Changes in lifestyle can help reduce risk of cancer

Chandigarh, February 3, 2022: Cancer is a dreaded disease and continues to claim several lives across the world. To spread awareness on the disease, World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year. The theme of this year’s event is, “Close the Care Gap”.

Dr Narendra Kumar Bhalla, Director, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, stressed on the need for early diagnosis and treatment. He said, though cancer is a genetic disease, environmental and lifestyle-related factors that could contribute to developing the disease are:

People who indulge in heavy drinking have a high risk of developing cancer. Smoking is also a major cause of lung, head and neck cancer. Consuming tobacco-related products is linked to oral cancer and poses a health risk, he said, adding, physical inactivity can lead to a host of diseases and increase the risk of cancer. An unhealthy diet poses a great health hazard and increases the risk of cancer.

Discussing ways to prevent cancer, Dr Bhalla, said, “Early diagnosis of cancer and early treatment is the need of the hour. Fortis Mohali has state-of-the-art cancer care and provides best treatment options to patients. Several cancers are related to lifestyle. Inculcating healthy eating habits and adopting a good way of life can go a long way in preventing the disease.”

Dr Bhalla said, following a healthy lifestyle and consuming a healthy diet plays a major role in preventing cancer. It is important to maintain weight as per the body mass index (BMI), and being overweight and obese poses a health hazard.

One must ensure to undertake physical activity and stay fit. Consumption of excessive sugar not only increases weight and causes obesity, but invariably increases the risk of cancer. Dr. Bhalla added it is important to eat a healthy diet which provides nutrition such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, vegetable and fruits, besides adequate fluid intake.

Consumption of alcohol can cause cancers of the mouth and throat. Smoking releases several harmful chemicals which can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, lungs and urinary bladder. Processed foods and meat are known to increase the risk of cancer.