Cancer Causes and Risk Factors and the Elements of Cancer Control

 

There are various causes of cancer. If you know the causes, you can control them and ensure that you can avoid this disease.

1. Tobacco-

Tobacco is one of the highest contributors of oral and lung cancer. It causes one fifth of cancer deaths. It is advised to avoid smoking and chewing of tobacco. Once started, it's hard to quit the habit and its sensible to avoid it completely.

2. Obesity, inactivity and diet-

 People with wrong eating habits, obesity and inactivity are at higher risk of getting cancer. A high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in our everyday lives. Avoid anything that’s processed and packaged. A healthy diet and exercise help in avoiding other chronic and lifestyle diseases along with cancer.

3. Alcohol-

Cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast can be caused by heavy alcohol drinking. Drink alcohol moderately, as too much consumption can also lead to addiction and dependency on alcohol.

4. Occupational exposures-

There are chemicals that one gets exposed to at the workplace which are encouraging to cancer cells. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is responsible for about 318,000 deaths per year at the workplace.

5. Ultraviolet Rays-

Natural UV radiation from sunlight causes most cases of melanoma in the world. The obvious interventions to prevent UV-related cancer are sun avoidance, protective clothing and sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Cancer Control-

 If the cause or risk factor can be eliminated or reduced, prevention is possible through behavior modification, modification of the environment, or in the case of infectious agents, vaccination or treatment. The biggest step is to avoid tobacco use. Eating a healthy meal, exercising, avoiding red meat and processed food, and getting regular screening are ways in which you can prevent cancer from occurring. Women above 50 should do annual pap smear tests and breast cancer tests.

Cancer Management-

In case you know someone with cancer, take the person to a diagnostic centre where imaging, x ray and screening will be done to know the location of the cancer cells. The right diagnosis is the key to managing it. With subsequent treatment, chemotherapy and medicines, the early stages of cancer can be cured and the person can be cancer free and go on to live a healthy and long life.

HDFC Life offers a unique cancer care insurance that works like a cancer cover policy that takes care of your treatment expenses for cancer without affecting your Savings. Buy a cancer insurance today to secure your financial future.