Important Approaches to Reduce Cancer Risks
1- Smoking and alcohol: One in every two children in our country is affected by smoking. Smoking is responsible for one third of all cancers and 90% of lung cancers. The presence of a smoker at home and the fact that the mother smokes can increase the risk of leukemia in children by 3 times. It is known that the risk of cancer increases in children of mothers who drink alcohol, especially during pregnancy. In addition, drinking alcohol poses a risk for many cancers, especially digestive system cancers.
2- Environmental carcinogens: There are many carcinogenic substances in our environment that we encounter without realizing it. For example, home building materials and soil containing asbestos, erionite, factory residues producing heavy metals, arsenic, factories that cut PVC, electromagnetic fields, chemical hair dyes used during pregnancy and lactation.
3- Nutrition: The most important nutrition style that reduces the risk of cancer is breastfeeding. Avoiding fast foods, carbonated and ready-made drinks reduces a significant risk responsible for approximately one third of cancers.
4- Physical activity: Appropriate physical activity, regular sports, started at an early age, will lead to a lifelong healthy life. It is necessary for the body. Making physical activity a part of our lives seriously reduces the risk of cancer throughout life. This reducing effect both prevents obesity and increases tissue oxygenation.
5- Genetic predisposition and its analysis: 5-10% of cancers are caused by genetics. We know that it is of origin and that our genetic structure increases our risk. If there is cancer in our family, it is important to stay away from risks, as this predisposition may be present. We should schedule the screenings, especially in risky families, by consulting our doctor.
6- Immune system and vaccines: It is known that children who receive the meningitis vaccine called hemophilus influenza are less likely to get leukemia. Many vaccines stimulate the immune system early, help it mature, and help raise awareness of the immune system against cancer formation. Hepatitis B vaccine against specific cancers of the liver Erini (hepatocellular cancer) and HPV vaccines prevent cervical cancer. It is important that we get our childhood vaccinations regularly.
7- Sun (Ultraviolet-UV) and Electromagnetic fields: Sunlight and electromagnetic fields are non-ionized rays and are considered possible carcinogens by the World Cancer Control Agency. is counted. In this regard, ultraviolet from sunlight; It has much more serious effects, especially in terms of skin cancers. Although there is no definitive scientific data on electromagnetic fields, it is recommended to avoid close contact during adolescence and infancy, as they carry the risk of being experimentally carcinogenic. Solarium applications of pregnant women during the prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding periods are harmful for the baby. 8-
8-Protection from radiation: We encounter both natural and artificial radiation throughout our lives, even if unintentionally. In order to minimize the risks, unnecessary X-rays and CT scans should not be taken. Especially in this type of radiological approaches that give radiation load to the body, it must be ensured that the film has been requested by a doctor and its taking is mandatory for treatment or diagnosis.
9- Routine checks: Doctor required for all ages. Check-ups are important to recognize the following early findings. Health recommendations suitable for all ages and regular urine and blood tests are important.
10- Knowing the most important early signs of cancer is important for reducing deaths by making early diagnosis of cancer; p> 1. Swelling and stiffness in lymph nodes and other parts of the body should be closely monitored, especially if they exceed 2 cm, and some tests should be performed and checked for lymphomas. 2. Treatment-resistant, recurrent, unexplained cough and hoarseness that last longer than two months may be among the first symptoms of cancers related to the respiratory tract. 3. A wound that does not heal and a mole that changes shape and color rapidly:The change in shape and color of a previously existing mole on the body by darkening, the rapid appearance of a spot that does not exist is a symptom of skin cancer called melanoma. It can happen. 4. Unexplained fatigue, weakness and long-lasting night fevers and sweats: Anemia caused by cancer or the cancer itself may cause these findings. 5. Rapid weight loss and loss of appetite:The general symptom of cancer is weight loss and persistent loss of appetite. This is seen due to the negative effect it has on metabolism. 6. Changes in defecation habits, persistent diarrhea and constipation, and bloody defecation are among the most common findings of digestive system cancers. Presence of blood in the stool. 7. Bloody urine:The first symptom of some kidney tumors is bloody urine. Sometimes, the decrease in blood cells called platelets, which stop bleeding, due to cancer invasion, can cause this type of bleeding. 8. Unreasonable bleeding on the skin or elsewhere in the body: Rashes on the skin that do not fade when pressed, nosebleeds for no reason, easy bruising on the skin, and difficult healing are findings that can be encountered in blood cancers. 9. Difficulty in swallowing:Unreasonable swallowing problems can be seen in cancers of the digestive system and oral cavity. 10. Pallor: It may occur due to decreased blood production in the bone marrow, usually in slowly progressing cancers, or due to bleeding caused by cancer. It is important to consider cancers for early diagnosis, especially in cases of anemia and paleness for which the cause cannot be found.
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