Cancer Risk Factors & Prevention Tips By Best Cancer Specialist In Bangalore

While doctors have an understanding of what variables may increase your cancer risk, the majority of malignancies are diagnosed in patients who have no known risk factors. According to Dr Sandeep Nayak who is one of the best cancer specialists in Bangalore, the following are some of the factors that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer: 

Your age

It can take decades for cancer to form. That's why the majority of cancer patients are 65 or older. While cancer is more common in older persons, it is not limited to them. Cancer can strike anyone at any age. 

Your routines 

Certain lifestyle choices have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. Cancer can be caused by smoking, drinking more than one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for males, excessive sun exposure or frequent blistering sunburns, being fat and having unsafe sex. 

You can reduce your cancer risk by changing these behaviors, however, some are simpler to modify than others. 

Your family's background 

Only a small percentage of malignancies are caused by a genetic mutation. If your family has a history of cancer, it's probable that mutations are passed down from generation to generation. You might be a good candidate for genetic testing to check if you have any hereditary mutations that increase your risk of cancer. It's important to remember that having an inherited genetic mutation doesn't indicate you'll acquire cancer. 

Your health problems 

Certain chronic health disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, can significantly raise your risk of acquiring cancer. Discuss your risk with your doctor. 

Complications 

Several difficulties can arise as a result of cancer and its treatment, including: 

• Pain. Cancer and cancer therapy can both induce pain, albeit not all cancer is uncomfortable. Cancer-related discomfort can be adequately treated with medications and other techniques. 

• Fatigue. Fatigue in cancer patients has a variety of causes, but it may typically be treated. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments can cause fatigue, but it's usually just temporary. 

• Breathing problems. Shortness of breath can be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. Treatments may help you feel better. 

• Nausea. Nausea is a side effect of some malignancies and cancer treatments. Your doctor may be able to forecast whether or not your treatment will produce nausea. Medications and other therapies might be able to help you avoid or reduce nausea. 

• Constipation or diarrhea. The bowels can be affected by cancer and cancer therapy, resulting in diarrhea or constipation. 

• Loss of weight. Weight loss is a side effect of cancer and cancer therapy. Cancer robs normal cells of nutrition by stealing their nourishment. It's difficult to cure because it's typically unaffected by how many calories or what kind of food is consumed. Artificial feeding delivered by tubes into the stomach or veins does not usually help with weight loss. 

• Changes in your body's chemistry. Cancer can disrupt your body's regular chemical balance, increasing your risk of significant problems. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, and confusion are all signs and symptoms of chemical imbalances. 

• Problems with the nerve system and the brain. Cancer can push on neighboring nerves, resulting in pain and loss of function in one body region. Headaches and stroke-like signs and symptoms, such as weakness on one side of the body, are common symptoms of brain cancer. 

Prevention 

Doctors have identified various techniques to lower your cancer risk, including: 

• Quit smoking. Quit smoking if you're a smoker. Don't start smoking if you don't already. Smoking has been related to a variety of cancers, including lung cancer. Stopping now will lower your cancer risk in the future. 

• Excessive sun exposure should be avoided. The sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can raise your risk of skin cancer. Stay in the shade, wear protective gear, or apply sunscreen to reduce your sun exposure. 

• Maintain a balanced diet. Choose a fruit and vegetable-rich diet. Choose whole grains and lean meats. Processed meats should be consumed in moderation. 

• Most days of the week, you should exercise. Regular exercise has been related to a lower cancer risk. On most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise. Start cautiously and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer if you haven't been exercising consistently. 

• Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). Being overweight or obese can raise your cancer risk. By combining a nutritious diet and regular exercise, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

• If you prefer to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Consume alcohol in moderation if you wish to do so. That is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men for healthy people.