The world we live in is full of many health challenges and complications. Therefore, it is important to monitor and take care of our health to lower risks of some life- threatening diseases such as cancer.
Cancer is considered one of the fastest killer diseases in the world. It is a disease caused by the multiplication of abnormal cells that destroys the body tissues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumors are other common names for cancer.
WHO notes that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, in 2018 alone. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
Data released in 2022 by the Organization, shows that the most common in 2020 (in terms of new cases of cancer) were breast cancer with 2.26 million cases, lung – 2.21 million, colon and rectum – 1.93 million, prostate – 1.41 million, skin (non-melanoma) – 1.20 million and stomach – 1.09 million cases.
The data added that the most common causes of cancer death in 2020 were lung cancer which claimed 1.80 million lives, colon and rectum – 916 000 deaths, liver – 830 000, stomach – 769 000 and breast – 685 000.
These types of cancer most times lead to death. Breast cancer forms painful or painless lumps in the cells of the breasts. Prostate cancer forms in a man’s prostate, a small pea-sized gland that produces semen in men.
Basal cell cancer is a skin cancer that begins in the basal cells while Leukaemia is cancer of the blood-forming tissues, preventing the body from fighting infection, and colon cancer better known as cancer of the rectum is found at the end of the digestive tract.
Some measures can be adopted in the fight against cancer, some of which are:
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, because they are full of vitamins and nutrients that are thought to reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
Consumption of more plant-based foods also gives little room for foods high in sugar level, and eating well boosts one’s energy for daily activities, improves mood and general well-being.
Having sufficient sleep is advised. 7-9 hours of sleep everyday keeps the body and mind at rest, according to researchers.
It is advisable to eat a more balanced diet as well as exercises that have been proven to be helpful. Health experts opine that you do not need to do difficult exercises; just strolling, stretching and jogging releases happy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin which can reduce the risk of hypertension.
Learning to manage stress in a good way since it is part of everyday life, but chronic stress should be avoided. Find a way to avoid excessive stress.
Finally, stay hydrated by drinking enough water everyday, it performs many crucial functions like maintaining body temperature, aids in metabolism, aids in flushing toxins out of the body. At least eight glasses of water everyone is advised as the human body is made up of 80% water.
Marvellous Nkanu is a 300Level student of Mass Communication Department, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and on Industrial Training with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Marvellous Nkan, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.