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.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), cancer is a major public health problem in the world and is one of the four leading causes of death before the age of 70 in several countries. As this is an increasingly common problem, the sooner it is identified, the better the chances of recovery.boonchai wedmakahand
![Seated lady with hands on stomach while another person offers her help: Metropolis](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133733/Foto-senhora-sentada-com-maos-na-barriga.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signals that the body gives. Although some cancers have no symptoms, cancer often causes changes in the body. Know some signs that may appear in the presence of the diseasePhynart Studio/Getty Images
![Woman on a ladder. She has black hair and is wrapped in a towel: Metropolis](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133703/Foto-mulher-em-cima-de-uma-balanca.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Weight loss for no apparent reason can be one of the main symptoms of different types of cancer, such as: stomach, lung, pancreas, etc.Flashpop/Getty Images
![Woman performing the touch to check for breast cancer - Metropolis](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133708/Foto-pessoa-com-a-mao-no-seio-2.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Persistent changes in skin texture for no apparent reason can also be a red flag, especially if they are bumps and lumps in the breasts, neck, groin, testicles, armpits, and stomach.FG Commerce/Getty Images
![Seated man coughing. He has gray hair and is wearing a Metropoles-checkered shirt](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133653/Foto-homem-com-tosse.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Persistent cough, despite being a common symptom of several diseases, should be investigated if it continues for more than four weeks. If it’s accompanied by shortness of breath and blood, for example, it could be an indication of lung cancer.South_agency/Getty Images
![A mole investigated by someone wearing clothes and objects from the sanitary area - Metrópoles](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133728/Foto-pinta-sendo-investigada.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Another characteristic sign of the existence of cancer is a change in the appearance of moles. Changes in size, color, and shape should also be investigated, especially if they flake, bleed, or show retained fluid.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
![Man leaning against the wall and bent over as if in pain. He has white-Metropolis hair](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133719/Foto-pessoa-com-dor.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
The presence of blood in the stool or urine can be a sign of kidney, bladder or bowel cancer. In addition, pain and difficulty urinating should also be investigated.RealPeopleGroup/Getty Images
![Woman with hands on breasts and wearing a veil - Metropolis](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13133714/Foto-pessoa-com-a-mao-no-seio.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Pain for no apparent reason and lasting more than four weeks, frequently or intermittently, can be a sign of cancer. This is because some tumors can press on bones, nerves and other organs, causing discomfort. ljubaphoto/Getty Images
![Man standing with one hand on his stomach and the other holding a mobile phone. He wears a blue T-shirt and has dark Metropolis hair and beard](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.metropoles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13134549/Foto-homem-com-mao-da-barriga.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1)
Severe and recurring heartburn, which is painful and doesn’t seem to go away, can indicate various types of diseases, such as throat or stomach cancer. In addition, difficulty and pain when swallowing should also be investigated, as they could be a sign of esophageal cancer.DjelicS/Getty Images
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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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