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In a landmark study conducted by the Cancer Research UK researchers recently, different lifestyle habits have been found to cause cancer in the UK. Over 135,400 cancer cases per year they say can be prevented in the UK through some of the lifestyles changes.
Cancer is a menace that’s known to the mankind since ages, and although there have been many medical advances over the years for many forms of cancer, the root cause of cancer is still unknown. There are numerous studies conducted every year of which some of the causes are under our control, and some are not.
The causes that cannot be controlled are majorly due to the random genetic changes with age, or the ones that are passed on genetically. There’s not much that can be done about these risks, and the only solution here seems to be the treatment procedure as followed worldwide.
However, we can have control over many causes especially the ones, that arise due to bad lifestyle habits, for instance, smoking. In such cases, making a few lifestyle changes can potentially save a life and that’s what the new study suggests. These calculations are more accurate since they have used all the available data and the testimonies. The research is published in the British Journal of Cancer that depicts 4 such cases out of 10 in the UK.
What are the Lifestyle Changes that can Prevent Cancer?
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Stop Smoking – Smoking has proved to be one of the biggest contributors to cancer formation irrespective of the reduced numbers of smoking rates off-late. Nearly 32,200 cases of cancer in men and 22,000 cases in women have been reported in 2015.
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Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity or being overweight is the second major causes of cancer that needs to be checked with immediate effect. About 22,800 cases of cancer per year have been reported of which 13,200 are women and 9,600 are men. Obesity has been reported to cause around 13 forms of cancer that include colon, breast, kidney, and womb. Maintaining a healthy weight with balanced diet and exercise can prevent at least 1 cancer case in 20.
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Stay away from the direct sun – Overexposure to direct sunlight that emits UV radiation is the third big reason that is known to affect around 13, 600 people with melanoma skin cancer every year. That constitutes about 3.8% of all cancer cases. Make sure that you enjoy the sun, but safely. Slather on some sun protection cream/lotion with a minimum SPF of 30 before you step out in the sun and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
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Reduce alcohol intake – Nearly 11,900 cancer cases reported each year are due to excess alcohol intake. Liver cancer, mouth and throat cancers, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer are some of the common forms of cancers caused by excess intake of alcohol. Increase the odds in your favour by reducing the alcohol intake per day to max 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for women, however, it’s best not to make it a daily habit.
Mixed salad leaves with berries, avocado and honey-mustard dressing
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Eat healthy, breathe healthy – While eating is in our control, breathing is not so much. Eating too little fibre accounts to 11,700 cancer cases every year that’s 3.3% of total cancer cases, while outdoor air pollution is known to affect around 3,600 people with lung cancer each year that’s about 1% of all the cancer cases.
Make sure that you eat enough fibres in form of fruits and vegetables in a day to maintain a healthy body function. To avoid air pollution, it’s better to stay away from outdoor air pollution as much as you can, while you can keep your interiors clean and smoke-free for max health benefits.
Cancer is a wakeup call for many, so make sure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle or make the lifestyle changes as soon as possible for long, happy, and healthy life.