AUG 20, 2015

What Is Cancer?

WRITTEN BY: Akshay Masand

Cancer is a word that can cause devastation simply by being spoken aloud during a doctor’s appointment. So many people are diagnosed with cancer every year, but not all of them survive. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7-8 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) annually. Scientists and researchers are working around the clock to find more effective treatments and cures. In the meantime, there are preventative measures a person can take to minimize their chances of contracting cancer.

Although there is no 100% guarantee that a person will not contract cancer, there are ways to prevent certain types. For example, carcinogens and cancer-causing products such as cigarettes should be avoided. UV rays from the sun can also cause cancer, so preventative measures, such as using sun block and avoiding tanning beds, can be taken to lessen your risk. If a certain cancer runs in the family, it is important to research which preventative measures should be taken to avoid genetically-predisposed cancer.

A healthy lifestyle can also help fight certain types of cancer, increasing the patient’s chances of survival. A person should have a balanced diet and should exercise regularly. Not only will a healthy diet assist in maintaining a healthy weight, some foods actually contain cancer-fighting compounds. Exercise will also help maintain weight and will increase strength, leading to a healthier body.