10-02-2023
How Safe Are You From Cancer?

Ever wondered whether you are protected against cancer at home? Yes, the deadly disease can sneak up on you slowly and steadily even in the comfort of your own apartment and on the familiar streets of your own city. The environment around you is primarily to blame for the rising numbers of cancer victims every day, not your genes or just your lifestyle.

Cancer is a broad collection of illnesses that can begin in any organ or tissue of the body. Cancer brought on when aberrant cells proliferate out of control, cross their usual borders to infect surrounding bodily components, and/or spread to other organs. The latter procedure, known as metastasis, plays a substantial role in cancer-related death. The terms "neoplasm" and "malignant tumor" are also used to describe cancer.

Compared to women, who are more likely to acquire breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer, men are more likely to develop lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer.

So how does one avoid cancer-causing environmental factors?

  • Fight escalating air pollution: The pollution level is rising alarmingly quickly in New Delhi, Kolkata, and many other cities, thus it is preferable to wear masks and avoid breathing in as much dust, factory and automobile emissions, construction dust, passive and active tobacco smoke, and filth. Additionally, it's important to pinpoint and reduce air pollution's causes. Lung cancer risk would be decreased by raising awareness of these issues and taking appropriate action.
  • Tackling water pollutions: As more and more water bodies become contaminated by biological and industrial waste, using clean and filtered water is healthier for health. The garbage and toxins in water can cause hepatitis and other liver and stomach conditions that can develop into cancer. Additionally, the recent rise in arsenic levels in water is detrimental to the health since it causes skin cancer over time. The prevention of water contamination and the subsequent purification procedures would both be beneficial.
  • Avoid UV rays: In recent years, the incidence of skin cancer has increased as a result of the ozone layer's decline, which has allowed more ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun to reach the earth. The risk increases with the amount of exposure to the sun's rays. Therefore, it is best to schedule your day carefully and steer clear of excessive sun exposure. When venturing outside in the sweltering weather, wearing clothing that covers the majority of the body, regularly applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and maintaining a healthy fluid intake will all be beneficial.
  • Watch your work: Asbestos, benzene and other solvents, arsenic compounds, byproducts like dioxin, chromium, and lead consumption, raise the risk of cancer when working in certain industries. Therefore, it is imperative that you take the required precautions and protective measures.
  • Avoid pesticides, insecticides, artificial colors and preservatives: The health effects of pesticides, insecticides, artificial colors used in fruits and vegetables, and preservatives used in food goods are extremely detrimental. These can cause cancer if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is preferable to stay away from these harsh chemicals and rely on organic alternatives.

Prevention is better than cure any day!

Doctor
Dr. Atul Sharma
Senior Consultant
Department of Medical Oncology D.M (Medical Oncology), MD (Internal Medicine), MBBS
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