It's true that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer but there are many conceptions about the link between lifestyle and cancer. Cancer is a disease that can happen to any human being, regardless of their age, gender or family history.However there are many myths(rumours)about cancer that are not scientifically proven yet.
In this Blog we will study the link between lifestyle and cancer and all the myths and real facts that actually cause cancer. Lets know about the myths about cancer to avoid all the fear, confusion and misinformation that are spreading over the internet.
Common Myths about Cancer
Myth 1: Cancer always leads to Death
Fact: It is the most common myth about cancer that it's always fatal. It's true that cancer is a life threatening disease that can cause death. However early detection and right treatment has increased the survival rates of cancer patients. People have completed their life span even after being diagnosed with cancer.
Myth 2: Cancer is contagious
Fact:There is no need to avoid the person who has cancer. It can’t spread from human to another. You can touch and spend time with that person . In fact your moral support will be more valuable for the person. Cancer cannot spread however there are some viruses causing cancer that can spread.
Myth 3: Cancer always causes Pain
Fact: Not all cancer causes pain at their initial stage, they start causing pain after spreading to nearby organs or tissues.There are so many cases where some patients were able to detect cancer early due to the pain but in some conditions cancer started causing pain after spreading.Controlling pain in cancer patient is also a major priority at hospitals because sometimes it's unbearable.
Myth 4: Alternative therapies can cure cancer without conventional treatment
Fact: Complementary and Alternative therapies can surely give you relief from cancer pain and may decrease some cancer symptoms. However there is no scientific proof that says that it can cure cancer on its own. Conventional treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy ,radiotherapy can cure the cancer properly.
Myth 5: Only older people get cancer
Fact: While age is an important risk factor for cancer, it can affect people of all ages ( children, young adults or even older peoples).Some cancers like Prostate and Breast cancer are common in older adults.However others like leukemia and brain tumour can occur at any age.Its Important for peoples of all ages to know the major symptoms and undergo recommended tests based on their risk factors.
Scientific facts about lifestyle and cancer prevention
Fact 1:Don't use Tobacco
Smoking has been linked to many kinds of cancer such as mouth,throat,pancreas,bladder and mainly lung cancer. Even being around the person who smokes can cause cancer.But its not only smoking , chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of mouth and throat.
Fact 2: Eat Healthy Food
Eating healthy food isn't the sure way to prevent cancer but it might lower the risk and also immune our body to fight the cancer cells.Drinking less alcohol can also be a good way to prevent the risk of cancer. Alcohol raises the risk of cancer of lungs and liver. So the less you drink the more safe you will be. This directly indicates the link between lifestyle and cancer.
Fact 3:Stay at a Healthy Weight and Stay Physically active
Being at a healthy weight might lower the risk of some types of cancer. These include cancer of the breast, pancreas, liver, colon, and kidney.Physical activity counts too. Besides helping control weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.
Doing any amount of physical activity is good for your health. But for the most benefit, get at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or cycling or swimming and dancing or 75 minutes a week of hard aerobic activity. The more you do it will be better for health.
Fact 4: Protect Yourself from Sun
Staying in direct contact with the sun for a longer period can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer that occurs and it is also easiest to prevent. Try these tips:
- Limit time spent in the sun. This is especially true between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Stay in the shade. When outdoors, be in the shade as much as you can. Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat help too.
- Cover your skin. Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Wear a head cover and sunglasses..
- Don't use tanning beds or sunlamps. These can do as much harm as sunlight.
Things You May Not Know About Cancer
- There are more skin cancer cases due to tanning than lung cancer due to smoking.
- More than half of all cancers are preventable.
- There are 28 million cancer survivors worldwide.
- Breast cancer is more common in the left breast than the right.
Conclusion
The link between lifestyle and cancer is undeniable. While genetics are unchangeable, lifestyle choices are significant in cancer prevention and management. A balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can significantly reduce cancer risk. It's estimated that 30% to 50% of cancer cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. These actions improve overall health and well-being, leading to longer, healthier lives.
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