Getting diagnosed with a malignant disease can be one of the most tragic incidents that can happen to a person. Life-threatening diseases take from you in more ways than one. While deteriorating your physical health, they can also gravely affect your mental health. They can trap you in the highs and lows of overwhelming emotions such as anger, anxiety, distress, depression, and hopelessness. Amongst the most feared life-threatening diseases is cancer. Cancer is a generic term for all those diseases characterized by an abnormal growth of cells in any part of the body. Considering the virulent nature of the disease, it is not surprising that cancer is one of the leading causes of death. According to the statistics, 10 million people die from cancer annually – or one in six deaths worldwide.
Cancer is not always terminal; doctors only consider it terminal when there is no chance for recovery from the illness. If detected early, the probability of curing and treating cancer is higher as the body is still not taken over by the disease. However, before treatment, there should always be prevention. The causes of cancer are expansive, with far-reaching effects on the body. Even the materials you do not realize may be harmful and could be putting you at risk. One of the most concerning causes of cancer is asbestos exposure, a group of six naturally occurring minerals through heat-resistant fibers.
Many industries worldwide use these fibers for their products, and inhaling them can put you at risk for mesothelioma. It is cancer caused by inhaling asbestos, and it most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you should consider filing a lawsuit. The mesothelioma settlements may not bring victims’ health back, but they can offer some consolation in the form of compensation. Cancer treatments are expensive, and you may need financial support for its medical costs and secure a future for your family. At the very least, the companies using asbestos and putting thousands of people at risk should be held accountable.
Doctors are making ground-breaking progress in treating cancer, but there is more you can do for yourself to prevent it. Following are some tips that could help reduce your risk of cancer.
- Eat healthy food
Add more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to your diet. The fiber found in the listed items helps keep your digestive system clean and healthy. Cut down on your consumption of red meat as it makes you more susceptible to the risk of colon cancer. Also, limit your intake of saturated fats and choose healthy fats instead. Foods high in fat increase cancer risk, but healthy fats may protect you against it.
- Don’t use Tobacco
The use of tobacco is one of the most common causes of cancer. While smoking or chewing tobacco directly puts you at risk of cancer, inhaling secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous for your health.
Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take for cancer prevention. The images and warnings on cigarette packs do not lie. If you are an active smoker, it is never too late to quit smoking and lead a healthier life.
- Be physically active
Maintaining a healthy body weight will make you less susceptible to diseases, including various types of cancer, such as breast, lungs, colon, and kidney cancer. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight. Try incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your everyday life. The benefits of physical activity are extensive; it will help reduce your stress, increase your energy, strengthen your immune system, and make you less likely to develop cancer or any other malignant disease.
- Get immunity from infections
Some infections, such as HPV and hepatitis, contribute to cancer diseases. Get immunized for the infections that are preventable through vaccines.
- Practice safe sex
Unsafe sex makes you more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases and infections. You can contract infections such as HIV or HPV through sex, and these infections are often associated with different types of cancer. Therefore, practice safe sex.
- Avoid exposure to toxic materials
Asbestos is only one example of a toxic material that can increase cancer risk. There are many other toxins you need to avoid to prevent cancer, for example, benzene and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- Protect your skin from radiations
Skin cancer is the most common of all types of cancers and the most preventable. Residential radon exposure can significantly increase your risk of lung cancer. Radon is formed from the decay of uranium in soils and can move to your home through cracks and spaces. The radon inside your home can get trapped inside, and its accumulation can lead to high chances of lung cancer.
Furthermore, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can also cause skin cancer. Take necessary measures to protect your skin from the sun.
- Quit drinking alcohol
Alcohol abuse can put you at risk for cancer diseases. It is advised to quit alcohol as quickly you can to prevent the risk of getting cancer. Intake of alcohol can increase the risk of mouth, larynx, colon, and other types of cancer. It also puts women at risk for breast cancer and causes other heart-related diseases.
- Get regular medical screenings
Genetics and family history mark one of the most common determinants of cancer risk. While your family history of cancer is not a controllable factor, going for medical screenings can still help you prevent it to some extent. Screenings and check-ups can help detect precancerous symptoms before the disease develops. At the very least, they can help detect cancer early when its treatment can be effective.
Conclusion
Many factors contribute to cancer, and some, such as genetics and the environment, may not be in your control. However, there are still some measures you can take to remain healthy and prevent cancer. Following our tips may help you do so. If you or your loved one detects any symptom related to cancer, consult a doctor at your earliest. Early cancer detection can make treatment and recovery effective.
