Most people, if not all, dread cancer. When diagnosed with it you may feel like it is a death sentence. It is one of the most complex and difficult to treat diseases. It knows no discrimination when it comes to age. Some types of cancer are common in children but the risk of developing the disease increases with age. To avoid the disease at all costs one definitely needs a better understanding of it.
Cancer is a broad group of diseases all which involve unregulated growth of cells. The cells divide and grow in an uncontrollable manner. They form tumors which are malignant and also attack other nearby body parts. It may also spread to other parts of the body. This may happen through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. One thing you should note however is that not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are not cancerous.
There are about 200 known cancers that affect humans. Detection of cancer can be through identifying the presence of various signs and symptoms, doing screening tests or medical imaging. Treatments used to combat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Survival rates greatly vary and will depend on the type, stage of the cancer and its location.
You can reduce your odds of getting this disease and avoid the devastation it causes. You can protect yourself from this deadly disease in the following ways:
It is said prevention is better than cure. One of the best ways to beat cancer is to include cancer fighting foods in your diet. Include foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli. These are some of natures best cancer fighters. Consume foods that are high in antioxidants. In this category are blueberries and any other berries.
Antioxidants can also be found in green tea, kidney beans, pecans, red wine, dark chocolate and many other foods. Antioxidants fight cancer through helping your body neutralize free radicals which are molecules that damage living tissue. When this tissue accumulates, it can result to cancer.
Most products we use have harmful chemicals that contain carcinogens. Such products include cleaners, pesticides and fire-retardant. Try to use organic or herbal products.
It is okay to get some sun but too much of anything is poisonous. The sun contains harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen with a high SPF. Put on a hat and ensure your skins exposure to the sun is minimal.
Research shows that obesity is a leading factor in getting cancer. To control your weight means that you have to watch what you eat. Diet alone will not be effective. You need to accompany this with regular exercise. Go for a run, jog or have at least 2 hours of brisk walking a week.
Exercise boosts your heart’s performance and burns the fat ensuring you keep healthy. It will also make you feel good about yourself and who does not want to feel that way?
Only use your phone for short calls or texts. The radio frequency emitted by the phone is linked to brain cancer but research done on this is not conclusive. Alternatively use a hands free device.
Water consumption dilutes the concentration of agents in the urine thus reducing your chances of bladder cancer.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Of all forms of cancer, this is the one that leads to the highest number of deaths.
If you must, drink no more than two alcoholic drinks in a day. Excessive consumption alcohol can lead to mouth, throat and liver cancer. It may also lead to other types of cancer.
This is the best way to detect cancer early and prevent it completely before it advances or spreads to other body parts. Be sure to see your doctor regularly.
This is very important especially in a dark room as the brain produces a hormone, melatonin, when we are asleep. It has been proven to fight cancer powerfully.
Keep in mind that you probably will not get cancer but only if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most known cancers are related to the lifestyle choices you make and can be avoided. This will require a lot of discipline on your side. Nothing good comes easy. Follow the above tips and they may just save you from this devastating disease.