Every year, 175 thousand people are diagnosed with cancer in Turkey. Today, cardiovascular diseases come first, while cancer diseases come second. Great importance is given to every new alternative method developed for the treatment of cancer. Giving importance to physical activity along with proper nutrition protects against cancer to a great extent. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital Medical Oncology Department Specialist Dr. Betül Açıkalın gave information about the precautions to be taken to protect against cancer.
Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol
One of the main causes of cancer diseases is smoking. Smoking habit is the most important factor in the development of lung cancer. Smoking can also lead to mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, pancreas, stomach, kidney, breast and bladder cancers. Staying away from cigarettes, which contain many chemicals and substances that can cause cancer, and if used, quitting as soon as possible should be the primary precautions that can be taken against cancer. Regular use of alcohol, especially along with smoking, significantly increases the risk of cancer.
Be sure to use sunscreen during the summer months.
Long-term exposure to sunlight during the summer months may cause skin cancer after a while. Exposure to radiation for a long time and going to solariums are among the factors that increase the risk of cancer. You should stay away from sunlight between 11 and 16 hours, when the sun is at its highest, and high-protection protective creams should be used.
Be sure to be vaccinated against infections.
The immune system, which decreases for a long time in infectious diseases, can cause cancer. While the course of viruses and bacteria can turn into a simple infection in people, it can also lead to cancer in some people. Hepatitis B virus can especially cause liver cancer. In addition, cancer diseases are more common in people with AIDS. You can be protected from these infections and cancer with a safe sexual life and vaccination.
Stay away from processed products and ready-made foods.
In order to protect against cancer, first of all, adopting a regular and healthy nutrition program is one of the most important preventive measures. Foods that increase the risk of cancer and cancer prevention Foods that cause irritation should be strictly avoided. Foods containing cancer-fighting nutrients should be consumed, and at least 2 liters of water should be drunk a day. Processed meat and smoked food products should be avoided and daily salt consumption should be minimized. Since excessive red meat consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer, meat consumption should be reduced and white meats such as fish, chicken and turkey should be preferred instead.
Prioritize legumes in your diet and stay away from sugar.
Consume vegetable protein sources in your food consumption. Foods such as beans, lentils, black-eyed peas and chickpeas should be given priority on the table. Consumption of sugar and sweets should be paid close attention, and fat consumption should also be limited. Tables containing foods rich in vegetables and fruits act as a shield against possible cancer diseases. Since it is known that vitamins C, E and A have properties that prevent cancer formation; Green, red vegetables and citrus fruits should be consumed. Priority should be given to green foods such as spinach, chard and broccoli, actioside-rich foods such as garlic and onions, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. It is recommended to consume wheat bran, oats, rye and brown bread instead of white bread as they are the most effective fiber and high bran sources.
Take regular walks every day
Regular exercise is among the first conditions of living a healthy life. While it is seen that people who make sports a way of life gain resistance against cancer, it is observed that people who have received cancer treatment can return to their normal lives in a shorter time. Breast, colon, uterine and prostate cancers are less common in those who exercise and walk regularly for at least 30 - 45 minutes every day.
Maintain your weight balance
It is known that low level physical activity is an important factor for obesity. . Obesity, which is an important health problem, is gradually increasing, and increasing weight causes breast cancer, in particular; It is closely associated with colon, uterus, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, prostate and ovarian cancer. By consciously losing weight, the risk of cancer decreases significantly.
Do not neglect screening tests performed at certain ages.
The most important symptom of cancer This is primarily a condition of unexplained weight loss. Fatigue or fatigue that lasts longer than a few weeks may be a sign of silent and deep-seated cancer. The likelihood of experiencing fatigue increases in cancers that cause significant weight loss, loss of appetite and anemia. Pain, skin changes, changes in bowel and urinary habits, unexpected and abnormal bleeding and discharge, wounds that do not heal, palpable masses in the body, swelling, difficulty swallowing, indigestion and hoarseness may be the leading symptoms of cancer. Even if the person does not have any complaints, cancer can be detected at an early stage with screening tests performed at certain ages. When these symptoms are noticed, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.
Stay away from stress as much as possible
It is now clearly known that stress triggers cancer. Stress can threaten not only our psychology but also our physical health, because long-term exposure to stress and sadness affects our immune system, reduces our body resistance over time, and invites various diseases. However, most people in society do not yet have enough information about how to avoid stress. To avoid stress, counseling can be sought from an expert, social activity can be included more in daily life, and physical exercises can be given significant emphasis.
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