OR National Cancer Institute estimates 700,000 new cancer diagnoses in 2023. The causes are usually multifactorial, the disease can be linked to both genetic characteristics and lifestyle habits.
Oncologists have been repeating for decades that tumors are different diseases – at least 200 different types of tumors have already been described so far.
“Although the causes vary and each patient has a specific medical history, research has already linked certain lifestyle habits as higher risk factors for developing cancer,” comments oncologist Janyara Teixeira, of Oncologia D´Ór.
Among the main risk factors mapped are a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, obesity, the use of alcoholic beverages and inadequate exposure to the sun.
The environmental context, such as exposure to pesticides and insecticides, is also associated with the development of some types of cancers.
With the help of specialists Janyara Teixeira and Anderson Silvestrini, of Oncologia D´Ór, the metropolis put together a list of the best tips to avoid cancer. To look!
1. Don’t smoke
Oncologist Anderson Silvestrini explains that 30% of deaths caused by cancer are related to smoking. Therefore, one of the most important tips is to quit smoking.
Doctors warn that, in addition to lung cancer, cigarette smoking is also linked to malignancies in the esophagus, head and neck regions, and bladder.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Doctors emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to avoid cancer. Janyara Teixeira reminds us of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables as well avoid eating processed meatssuch as ham, sausage, sausage, bacon, salami, mortadella and smoked turkey breast.
3. Maintain proper weight
Obesity can increase the chances of developing cancers. “It is important to keep your weight within the recommended limits of Body Mass Index (BMI). The limit considered healthy for adults is a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²,” explains Janyara.
Silvestrini points out that the physical activities they help in weight regulation and keep the body functioning efficiently, so they are also allies in the prevention of tumors.
4. Use sunscreen
Skin cancer is the most common type in Brazil. “use sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours reduces the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma cancer,” says Silvestrini.
In addition to sunscreen, it is also recommended that you wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and stay under tents when exposed to direct sunlight.
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5. Take monitoring exams
In a scenario where the incidence of cancer is increasing due to an aging population, screening is another important point.
According to doctors, it works as a kind of secondary prevention, allowing cancers to be detected at an early stage, which allows for more treatment options.
- OR gynecological pap smear may find inflammation in the cervix, which can be treated before cancer develops;
- Mammography, if performed after the age of 40 every one to two years, reduces the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 20%.
- Colonoscopy, when performed periodically, reduces the chance of dying from bowel cancer by 20 to 30%.
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