O National Cancer Institute estimates 700 thousand new diagnoses of tumors in 2023. The causes are usually multifactorial, the disease can be linked to both genetic characteristics and lifestyle habits.
Oncologists have been repeating for some decades that cancers are several diseases – until now, at least 200 different types of tumors have already been described.
“Although the causes vary and each patient has a specific health history, research has already linked some lifestyle habits as higher risk factors for the development of cancer”, comments oncologist Janyara Teixeira, from Oncologia D´Ór.
Among the main risk factors mapped are sedentary lifestyle, smoking, low-quality diet, obesity, use of alcoholic beverages and inadequate sun exposure.
The environmental context, such as being exposed to pesticides and insecticides, is also associated with the development of some types of tumors.
With the help of specialists Janyara Teixeira and Anderson Silvestrini, from Oncologia D´Ór, the metropolises put together a list of the best advice for avoiding cancer. Check out!
1. No smoking
Oncologist Anderson Silvestrini explains that 30% of deaths caused by cancer are linked to smoking. Therefore, one of the most important pieces of advice is to quit smoking.
Doctors warn that, in addition to lung cancer, cigarette smoking is also linked to neoplasms in the esophagus, in the head and neck regions and in the bladder.
2. Pursue a healthy diet
Doctors highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to avoid cancer. Janyara Teixeira recalls the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding the consumption of processed meats, such as ham, sausage, sausage, bacon, salami, mortadella and smoked turkey breast.
3. Maintain proper weight
Obesity can increase the chances of developing tumors. “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 of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m²”, explains Janyara.
Silvestrini points out that physical activities help in weight regulation and keep the body functioning efficiently, therefore they are also allies in the prevention of tumors.
4. Use sunscreen
Skin cancer is the most common type in Brazil. “Using sunscreen and avoiding exposure to the sun at peak hours reduces the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma cancer,” says Silvestrini.
In addition to sunscreen, it is also recommended to wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and stay under tents when in direct sunlight.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), cancer is one of the main public health problems in the world and is one of the four main causes of death before the age of 70 in several countries. As it is an increasingly common problem, the sooner it is identified, the greater the chances of recovery.boonchai wedmakhand
****Photo-lady-sitting-with-hands-on-belly.jpgTherefore, it is important to be aware of the signs that the body gives. Although some tumors 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
****Photo-woman-on-a-scale.jpgWeight 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
****Photo-person-with-hand-on-bosom-2.jpgPersistent changes in skin texture for no apparent reason can also be a red flag, especially if they are bumps and lumps in the breast, neck, groin, testicles, armpit and stomach.FG Trade/ Getty Images
****Photo-man-with-cough.jpgPersistent cough, despite being a common symptom of several diseases, should be investigated if it continues for more than four weeks. If it is accompanied by shortness of breath and blood, for example, it may be an indication of lung cancer.South_agency/ Getty Images
****Photo-paint-being-investigated.jpgAnother characteristic sign of the existence of cancer is the 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
****Photo-person-in-pain.jpgThe presence of blood in the stool or urine can be a sign of cancer of the kidneys, bladder or bowel. In addition, pain and difficulties when urinating should also be investigated.RealPeopleGroup/ Getty Images
****Photo-person-with-hand-on-bosom.jpgPain for no apparent reason and lasting more than four weeks, frequently or intermittently, may be a sign of cancer. This is because some tumors can press on bones, nerves and other organs, causing discomfort. ljubaphoto/ Getty Images
*****Photo-man-with-the-belly.jpgStrong, recurrent heartburn, which is painful and apparently does not 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 may be a sign of esophageal cancer.DjelicS/ Getty Images
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5. Take tracking exams
In a scenario where the incidence of cancer is increasing due to the aging of the population, screening is another important point.
According to doctors, it works as a kind of secondary prevention, allowing tumors to be detected at an early stage, which enables greater treatment options.
- A gynecological pap smear can find inflammation in the cervix, which can be treated before cancer develops;
- Mammography, when performed after 40 every one or two years, decreases the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 20%.
- Colonoscopy, if done periodically, decreases the chance of death from bowel cancer by between 20 and 30%.
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