What is Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cellular reproduction. There are two types of cancer: malignant tumors and benign tumors. Malignant tumors have the potential to spread throughout the body while benign tumors do not. Benign tumors may continue to grow if left untreated, whereas malignant tumors cannot. In general, cancers can take many forms including skin, breast, prostate, lung, colon, bladder, blood, lymph node, brain, bone, liver, kidney, thyroid gland, cervix uteri, ovaries, testes, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, spleen, gallbladder, uterus, and prostate. Most people who develop cancer die of their disease. However, some survive long-term after treatment.
There are several different types of cancer, each having its own causes. Some cancers are inherited, meaning they run in families. Others occur due to environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation. Still others appear to be linked to lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco products, drinking alcohol excessively, or eating a poor diet.
The first step in treating cancer is to determine whether the condition is curable at all. If it is, then the focus should be on finding out what type of cancer the patient has and how best to treat it. Once diagnosed, patients should seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment increases a person’s chances of surviving cancer.
Habits to Survive Against Cancer
We have discussed these thing this will help in your fight against cancer below. In order to survive against cancer, you must also select the finest cancer hospital for treatment. The following are some practices that can help you survive cancer.
1. Eat fruits
Fruits have an abundance of vitamins and antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to DNA, which can lead to cancer. Antioxidants neutralize these damaging molecules and prevent them from causing harm. Fruits are loaded with vitamin C, A, B complex, E and K, beta-carotene, lycopene, fiber, folic acid, iron, lutein, and many others. Eating fruits regularly can reduce the risk of cancer.
2. Drink green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes DNA damage and may contribute to cancer. Green tea is high in catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine. Drinking two cups of green tea daily can lower the risk of breast cancer by 30%.
3. Avoid smoking
Smoking tobacco increases the amount of nicotine in the body, which makes it harder to quit. Nicotine is addictive and can increase the risk of lung cancer. Smoking also damages the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Inhaling smoke irritates the throat and airways, leading to coughing and phlegm production. When you inhale smoke, it goes directly into your bloodstream where it can affect organs throughout your body. Smokers who try to cut down on their cigarette use tend to relapse after quitting. If you want to stop smoking, consider using electronic cigarettes instead.
4. Keep busy
Cancer patients often feel bored and lonely. Engaging in activities such as reading, watching movies, playing board games, exercising, and volunteering can keep you mentally active and improve your mood. Studies show that people who do regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing cancer than inactive individuals. Being physically active also helps you lose weight. Weight loss reduces the size of tumors, which means less pressure on the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes act as filters for toxins and cancerous cells. By reducing the size of the tumor, lymph nodes can function properly and remove unwanted substances before they reach your blood stream. Exercise also improves immune system functioning and lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that controls how much fat you burn and stores. Lowering its level can help you lose weight.
5. Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation affects your mental and physical performance. You need at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can make you tired, cranky, and prone to stress. Lack of sleep can also slow down healing processes. Cancer patients should get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
6. Stay away from alcohol
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of several cancers, including liver, mouth, esophagus, colon, rectal, stomach, pancreas, breast, brain, and head and neck cancers. Alcohol also raises your chances of getting injuries and infections. Moderate drinking is defined as no more than three drinks per day for men and two drinks per day for women.
7. Use sunscreen
Sunlight causes skin aging and wrinkles. Exposure to UV rays can also accelerate the development of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunscreen blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation and prevents sunburn. Regular application of sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply it every 2 hours while you are exposed to the sun.