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10 tips to protect yourself from cancer
- Take your exams periodically. The sooner we detect the presence of cancer, whatever type it may be, the greater the chances of a cure and the less aggressive the treatment.
- Obesity is a public health problem and the number of obese people increases annually. Obesity causes a state of chronic inflammation and is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Healthy eating can reduce the chances of getting cancer by at least 40%. Eat more fruits, vegetables, cereals and less fatty, salty and canned foods. Your diet should contain at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Give preference to fats of vegetable origin such as extra virgin olive oil, soy and sunflower oil, among others, always remembering that they should not be exposed to high temperatures. Avoid animal fats (milk and dairy products, pork, red meat, chicken skin, etc.) and some vegetable fats such as margarine and hydrogenated vegetable shortening.
- Avoid or limit drinking alcoholic beverages. Men should not have more than two drinks a day. Women should limit themselves to one drink.
- Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer. It damages not only the lungs but also the mouth, larynx, pharynx, skin, hair, nails, vocal cords, among others. Quitting smoking is essential and should be seen as a health problem.
- Exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes five times a week. Regular physical activity reduces the chance of breast cancer by up to 20%!
- Women must undergo mammography annually from the age of 40 as recommended by the Brazilian Society of Mastology. There is no age limit for the exam, and each case must be individualized. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer (ie: family history of breast or ovarian cancer, history of high-risk breast lesions, prior chest radiotherapy, etc.) should have their individualized screening with screening performed earlier.
- Women aged between 25 and 64 years must undergo gynecological preventive periodically. After two exams with normal results with an interval of one year, the preventive can be done every three years. For altered exams, medical guidelines must be followed.
- It is recommended that women and men aged 50 and over have fecal occult blood testing every year (preferably) or every two years.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, between 10 am and 4 pm, and always use adequate protection, such as a hat, tent and sun block. If you are out in the sun during your workday, try to wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
- Perform daily oral hygiene (brushing) and see your dentist regularly.