How to fight cancer
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Mar 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Ditch the Smokes
Smoking has been linked not only to lung cancer, it is also linked to other kinds including stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, and throat. You need to stop smoking sooner and consult your doctor for quitting-smoking methods.
Eat More Broccoli
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, hgih fibre and low fat. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, watercress, or other cruciferous vegetables. They prevent DNA damage and contain cancer-fighting pigments. Eat colorful.
Trim a Few Pounds
Extra weight around your middle could add up to a greater chance of having cancer, especially of the breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, and gallbladder. This is due to a substance produced by fat cells that encourage cancer.
Go Easy on Alcohol
Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, and others. The more you drink, the higher your risk. If you drink, do it in moderation. Women should stick to one drink a day, men up to two.
Cut Back on Hot Dogs
Studies show that processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, have chemicals called nitrites and nitrates that may be linked to cancer.
In addition high consumption of red meat is linked to colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. Choose safer alternatives for your backyard cookout, like chicken breast or fish.
Get Off the Couch
Move more as exercise is important to lose extra pounds and lower level of estrogen and insulin. Aim to have 30 minutes of aerobic exericse daily.
Put on Sunscreen
It is important to put on sunscreen as UV light can damage skin and promote cancer. Pick a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply whenever you sweat or swim. And when you're out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.
Practice Safer Sex
Some of these infections also increase your odds of having cancer. About 70% of cervical cancers start with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.
Some types of hepatitis can cause liver cancer. To stay safe, use a latex condom every time you have sex.
Get Vaccinated
You need to get vaccinated. Certain HPV vaccines prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus.
The time to get vaccinated is between ages 9 and 26. The hepatitis B vaccine wards off the virus that causes liver cancer. It's part of the childhood vaccination schedule.
Avoid Toxic Chemicals
Chemicals called carcinogens damage DNA in your cells and raise your chance of having cancer if you touch, eat, or breathe them in. Asbestos, radon, and benzene are a few that some people come into contact with at work or home.
Chemicals in weedkillers, plastics, and some home products may also be risky. You can't avoid every chemical, but know which ones are in products you use and switch to safer options if you can
Know Your Family History
You needto learn more about your family history as genes can be inherited to kids and pose them at higher risk of developing cancer.
Learn about your family's medical history and ask your doctor if a genetic test is a good idea for you.
Stay Up to Date With Screenings
Screening tests catch cancer early -- sometimes even before it starts. A colonoscopy often finds polyps in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer.
The Pap test locates pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in a woman's cervix.
Mammograms and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) look for early breast and lung cancers. Ask your doctor when to start getting these tests, and how often you need them.
Take Meds if You Need Them
Some drugs lower your odds of getting certain cancers. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene (Evista) can reduce breast cancer risk but may have serious side effects. Aspirin may protect against colorectal and prostate cancers.
Be careful about supplements use as they have been linked to some kinds of cancer in addition not all of them are safe and proven to use.
Be Cautious About Hormone Therapy
Hormonal therapy may relieve some symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, fatigue and strengthen your bones. But it has been linked to breast cancer so consult your doctor before using it.
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