Srinagar, Feb 04 (KNS): Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that more than a third of all cancers could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that choosing a healthy lifestyle could help in lowering the risk of various types of cancers.
A major study from “World Cancer Research Fund” found that 39% of 12 major cancers could be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
There is a growing body of evidence that physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight that would assist in reducing the risk of various types of cancers.
Eating a healthy diet would help you keep a healthy body weight which is important because obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking.
There is strong evidence that being overweight or obese increase the risk of 10 cancers.
About 38% of breast cancer cases could be prevented by increasing physical exercise and reducing body fat.
Diet rich in fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber can reduce the risk of cancer.
Research shows that eating lots of processed and red meat and salt-preserved food can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Lung cancer cases could be cut by 33% by getting people to stop smoking.
Abstinence from alcohol can decrease the risk of 6 cancers.
Vaccination against Hepatitis B and Human papilloma viruses can prevent liver and cervical cancers.
Every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness about cancer and educate people to adopt healthy choices.
There has been rise in cancer cases in Kashmir because of smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.
In a year, around 4000 cancer cases get registered at SKIMS hospital, 500 in SMHS and 1000 in private sector and these figures are an underestimate as many people do not report to hospitals.
More than 1700 people have died of various types of cancers in Kashmir from a period of 2012 to 2014. (KNS)
Healthy life style can lower the risk