3 weeks ago
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CANCER OCCURS when a cell’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutates, which can cause the cell to grow and divide uncontrollably. These changes can be caused by errors that happen during cell division, or by damage to DNA from harmful substances in the environment.
Our genes pick up mistakes that happen when cells divide. These mistakes (or faults) are called mutations. Mutations can happen throughout our lives, during natural processes in our cells, or they can happen because of other factors such as tobacco smoke, high energy (ionising) radiation, such as X-rays, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, some substances in food, and chemicals in our environment.
Sometimes people inherit certain faulty genes from their parents. This can mean that they have an increased risk of cancer. Only a small portion of cancers are due to an inherited condition. If cancer is common in your family, it is possible that mutations are being passed from one generation to the next.
You might be a candidate for genetic testing to see whether you have inherited mutations that might increase your risk of certain cancers. Keep in mind that having an inherited genetic mutation doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer.
It is usual for cells to repair faults in their genes. When the damage is very bad, the cell may self-destruct instead; or the immune system may recognise them as abnormal and kill them. This helps to protect us from cancer.
Sometimes mutations in important genes cause a cell to no longer understand instructions. The cell can start to multiply out of control. It does not repair itself properly, and it does not die when it should. This can lead to cancer.
Some chronic health conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, can markedly increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
The environment around you may contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of cancer. Even if you do not smoke, you might inhale second-hand smoke if you go where people are smoking, or if you live with someone who smokes. Chemicals in your home or workplace, such as asbestos and benzene, also are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre, doctors have identified several ways to reduce your risk of cancer, such as:
• STOP SMOKING
If you smoke, quit. If you do not smoke, do not start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer, not just lung cancer. Stopping now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.
• AVOID ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
• EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed meats.
• EXERCISE
Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you have not been exercising regularly, start out slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.
• MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• EAT CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
Cruciferous vegetables are those that are high in fibre and vitamins, and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases. They include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale.
• MEDITATE, RELAX AND HAVE FUN
Mindfulness is the simple practice of paying attention to the present moment. It can make you feel less stressed and more focused on each task you do. And mindfulness can help you sustain a healthy lifestyle, too. This is great news to lower your cancer risk. Mindfulness supports healthy choices of all kinds, including healthy eating and exercising more.
• GET SUNLIGHT
Chronic exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of some cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. This is because sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D, which may have anticancer effects. However, too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.
While doctors have an idea of what may increase your risk of cancer, the majority of cancers occur in people who do not have any known risk factors. Factors known to increase your risk of cancer include your age, your habits, your health conditions and your environment.
SOURCE: Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre
English (US) ·