Everything is super important. Until you are sick. Then you realize there was only one thing that was important: your health.
This is the truth! We often ignore our health in the pursuit of wealth. Remember, popping pills is not how you maintain a healthy body. Your choices affect your health and it is imperative that you adopt healthy habits to reduce the risk of cancer.
CAN STOMACH CANCER BE PREVENTED?
The human body can be affected by a large number of cancers. One of them is stomach cancer. Also called gastric cancer, it begins when cancerous cells start forming in the inner lining of the stomach. Scientists have not been able to pinpoint a specific cause for stomach cancer, but there are a few things that can help you in reducing the risks. There is no guarantee that you can prevent the disease, but there are ways in which you improve your chances of being healthy and staying healthy for a very long time.
HEALTHY HABITS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STOMACH CANCER
Let’s focus on the modifiable risk factors that include behaviors which can be modified, changed or altered to reduce a person’s chances of getting gastric cancer. If you follow the below-mentioned suggestions, you will improve your chances against cancer. It will help you in leading a healthy life.
- DIETARY HABITS: EAT BETTER TO FEEL BETTER
Avoid preservation of food by salting, pickling and smoking. A diet high in smoked/pickled food increases the risk of stomach cancer. This is because large amounts of salt and other preservatives can damage the stomach lining. Luckily, more people are now using refrigeration as a method for storing food.
Make sure you consume fresh food daily and do not opt for pickled food options on a regular basis. Do not go for ultra-processed red meat, instead choose fish and poultry. The American Cancer Society recommends a healthy diet with a focus on fresh vegetables and fruits to reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Include at least 2 cups of veggies and fruits in your diet. Use food items made from whole grains instead of refined flour.
Some studies suggest adequate intake of vitamin supplements can help in reducing the risk of cancer. However, it is best to focus on a wholesome meal. If you are unable to obtain necessary nutrients from your diet, you can ask your doctor to suggest the best supplements to suit your requirements.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: BE MORE ACTIVE, EVERY DAY
Being overweight, obese or morbidly obese can increase the risk associated with stomach cancer. Make sure to include 30 mins of exercise daily. It can be anything from strength training, CrossFit, Zumba, dance, yoga, running, etc. Other than exercise, it is essential to stay active throughout the day. Include regular walks in your routine. Instead of spending hours tied to the desk, take walks throughout the day. Leading a physically-active life may help you lower the risk of gastric cancer and several other lifestyle diseases as well. Maintain a healthy weight and ensure an adequate intake of calories. - MAINTAINING AN ADDICTION-FREE LIFESTYLE
Tobacco use, in any form, can increase the risk of cancer, especially the esophagus. About 1/3rd of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. are caused by smoking and tobacco consumption. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), tobacco consumption accounts for approx. 30 percent of all cancers in India. Tobacco can be linked to a wide range of cancers including the mouth, larynx, esophagus, lung, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and of course, the stomach. Along with smoking, high usage of hookah and opium are bad. Alcohol can also erode the linings of the stomach and increase the risk.
Do not abuse over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. They may alleviate your pain in conditions such as arthritis, but unnecessary overuse can cause internal bleeding and cover up the symptoms of cancer. It can lead to late detection of the disease.
There are many occupations that fall into the high-risk category due to exposure to dust, certain chemicals, high temperature particulates, industrial toxins, environmental toxins, etc. Coal mining, metal mining, wood processing, etc. are occupations that can affect the chances of getting cancer.
YOUR HEALTH IS IN YOUR HANDS!
Along with the above-mentioned healthy habits, one more practice that should be inculcated by everyone is to undergo regular medical checkups and health screenings to detect any anomaly in its earliest stages. If you have a genetic predisposition to stomach cancer, get a checkup for ulcers in the stomach. If you have been infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), it can lead to ulcers and stomach cancer. Hence, it is essential that you talk to your gastrointestinal surgeon, ask about your risks of getting stomach cancer and understand what more you can do to lead a healthy life.
Let’s stay healthy. Let’s fight cancer.
Do not ignore your health. Take care of your body and reduce the risks of getting gastric cancer or stomach cancer. Consult South Gujarat’s 1st National Board Certified HPB and GI surgeon. Choose the reputed gastrointestinal surgeon in Gujarat. For gastric cancer treatment in Surat, book an appointment by calling +91-9825718911.
