Numerous studies have shown that our way of life is the biggest cancer risk factor. According to the WHO, a person's lifestyle influences their health and quality of life to an extent of 60%. One of the most dangerous lifestyle disorders is cancer. In a recent publication on a population based study lifestyle has been found to be a major causative factor in almost 50% cancers.However, it is also a known fact that, with an early diagnosis and the right treatment, malignancies can be fully avoided and cured. The following are some simple cancer prevention strategies:

1. Control Your Weight

Because of our sedentary lifestyles, we frequently end up remaining physically inactive, putting on all the extra weight and eventually becoming overweight or obese. Obesity can cause cancers of uterus, breast in women and prostate in males.

1. Prioritize Eating Healthful Food

Good eating is a crucial component of living a healthy lifestyle. Remember that all naturally coloured foods are excellent providers of antioxidants. Some examples include spinach, berries, broccoli, beans, oranges, berries, peas, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens. Cell damage is known to be avoided by antioxidants. Red meat, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and other foods should all be avoided.

1. Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure

Skin cancer risk is increased by excessive sun exposure. You can protect yourself from UV radiation from the sun by using effective sunscreens and sunblocks.

1. Quit Smoking/Tobacco

The idea that tobacco use and smoking exclusively cause lung cancer is a widespread one. However, tobacco smoking also contributes to a number of other cancers. Tobacco use is linked to several cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, malignancies of the mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid leukaemia (a kind of blood cancer). All these fatal malignancies can be avoided simply by giving up smoking. In order to inspire oneself, you must decide whether you want to be miserable. It will always be your decision what to do.

1. Avoid uncleanliness.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to some diseases, including oropharyngeal and oral cancers. These can be avoided by practising good oral hygiene.

1. routine/preventive health examination

Though health is not everything, without it, everything else is meaningless. So, take care of your health. Get your annual physical since cancer can be prevented and, more importantly, completely curable when discovered early. To ensure your health, have yourself examined by annual health check-ups which should include screening for common cancers.

Author : Dr. Kanika Sharma Sood, Director & Clinical Lead – Radiation Oncology, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi