Behaviours that increase an individual’s chance of developing cancer
The lifestyle of human beings contributes significantly to their chances of developing cancer. Modifying lifestyles is, therefore, one of the significant steps to cancer prevention. The human diet increases the chances of developing cancer. High fat intake leads to the development of breast cancer (Kaur, Trujillo & Seifried, 2017). For postmenopausal women, for example, saturated fat intake contributes to the risk of breast cancer. This type of cancer occurs mostly in women with no history of hormone therapy application. Smoking increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The types of cancers associated with smoking include mouth cancer, pharynx, liver, pancreas, and cancer of the oesophagus. The chemicals in cigarettes not only weaken the body’s immunity but also change the cell’s DNA, increasing the chances of cancer development. Intense sun radiation also increases the chances of developing cancer. Too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages the DNA in skin cells which makes cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to skin cancer.
Preventative behaviours that can decrease an individual’s chance of developing cancer
Protecting oneself from harmful ultraviolet sun rays is one of the most effective practices of protection from skin cancer. This measure involves avoiding midday sun as much as possible, covering exposed body parts as well as staying in the shade. Using sunscreen when exposed to the sun is also an effective way of skin cancer prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight and frequent exercising lowers the risk of developing several types of cancers, for example, breast and colon cancer (Geller et al., 2015). Moderate aerobic activity for both adults and children contributes to health benefits and lower chances of developing cancer. Eating a balanced and healthy diet also helps in lowering the risk of cancer development. A healthy diet involves taking a lot of fruits and vegetables. These help in boosting immunity as well as reducing cancer development risks. Limiting the intake of processed meats minimises the development of several cancer types.
References
Kaur, S., Trujillo, E., & Seifried, H. (2017). Dietary/Supplemental Interventions and Personal Dietary Preferences for Cancer: Translational Toxicology Therapeutic Portfolio for Cancer Risk Reduction. Translational Toxicology and Therapeutics: Windows of Developmental Susceptibility in Reproduction and Cancer, 363-394.
Geller, A. C., Dickerman, B. A., Taber, J. M., Dwyer, L. A., Hartman, A. M., & Perna, F. M. (2018). Skin cancer interventions across the cancer control continuum: a review of experimental evidence (1/1/2000–6/30/2015) and future research directions. Preventive medicine, 111, 442-450.