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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : February 5, 2019 9:22 AM IST
It may not be always possible to put a finger on the exact cause of cancer, but you can nip it in the bud through harm reduction measures ©Shutterstock
There has been an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India in the last few years. Perhaps the deadliest of all, cancer, affects about 2.5 million people in the country and over 7 lakh new cases get registered every year. Among the various forms of cancer, those of the oral cavity and lung cancer in males and cervical cancer and breast cancer in women account for about 50% of all related deaths in the country. The disease is assuming an epidemic proportion and it is not uncommon any more to hear about someone diagnosed with cancer every now and then.
"While contamination and other common factors such as pollution come to the fore when we speak of the possible causes, not much thought is accorded to prevention. It may not be always possible to put a finger on the exact cause of a certain type of cancer, but what can be done is to nip it in the bud through what is called harm reduction. It is a public health strategy, which aims to mitigate the dangers or harms associated with an action or condition, " explains Dr Ramananda Srikantiah Nadig, Head of the Clinical Advisory Board, healthi. Everyday actions can impact our health adversely and thus there is a need to change our outlook towards diseases such as cancer and approach it in a different way.
Sleep for better health
Our body functions like a Swiss clock and is therefore programmed in a certain manner this includes going to sleep and waking up at a certain time. There has been a dramatic change in our sleep cycles today thanks to long working hours, mobile devices, and a host of other factors. "Cancer is an inflammatory disease and lack of sleep has a direct connection to it. Our body needs adequate sleep to carry out processes such as cell repair sleep also protects, heals, and rejuvenates the body and regulates gut health. A six-to-eight-hour sleep cycle is, therefore, a must for optimum health and keeping cancer away, " Dr Ramananda says.
Change your lifestyle
Lack of exercise affects the human body right up to the cellular level. While modern and advanced technology has made life easy and convenient, it has also affected us in various other ways. Add to this, long hours at work without exercise and the problems only get compounded. Recently, a study published in The Lancet indicated that 4 out of 10 Indians are not sufficiently active. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to a cluster of conditions and not just cancer. At least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, in any form, is essential to ward off diseases. Those who work can try incorporating some form of desk exercises into their routine.
Improve your emotional quotient
The capacity to deal with stress and other emotions such as sadness and anger can go a long way in deciding how your body functions at a larger level. People who are emotionally healthy also remain free of diseases. Mental and emotional stress can contribute to cancer and therefore it is imperative to practice techniques such as meditation and yoga to keep this disease at bay.
Improve your gut health
A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is also anti-cancerous in nature. It improves gut health and prevents the onset of constipation or other digestive issues. This combined with regular exercise can improve metabolism to a great extent. In addition to this, you should limit processed and red meats; practice eating habits that allow you to maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol to two drinks daily if you re a man and one if you re a woman. A common symptom in people diagnosed with cancer is acidity. Some causes for this include eating a heavy dinner, consuming spicy foods, and excessive intake of processed products. It is a good idea to maintain a consistent eating pattern including the timing to avoid acidity.
Take a mobile phone break
"Long-term use of a mobile phone may be a possible cause of cancer. The device gives out what is called radiofrequency electromagnetic fields which could possibly be carcinogenic in nature. The tissues near to where the phone is held may absorb this non-ionizing radiation which is potentially hazardous to brain health. Though there is still no conclusive evidence on whether mobile phones increase cancer risk, it is imperative to limit exposure, especially in children, " says Dr Ramananda.
