PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST CANCER

Preventive measures helps in making sure cancer does not occur in the first place. There a number of ways to prevent cancer from occurring. In 2008, there were an estimated 12.7 million cancer cases and 7.6 million cane despite the evidence that many cancer can be are preventable. Both screening and preventive measures can reduce mortality from cancer. Prevention strategies focus on modifying environmental and lifestyle risk factors that promote cancer. It is estimated that 50 percent of cancer is preventable. Factors that can be prevented includes; 1.Tobacco use, 2. Excess weight, 3.Poor diet, 3. Inactivity, 4. Unsafe sex, 4. Air pollution, 5.Use of solid fuels amongst others.These lifestyle factors have been linked to several types of cancer such as lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. Preventive measures includes Avoidance of tobacco Being physically active (Exercising) Maintaining a healthy weight Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated/trans fat Limiting alcohol consumption Protecting against sexually transmitted infections Regular screening for breast and cervical cancer if you do have known risk factors. Major risk factors for breast cancer in women are age, genetic predisposition, and estrogen exposure  Breast Cancer Screening: evaluating for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes should be considered in men and women with a personal or family history that is concerning with breast cancer mammogram screening for all women starting at age 40. Breast self examination should only be performed as an adjunct to mammography and clinical breast examination(examined by a physician or a nurse) as it is not a substitute for these screening methods. Cervical cancer screening: for non-immune supressed and without HIV. For women from age 21-65 years who have normal /intact cervix (your cervix is the lower end of your uterus). For women age 21-29 years, pap smear every 3 years should be done to screen for cervical cancer. For women age 30-64years, pap smear along with HPV (human papilloma virus ) every 5 years should be done or pap smear alone repeated every 3 years. Females age 65 year and above who have had repetitive negative screening tests previously and do not have risks of developing cervical cancer do not need to be screened. Some of the risk factor for cervical cancer includes, an abnormal pap smear test, smoking, human papilloma virus infection. Lung Cancer Screening: Tobacco products is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. It is important to avoid smoking as it can not only cancer cancers but it is a risk fact to several other medical conditions. An recommended screening with Helical CT: Indication for screening includes; age 55-74 years with a history of smoking at least 30 packs/year, A former smoker who had quit within 15 years.

Vitamins And Alcohol Consumption

Folates and Vitamin B12: Folate is present in green, leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals and grains, nuts, and meats. Folic acid is a synthetic form included in supplements, it has many of the same biologic effects as folate. Folate is important in DNA synthesis, methylation, and repair, as well as in the regulation of gene expression.
Irons: studies suggest that increased iron stores or dietary iron may be associated with increased risk for cancer. This is yet to be confirmed
Alcohol: The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study in eight European countries found alcohol consumption could account for 10% of the risk for any cancer in men, and 3% in women.
Although moderate consumption of alcohol has beneficial effects on Heart, It does have risks of causing cancers, even light alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day) has been associated with a small increased risk for breast cancer in women, as well as increased risk for oropharyngeal and esophageal cancer. It been stated that this occurs because alcohol easily 'penetrates the membrane and can easily alter the normal embrace structures'. Alcohol also increases estrogen levels and impacts folate metabolism (which helps well cell growth process). individuals with Hepatitis B should avoid alcohol consumption as it may contribute to the development of cancer in this group.
Also In addition to viruses, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been associated with gastric cancer, and with MALT lymphomas.(Mucosal Associated lymphomas).

Adapted from Abimboland.com.

MY COMMENT. 

The writer have suggests 'limiting Alcoholic intake' as one of the preventive measures against cancer, but i think it is better to avoid Alcoholic intake altogether, for i have stopped to take Alcohol for 7 years now and my health is just better than ever. It is very  important for us to be watchful over our own lives.We must watch over our own health and that of our loved ones.The bible states in Matthew 26.41 thus 'Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.' As we pray fervently to God, we must also watch fervently over our health..the one who always smokes cigarette and yet praying against cancer is only deceiving himself or herself.The one who is committing fornication and adultery and praying against sexually transmitted diseases is also deceiving himself or herself. I pray that God will give you the grace to be watchful and that  the wind of cancer will never blow in your direction in Jesus name amen.