Here is the translation: 10 Tips to Protect Against Cancer

Cancer, a frightening disease of the modern age, is spreading rapidly today. While approximately 200,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in our country, it is estimated that one in every two people will be diagnosed with cancer in the next 20-30 years. However, rapid developments in technology and medicine enable many cases to be caught at an early stage and treated with the latest methods, thereby increasing survival rates. Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazar, Medical Oncology Specialist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital states: "Although the number of people diagnosed with cancer is increasing, the number of cancer survivors is also rising due to advances in treatment. The easiest and most successful way to treat cancer is to prevent cancer development. Early diagnosis significantly increases treatment success." In a statement made during Cancer Awareness Week on 1-7 April, Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazar provided 10 recommendations that should become part of our lifestyle to protect against cancer.

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the most important substances that leads to cancer. Scientific research shows that 90% of lung cancer develops due to smoking. Tobacco causes other cancers as well; head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, etc. The earlier tobacco use begins, the greater the amount smoked daily, and the longer the smoking duration, the higher the risk. Additionally, inhaling tobacco smoke more deeply into the lungs increases cancer risk. The best way to avoid tobacco-related cancers is not to start smoking or to quit. After quitting, risk gradually decreases over time and approaches the level of non-smokers within 10-15 years.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps maintain weight and lower cholesterol, reduces heart attack risk, and can prevent elevated blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce cancer risk associated with obesity. Research shows that exercise protects against cancer independently of weight loss. For this reason, exercising one hour per day three times a week or half an hour per day five times a week is extremely beneficial. Exercise can also be an activity you enjoy (swimming, cycling, tennis, etc.).

Avoid Alcohol

Scientific research shows that alcohol consumption increases the risk of head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer through cirrhosis. The longer alcohol is consumed and the greater the daily alcohol intake, the higher the cancer risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is as necessary for cancer prevention as it is for protecting against cardiovascular disease. Being overweight increases the risk of breast, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. To avoid being overweight, it is necessary to develop eating habits rich in vegetables, grains, and legumes and to increase physical activity.

Protect Yourself from Ultraviolet Radiation and Radiation

Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazar states: "Exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of skin cancer. In particular, staying in direct sun during peak hours and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays for cosmetic purposes (for example, tanning beds) is dangerous. When possible, use long-sleeved clothing, umbrellas, and protective creams to protect during peak sun hours. Exposure to radiation can sometimes result from medical treatment or from the environment (radon gas emanating from soil). The area exposed to therapeutic radiation is at risk. For example, in radiotherapy involving the thyroid region or breast area, these organs require close monitoring for cancer risk."

Consume Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits

While vegetables and fruits out of season require more hormone supplements and chemicals, seasonal produce has higher nutritional value. For example, lycopene is more abundant in tomatoes produced in season. For this reason, it is important to consume vegetables and fruits in season. Vegetables and fruits that are harvested in season and frozen are considered to have good nutritional value.

Avoid Processed Products

It is important to consume food as fresh as possible. To increase shelf life, foods undergo certain processes. Pesticides added to vegetables, fruits, and meat products for protection against insects and fungi can increase cancer risk. Polychlorinated biphenyls in processed fish products and sodium benzoate used in other food products can increase cancer risk. Warnings are frequently issued about the potential harm of processed meat products (sausages, salami, spiced sausage, ham).

Be Careful When Grilling!

A diet heavy in meat is important for cancer prevention as it is for cardiovascular disease. In particular, red meat consumption should not exceed 3-4 portions per week. Grilling is not an appropriate cooking method for meat. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced during grilling increase cancer risk. If grilling is still preferred as a cooking method, the meat must not be burned.

Protect Yourself from Infections

Scientific research demonstrates that certain infections trigger cancer and cause cancer development. Hepatitis B and C lead to liver cancer. Helicobacter pylori bacteria can cause stomach cancer. This bacterium can be treated with antibiotics. Human papillomavirus can lead to cervical cancer, anal canal cancer, and head and neck cancer. A vaccine developed for this virus can provide substantial protection. Additionally, certain viruses (herpes group) can lead to skin cancer. HIV virus causes AIDS and increases the risk of leukemia and lymphoma. However, it should be known that most infections that cause cancer are either preventable infections or treatable infections.

Be Cautious with Chemical Products

Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazar states: "As industrialization increases, exposure to chemicals increases. White earth historically used in Anatolian homes contains asbestos, which is used in sound and heat insulation in urban industries and buildings, and exposure to this substance increases cancer risk. Products from coal, wood, and fuel products (especially dioxins) cause cancer. Those with greater exposure to vehicle exhaust (for example, those living next to busy roads) can develop more cancer. Heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic), aluminum cooking foils, and phthalates in some toys can also have carcinogenic effects."