In the previous article, it was seen that there are over 100 types of Cancers prevalent in India. Only six or seven accounts for around 50% of all cancer cases. However, when we think of preventing cancer deaths, we need to factor in all Cancers, and so, a general approach is needed. Secondly, it is not only taking measures to prevent the occurrence of Cancers but also their detection as early as possible so that effective and safe treatment can be instituted at an appropriate Treatment Centre.
CANCER CAUSING AGENTS
To understand the preventive measures more clearly, it is necessary to know in brief, the Cancer-causing agents. These are summarised below:-
- TOBACCO – Cancers of the head and neck, mouth, lungs, and urinary bladder.
- ALCOHOL – Cancers of mouth, throat, esophagus, colorectal in men, and breast cancer in women.
- DIET – Aflatoxins or mycotoxins, present in many untreated/ incorrectly stored food grains and nuts can cause Cancers of the liver. Excess of red and processed meat causes colorectal cancer.
- PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND OBESITY – These are considered as risk factors of many types of Cancers- esophagus, pancreas, liver, colorectal in men, and breast cancer in women.
- INFECTIONS – Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, causes cancer of the cervix while Hepatitis B and C may cause liver cancer.
- AIR POLLUTION AND INDUSTRIAL DUST – These are being implicated in Cancers of the Lung.
- WATER – Drinking water sources in some places have high arsenic content. It causes cancer of the bladder and skin.
- OTHER AGENTS – These are industrial dyes, snacks fried in repeatedly heated oils, overexposure to X-rays, and Radiations including radiotherapy used for the treatment of certain types of Cancers.
LIFE STYLE CHANGES
If the above agents are understood, it is not difficult to adopt behavior and a diet conducive to Cancer prevention. Hence, these are enumerated once again for a better understanding.
- Tobacco – Avoiding tobacco in any form especially smoking, chewing, and eating pan masala (with tobacco).
- Alcohol – For cancer prevention, there is no ‘good’ liquor including red wine. Alcohol is best left alone. Those who are addicted, need to reduce the quantity and keep dry days between bouts of drinking. ‘Neat’ drinks are alright only for experimenting youngsters.
- Red and processed meats – These foods should be cut off from the menu as they not only cause cancer, they also cause heart diseases. Fish, eggs, and lean meat are better options.
- Diet should contain more green and yellow vegetables. At least, two helpings of fruits and salads are necessary. Deep-fried foods from the market should be taken only, once in a while.
- Exercise is mandatory. Doing as many household chores is also a good exercise but moderately severe exercise for half an hour, each day is essential. It may be brisk walking, playing any game, sport, or even dancing. Sitting for more than an hour in one place is as dangerous as smoking one cigarette, so one should take a 5-minute break in the office or in front of the TV/ Computer/ cellphone, every hour. It rejuvenates the mind, rests the eyes and improves blood circulation in all parts of the body.
- Breastfeeding of the newborn for atleast 6 months is considered to prevent many types of breast Cancers.
- Safe sex prevents cancer of cervix besides liver (due to Hepatitis B and C ).
- Vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B are available. Treatment facilities for hepatitis B and C diseases are also available.
- Prevention of exposure to pollution and industrial dust by masks, using gloves to handle dyes, making food safe from aflatoxins and avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation are other methods of cancer prevention.
EARLY DETECTION OF CANCERS BY ONESELF
Awareness of cancer detection measures is important to catch them as early as possible. Simple measures include Self-examination. Any abnormal swelling or lump, a non-healing ulcer, lowered appetite without any reason and unexplained weight loss are some of the telltale signs when one must go to a doctor for a checkup. Women should learn self-examination of breasts from any source. Women over the age of 35 should also consider a Pap smear test every 5 years for cancer of the cervix. Similarly, men over the age of 45 should consider a blood test called PSA for prostate cancer. After the age of 50, a yearly, comprehensive medical checkup is essential. However, a battery of tests need not be done unless required.
Hope, you find the above guidelines simple and easy to follow.
Remember, Cancer Prevention is any day better than Cancer Treatment.
Footnote from the author: I would also like to inform my readers that my maiden book on short stories for children – ‘Teens and Tweens’ is getting published. It has 16 short character building stories for children and would serve as light reading material for all ages. It is available on Amazon, grab your copy today: Teens and Tweens
Maj Gen Krishan Chauhan is a second-generation army officer. He studied in Sainik School Kapurthala, graduated from IG Medical College, Shimla and did his MD from AFMC/Pune University. He has served in the Army Medical Corps for 36 years and retired as the Addl DGMS army. He is an avid marathon runner and a writer. He first wrote articles for children in The Young Chronicles. Later, he started writing his own blog as Genkris, on WordPress where over 25 articles on various subjects can be accessed.
