Learn How To Prevent Cancer

United States Cancer Awareness Month

You know how they say that ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’? Well this is what all of us should understand and this what will be emphasized over and over again this month because February is the Cancer Awareness Month in the United States.

According to the World Health Organization cancer is the no.1 cause of death worldwide and this disease kills around 7 million people annually. The most widespread and aggressive types of cancers are: lung cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer. Even if with each day that goes by cancer treatments increase their success rates, these are only effective if the disease is detected in its early stages.

But why think of cure and treatments, and not prevention? It is true that we cannot fight genetics or other cancer causes such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, but we can avoid other factors such as the physical and chemical ones: ultraviolet radiation, alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy diet or obesity.

Cancer Prevention

So here are some pieces of advice on how to prevent cancer coming directly from cancer specialists:

– quit smoking

– use sunscreen

– eat lots of fruits and vegetables

– cut back on animal fat and red meat

– limit alcohol consumption

– exercise at least for 30 minutes each day

– go to routine examinations

– vaccinate yourself against Human Papilloma Virus and Hepatitis B Virus

Cancer can hit anyone, but only kills those who ignore the symptoms. CAUTION is the word that you should bear in mind when it comes to cancer. Be careful at how you live your life but also at the symptoms: persistent headaches, a sore that does not heal, lump in the breast or anywhere in the body, chronic pain, loss of appetite, loss of weight, repeated infection, persisted vomiting, nausea or fatigue, unusual bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms go and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Ana Savin