Changes in lifestyle can help reduce risk of cancer

Chandigarh, February 4, 2022: Cancer is a dreaded disease and continues to claim several lives across the world. To spread awareness on the disease, World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year. The theme of this year’s event is, “Close the Care Gap”.

Dr Narendra Kumar Bhalla, Director, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, gives us a detailed insight into the causes and ways to prevent cancer.

What is cancer
Cancer is a disease which occurs due to the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in a particular part of the body. Cancer cells don’t stop growing and dividing, and thereby lead to a tumour.

Causes

Though cancer is a genetic disease, environmental and lifestyle-related factors that could contribute to developing the disease are:

Alcohol: People who indulge in heavy drinking have a high risk of developing cancer.

Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of lung, head and neck cancer. Consuming tobacco-related products is linked to oral cancer and poses a health risk.

Radiation: High-energy radiation damages cell DNA and can cause cancer.

Toxic industrial waste: Industrial waste poisoning can also develop certain types of cancer.

Use of pesticides: Some pesticides contain carcinogens and can cause cancer.

Overweight: Physical inactivity can lead to a host of diseases and increase the risk of cancer.

Poor nutrition: An unhealthy diet poses a great health hazard and increases the risk of cancer.

Discussing ways to prevent cancer, Dr Bhalla, said, “Early diagnosis of cancer and early treatment is the need of the hour. Fortis Mohali has state-of-the-art cancer care and provides best treatment options to patients. Several cancers are related to lifestyle. Inculcating healthy eating habits and adopting a good way of life can go a long way in preventing the disease.”

How does a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer?

Following a healthy lifestyle and consuming a healthy diet plays a major role in preventing cancer in the following ways:

1. Maintain healthy weight: Maintain weight as per the body mass index (BMI). Being overweight and obese poses a health hazard.
2. Physical activity: Ensure to undertake physical activity and stay fit.
3. Avoid excess sugar: Consumption of excessive sugar not only increases weight and causes obesity, but invariably increases the risk of cancer.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Eat a healthy diet which provides nutrition such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, vegetable and fruits, besides adequate fluid intake.
5. Avoid smoke/alcohol: Consumption of alcohol can cause cancers of the mouth and throat. Smoking releases several harmful chemicals which can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, lungs and urinary bladder.
6. Abstain from processed foods: Processed foods and meat are known to increase the risk of cancer.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.