PREVENTION OF CANCER
At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable.
Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer
Tobacco
Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year.
Tobacco smoking causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, oesophagus, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix.
Stop smoking and keep these cancers at bay
Physical inactivity, dietary factors, obesity and being overweight
Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control.
Overweight and obesity leads to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney.
Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers.
Excess consumption of red and preserved meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Regular physical activity and the
maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will
considerably reduce cancer risk
Alcohol use
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast.
Risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed
Limit the intake of alcohol to prevent cancer
Infections
Infectious agents are responsible for almost 22% of cancer deaths in the developing world and 6% in industrialized countries.
Viral hepatitis B and C cause cancer of the liver; human papilloma virus infection causes cervical cancer; the bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer
Preventive measures include vaccination and prevention of infection and infestation.
