How to prevent Cancer (in females) : Part 2

Preventive measures of Cancer for Women

Researches & studies determine  that in case of Head and Neck cancers, Prostatic , Cervical cancer and Breast cancer, i.e. The most common cancers  in India, there are proven screening methods to detect the disease at an early stage when it is curable. 

The problem is that the patient at this stage is totally asymptomatic  and will not in the normal course of affairs consult a doctor. Recognizing possible warning signs of cancer and taking prompt actions lead to early diagnosis. Increased   awareness of possible warning signs of cancer, among physicians, nurses and other health care providers as well   as among the general public, can have a great impact on the disease. Some early signs of cancer include lumps, sores that fail to heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent   indigestion, and chronic hoarseness. Early diagnosis is particularly relevant for cancers of the breast, cervix, mouth, larynx, colon and rectum, and skin. 

There are many ways   which women can follow to prevent cancer by simply changing some lifestyle habits. These can be easily adopted by every woman. These  are  -

1.       Avoid Smoking and Passive Smoke  -

World No Tobacco Day , 31 May is World No Tobacco Day. This year's theme is "Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing  to  women". The tobacco industry targets women to replace up to half of current users of tobacco, who will die eventually  of a tobacco-related disease. 

We hear often & read in daily newspapers  that lots of times a day that how much harmful  cigarettes are for us and the risk of lung cancer they pose. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for cancer that we can reduce.

2.       Practice Safe Sex and Limit the Amount of Partners –

Always care for safe sex. Doing  unprotected   sex with many partners raises your risk for contracting a virus called the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV for short . Unprotected &  safe sex also inhibits the limits of partners with whom you are going to have sex. Certain strains of HPV have been   linked to several different types of cancers, mainly cervical cancer. It is estimated that almost 80% of women have HPV.

3.       Pap Smear test

Getting a regular Pap smear can detect changes in the cervix before they become cancerous. A regular Pap smear is one of the best  method  a woman has to prevent cervical  cancer.

4.       Must leave Alcohol habit -

Studies have determined that women who drink alcoholic beverages develop cancer at a higher rate. Studies show that  ladies who consume  more than 2 to 3 drinks daily have about 4  times more risk of women who don't consume alcohol.

5.       Physical exercise-  

Exercise helps to reduce the  risk for many types of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or more minutes, at least 5 days a week. Exercising doesn't mean to go to the gym to lift weights. Regular, adequate physical activity are major factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health  throughout the entire life course. Being physically active is essential for good health . Doing regular Yoga, Meditation etc.  also play a very important role to prevent cancer.

6.       Low-fat  concept -Limit fat:

 Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity . Eating a diet low in animal fats has been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential.  There is a link between overweight and obesity to  many types of cancer such as esophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. Eating a diet high in fat  increases your risk for many types of cancer. But cutting out fat entirely isn’t the answer, either. 

In fact, some types of fat may actually protect against  cancer. The trick is to choose your fats wisely and eat them in moderation . Fats that increase cancer risk – The two most damaging fats are saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats are found mainly in animal products such as  red meat, whole milk dairy products, and eggs. Trans fats, also called partially hydrogenated oils, are created by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils  to make them more solid and less likely to spoil—which is very good for food manufacturers, and very bad for you. Fats that decrease cancer risk – The best fats are unsaturated fats, which come from plant sources and are liquid at room temperature. Primary sources include Olive oil, Canola oil, nuts, and Avocados. Also focus on omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and support brain and heart health. Good sources include salmon, tuna, and flax seeds. 

Cook with olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil. Add nuts and seeds to cereal, salads, soups, or other dishes. Good choices include walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, and sesame seeds. Limit fast food, fried foods, and packaged foods, which tend to be high in trans fats. This includes foods like potato chips, cookies, crackers,  French fries, and doughnuts.

7.       Be Sun Savvy

Using sunscreen properly and staying out of the sun during peak hours is essential to preventing skin cancer. If you are looking for a tan, try some tanning  alternatives like cosmetic Bronzers and self tanning creams. New formulas don't leave your skin looking orange.

8.       Family History of Cancer

Knowing your family history of cancer is very important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like Breast, Colon,  Ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary. If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a proper screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic testing and counseling may be appropriate for some individuals.

For more details and consulting: 

"Do not hesitate, speak-up and don't wait"

Dr.P.P.Shrivastava

www.drpremwellness.com

How to prevent Cancer: Part 1

By making few changes in our daily life style we can prevent Cancer. I tried compiling few important points here:  

1.      Healthy diet-

 Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources, such as whole grains and beans, as they are cancer-fighting powerhouses. Plants have less fat, more fiber, and more cancer-fighting nutrients. These three elements work together to support your immune system and help your body fight off cancer.   

The best diet for preventing or fighting cancer is a predominantly plant-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables fruits, and whole grains. A plant-based diet means eating mostly foods that come from plants: vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and beans.

·         Bulk up on fiber

·         Choose your fats wisely

·         Limit fat

-    Cut down on meat

2.  Maintain a healthy weight and include physical activity in your daily         routine. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.

  3.  Don't use tobacco- 

 Avoid tobacco in any way like Smoking & chewing. Avoid exposure to Smoke; Smoking is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce. It is responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. 

 One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. As soon as you quit, and it's never too late, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco-free. 

 Avoiding secondhand smoke is also a way to prevent cancer. Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled from a smoker or a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. This   smoke contains more than 60 known carcinogens. These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development.

     

4. Protect yourself from the sun- Preventing skin cancer is to avoid UV ray exposure. We can do this by wearing sunscreen, avoiding mid-day sun, wearing protective clothing when outdoors    

 5. Get immunized -Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections .Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids. 

HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent .Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. 

. 6. Take early detection seriously -Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your  chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you. Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.

    7. Practice Safe Sex-practice-

Safe Sex-You may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. 

Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other types of cancer. 

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers.

  8. Know Your Personal and Family Medical History -Knowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary. 

9. Exercise for Cancer Prevention-

Did you know that when you are on exercise, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The Exercising 20-30 minutes, at least 5 days a week for cancer prevention. 

10. Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.



Dr Prem Prakash shrivastava
www.drpremwellness.com

Prevention of Cancer

Study shows that at least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world today. It causes 70-80% of all lung cancer deaths, and about 20% of all cancer deaths in developing countries, including deaths from cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, oesophagus and stomach. 

Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between overweight and obesity to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. 

Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. 

National policies and programs should be implemented to raise awareness and reduce exposure to cancer risk factors, and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Making few  changes in your daily lifestyle can prevent the cancer. To know more please follow the next post.

For more details and consulting:

Dr.P.P.Shrivastava
www.drpremwellness.com