The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at least 1/3 of cancers are preventable. (Image source/freepik)
Since 1971, cancer has ranked first in the country’s mortality rate and has continued to do so for more than 30 years. According to data announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of new cancer cases in Taiwan in 2018 was 121,254, an increase of 5,123 from 2017. Colorectal cancer once again topped the list of the top ten cancers, ranking first for 14 consecutive years. It is worth noting that if the cancer clock is moved forward 11 seconds, it is equivalent to one person being diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes and 20 seconds. Among them, the top three increases in the number of cancers are female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. The rapid increase in the number of people suffering from cancer and the rapid turning of the cancer clock are closely related to the aging population and the living habits of Chinese people.
The causes of cancer include random mutations in cell division, heredity, and the environment (including tobacco damage, viruses, living habits, air pollution, etc.). Bad living habits will increase the chance of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) report also pointed out that tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and obesity are the main risk factors for inducing cancer, and stated that at least 1/3 of Cancer can be prevented.
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Cancer can be said to be the result of the long-term accumulation of multiple factors. For example, there are more than 7,000 chemical substances in the ingredients of cigarettes, including many carcinogens and toxic substances, including lung cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer, which are all closely related. ; The carcinogenicity of betel nut has also been proven by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In addition, obesity, improper diet, lack of exercise and other lifestyles are also related to cancer. Taking colorectal cancer as an example, obese people have a risk of colorectal cancer that is 1-2 times higher than that of the average person, with 21-25% Colorectal cancer can be attributed to physical inactivity, irregular exercise, etc.
Therefore, cancer prevention should start from daily life, practice good living habits, and grasp the five major principles of “avoid smoking, abstaining from alcohol, and avoid excessive drinking; maintain a healthy posture; develop the habit of regular exercise; and eat healthily”, and encourage the intake of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Cut back on red and processed meats and choose foods with less oil, sugar and salt.
“Regular screening” is not just a slogan, it is an action! Individuals should review whether they are eligible for screening and be sure to remind themselves when they should be screened. The best way to take care of your body is to turn slogans into actions, regularly review your personal living habits, and cooperate with the Department of Health’s screenings. The Department of Health provides free cancer screenings for four types of cancer, including cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and oral cancer. Please bring your health insurance card to our B1 cancer screening counters 7 and 8 for inquiries (service hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00) 30-20:00/Friday 08:30-17:30/Saturday 08:30-12:30).
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The original author is Zhou Meiqing, head nurse of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Shin Kong Hospital. This article is reprinted from the 382nd issue of “Shin Kong Medical News”
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2023-10-15 07:03:18
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