Cancer Prevention: Cancer is one of the most debilitating and life-threatening diseases in the world. It claims more than 10 million precious lives every year.
In a video shared on Instagram, Dr Vartika Vishwani who is an eminent Surgical Oncology Consultant and MS (BHU) Gold Medallist shares her expert opinions.
Here are top 5 lifestyle causes that can increase the risk of cancer.
1. Lack of Dietary Fiber: The Colorectal Cancer Trigger
Believe it or not, your gut is your “second brain”. However, it could become a ticking time bomb for colorectal cancer in the absence of sufficient fibre. It is highly recommended that you should get fibre from seasonal & fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to throw off harmful toxins from the intestines. This would also help in feeding healthy gut bacteria and regulating blood sugar levels in the body.
DON'T MISS
2. Processed and Red Meat: The Carcinogen on Your Plate
Burgers, sausages and bacon may sound delicious but they could be deadly. The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meats (nitrates-laden salami and hot dogs) as Group 1 carcinogens, right up with tobacco, and red meat (beef, lamb and pork) as Group 2A probable carcinogens.
These meats produce harmful compounds such as Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and heme iron during digestion or cooking. They could severely inflame the gut lining while also promoting DNA damage. Ideally, you should grill instead of fry and pair with fibre-rich salads. Limit their intake to maximum once a week.
3. Lack of Exercise: Fuelling a Sedentary Cancer Epidemic
Believe it or not, sitting is the new smoking and it could supercharge the risk of cancer by a significant extent. In fact, the lack of physical activity could severely disrupt hormones, spike inflammation and weaken immunity levels in the body. Ideally, you should walk 10,000 steps every day, join a gym or cycle to work.
4. Skipping Sunscreen: Skin Cancer’s UV Assault
The sunny climate of India could be a double-edged sword that could damage your skin severely. The harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun could damage DNA, which may result in 90 percent of melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers. Ideally, you should use sunscreens with SPF 50 or more every day, even while staying indoors near windows.
5. Obesity: The Visceral Fat Cancer Catalyst
Carrying extra weight is like a cancer factory and you just could not ignore it. Obesity could fuel rapid cell division in pancreas, breasts and liver. Ideally, you should combine calorie control with exercise; target 5-10 percent weight loss to drop risks 10-20 percent.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
