer risk.
'The more alcohol an individual drinks, the higher their risk for cancer, so individuals are encouraged to lower their alcohol intake or even quit. ‘Binge’ drinking (having five or more standard alcoholic drinks on a single occasion), adds to that risk substantially.'
READ: New cancer cases to soar 77% by 2050: WHO
Be active
Regular physical activity in combination with smart food and drink choices can help lower the risk for cancer, states CANSA.
The WHO recommends that adults aged 18–64 years should do at least '150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.'
Avoid tobacco
Consuming tobacco is dangerous for one's health.
Tobacco smoking is the main cause for unhealthy lungs, lung cancer, and over 14 other types of cancer and 17 smoking related illnesses and non-communicable diseases.
Avoid too much exposure to the sun
It is advisable to avoid overexposure to sunlight to reduce the risks of cancer.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Before going out, apply sunscreen and limit your time in the sun.
While out in the sun, ensure you wear a hat and wear protective clothing. Also, seek shade.
READ: This HPV vaccine is aimed at protecting your child from certain cancers
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
Image courtesy of iStock/ @Panuwat Dangsungnoen