Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes and Screening Recommendation

Dr.Parveen Jain, 4 mins read

A study revealed that one in every nine people in India is at risk of developing cancer in his/her lifetime. This has raised the eyebrows of experts and people all across the country.

Though understanding of cancer cell’s biology and diagnosis has improved, people need to take extra precautions. Some lifestyle changes and getting yourself periodically screened can protect you from this dreadful disease or at least help you identify the disease at the earliest. 

Understanding the cancer symptoms is also important. It’s recommended to always listen to your body and whenever you notice anything abnormal or unusual, consult a doctor. 

It has been seen that a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cancer. Modifying your lifestyle can help you in cancer prevention. 

Lifestyle Changes for Cancer Prevention

• Choose lean proteins, like fish and chicken
• Avoid red and processed meat
• Avoid or limit processed food
• Limit high-calorie fattening foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit sugary beverages
• Consume smaller portions of meals
• Prepare food by cooking rather than grilling or broiling
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake
• Keep your weight in check
• Exercise regularly
• Refrain from tobacco and smoking
• Avoid exposure to radiation and industrial and environmental toxins
• Get enough sleep
• Include more plant-based foods, like legumes, beans, whole grain cereals, green vegetables and fruits
• Consider Periodic Health check-ups

Cancer Screening Recommendation

Several exams and tests are recommended by doctors based on the symptoms. Here, we have listed screening tests for some common cancers:

• Breast Cancer Screening
  

1. Clinical Breast examination
2. Digital Mammography with or without Ultrasound mammography
3. MR Mammography

• Cervical Cancer Screening

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test
2. Pap Smear
   

• Colorectal Cancer Screening
  

1. Colonoscopy
2. Sigmoidoscopy
3. Stool DNA tests
4. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
5. Double-contrast barium enema
6. CT enterography

• Head and Neck Cancer Screening

Examination of nose, mouth and throat. Based on the evaluation, the doctor may recommend some other tests. 

• Oral Cancer Screening
  

Examination of mouth. The doctor may also prescribe some other tests to identify areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.

• Lung Cancer Screening
  

1. Low Dose CT Scan of chest
   

• Prostate Cancer Screening
  

1. Digital rectal exam
2. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

• Skin Cancer Screening

1. Full body skin exam
2. Dermoscopy

Also, Read: Types of Lung Cancer: Common & Rare