Cancer is a genetic disease, but environmental and lifestyle-related factors could lead to the disease’s development.
Dr Narendra Kumar Bhalla, Director, Radiation Oncology, Forties Hospital, stressed the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Bhalla said although 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.
Dr Bhalla further added that physical inactivity can lead to a host of diseases and also increase the risk of cancer. An unhealthy diet poses a great health hazard and increases cancer risk.
While discussing ways to prevent cancer, Dr Bhalla said, “Early diagnosis of cancer and early treatment is the need of the hour. 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. It is important to maintain weight as per the body mass index, as being overweight poses a health hazard.”
Consumption of excessive sugar, he added, not only leads to obesity but invariably increases the risk of cancer. So one must maintain a healthy and balanced diet while also maintaining 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,” said Dr Bhalla.
The Covid-19 pandemic has added to the burden of people suffering with cancer or chances of an increase in its risk. Ahead of World Cancer Day 2022, doctors advise these lifestyle changes to prevent the risk of cancer amid coronavirus spread.
The American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network too pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic and responses to help prevent its spread have had a far-reaching impact on the cancer community which includes delays and cancellations of health care services, economic challenges affecting their ability to pay for care, and concerns about their future ability to access and afford the care they need. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jayesh Sharma, Chief of Medical Services and Senior Surgical Oncologist at Banco Medical Center revealed, “Oncologists across the world are worried about the impact of pandemic on cancer outcomes. A study published in Lancet showed that cancer treatment declined, starting from the first wave itself. In addition, we expect to see many more advanced cases of cancer in the coming years because people have delayed their routine checkups and screening.”
On the brighter side, studies have found that those with the highest levels of physical activity are lesser prone to cancer. Dr Jayesh Sharma suggested, “Active lifestyle, healthy eating and avoiding addictions will continue to be cornerstones of prevention, but focus on early detection and prompt treatment will probably save many more lives.”
Factors like prevalent sedentary lifestyle, impact on mental health and lack of preventive health check-ups have added to the burden of people suffering with cancer during Covid-19 times. Hence, Dr Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant and Surgical Oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi advised, “To prevent cancer during Covid, it is advised to think positive, practice yoga, do some physical exercise, eat a healthy meal and be strict to yourself to continue this whole as a routine. It should always be known that while following Covid appropriate behavior, one should not forget the other important good habits to maintain a healthy life.”
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