SRUTI

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that roughly 44% of men and 39% of women will develop a potentially life-threatening cancer in their lifetime. Gosh! Isn’t that scary? Well, its time to ponder and act! Despite voluminous statistics, few firm conclusions can be drawn as to the direct cause for cancer. However, with research, a number of risk factors have been identified; the important ones are discussed below. So, wake up and take charge!

Smoking
Cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer, cancers of the mouth and more. And many thanks to them, passive exposure to secondhand smoke (especially from spouses) puts us at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. To avoid secondhand smoke, ban smoking in your house, car and office.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO
Chewing areca nut with lime with or without tobacco is prevalent largely in Asian countries like India and leads to precancerous l

esions and conditions before transforming to cancer of the mouth. Avoid the stuf

SPIRITS
Whisky and brandy are termed spirits; beer and wine do not come under this category. But studies show that even a drink or two of the spirits or beer can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer; 2-5 drinks a day ups the risk 1.5 times that of teetotalers. Consider avoiding alcohol or if you find that difficult, try and reduce the intake.

SUNLIGHT
Actinic radiation in sunlight causes keratotic lesions in the lips of farmers who work long hours in the fields; but most of the times the melanin pigmentation on the lips protects the malignant conversion

SMOG ALERT
Thousands of chemicals, including suspected carcinogens, escape from industrial smokestacks. Benzene is belched out in car exhaust. Factors that favour ozone buildup and lead to smog alerts probably cause these chemicals to build up too. Avoid exercising outdoors near high traffic areas and on polluted days; stay indoors during smog alerts.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week may reduce your risk of several cancers, notably colon and breast cancer and also prevent heart disease, diabetes and bone loss.

SAVOURING THE WRONG FOODS
Swedish researchers have discovered high levels of the carcinogen acrylamide in French fries and potato chips; go easy on them. Avoid charred meat; limit red meat consumption to reduce your risk of colon cancer. Cut down on fatty fish like carp, catfish, bass, king mackerel etc. Choose a well balanced diet rich in fibre and low in fat with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.


The author is dental surgeon and can be contacted at ALL SMILES DENTAL CLINIC, 26673439, 9845085290.