World Cancer Day

 

 
World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and is the singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. 

Did you know that each year, over 12.7 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 7.6 million people die from the disease? If no action is taken, the worldwide cancer burden is expected to reach 26 million new diagnoses and 17 million deaths by the year 2030, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. 

It’s not all bad news as 30-40% of cancers can be prevented, and one-third of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity

A healthy diet and regular adequate physical activity are of major importance to preventing cancer and maintaining good health throughout life.

• Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

     Maintain body weight within the normal range from age 21
     Avoid weight gain and increase in waist circumference       through out Adult Hood.

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day, limit sedentary habits such as watching television.            

• Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat). Consume fast foods sparingly, if at all 

• Eat mostly foods of plant origin, Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans.Eat at least five portions.  

• Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.                                          
  
• If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day. 

• Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). Avoid mouldy cereal (Grains) or Pulses (Legumes)

• Dietary supplements are not recommended for cancer Prevention, aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone

Quit Tobacco 
Tobacco kills more than 5 million people a year, an average of one person every six seconds. You can prevent cancer when you stop smoking, chewing and sniffing tobacco. Try to avoid exposure to passive smoke to further reduce your risk. 

Sun Exposure 
Excessive exposure to UV radiation (either from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun beds) is associated with accelerated skin aging and different types of skin cancer. Stop using sun beds and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remember to use sunscreens and protective clothing as an effective cancer prevention method.