7th Feb, 2018
Globally, cancer causes more deaths than HIV, TB and Malaria an in Kenya, cancer Cancer is the 3rd highest cause of morbidity after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. According to Kenya Cancer Network, 70 – 80% of cancer cases are diagnosed in the late stages. This is largely due to lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms, insufficient diagnostic facilities, high cost of treatment and high poverty index.
This past Sunday we commemorated World Cancer Day and this year’s tagline was ‘We can. I can’ which basically calls us to actively explore ways that will reduce the global burden of cancer through learning preventive measures and here are 4 things that you can do to prevent cancer:
- Be physically active
Diabetes is not the only killer disease that affects inactive bodies. A typical day in the office usually requires minimal movement and activity. Physical exercise lowers cancer-growth factors such as insulin and blood estrogen. Therefore, it is important to dedicate at least 30 minutes to exercising whether it’s using the stairs instead of the lift or public transport instead of your personal car.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
Healthy eating is important to prevent cancer since, after smoking, obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer. Some of the top cancer-fighting foods include leafy green vegetables, organic meats, nuts, seeds and berries. Consume less processed meat and high-calorie foods to lower your cancer risk. Additionally, avoid sugary beverages as well.
- Cut down on alcohol
Drinking wine or beer regularly will increase the risk of cancer in the mouth, upper throat, food pipe, breast and bowels. Limiting your intake to less than 2 units of alcohol a day will greatly reduce your risk of cancers.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke in any form increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. Lifelong smokers are exposed to the highest risk, especially if they started smoking at young ages. Many national governments have imposed bans on advertising tobacco products, and have imposed mandatory graphic health warnings on all brands of cigarette packaging. Though this has minimal effect on cigarette smokers, it has been shown to prevent young people from picking up the habit.
As part of your reflections for this week, remember to think about what you can do to make a difference to the fight against cancer. Also, consider registering with us for a favorable health insurance package offered under KCB Insurance.
