Bumrungrad Health Briefs #63: Cancer: The Power of Prevention and Early Detection
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Bumrungrad Health Briefs #63: Cancer: The Power of Prevention and Early Detection
Cancer is a leading cause of death, but many cases are preventable. Early detection and a proactive approach can reduce risk and improve survival.
Prevention: Reducing Cancer Risk
Several lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of cancer:
- Healthy Diet: Eating a nutrient-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports health and lowers cancer risk. Limiting processed foods helps too.
- Regular Exercise: Staying physically active for at least 150 minutes per week helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of several cancers.
- Avoiding Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking is a major risk factor for many cancers, and excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to liver, breast, and colorectal cancers.
- Sun Protection: Using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help prevent skin cancer.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Radiation Exposure: Limiting exposure to unnecessary environmental radiation and occupational hazards can reduce cancer risk.
- Knowing Your Family History: Some cancers have a genetic link. Knowing your family history helps assess risk and the need for early screening.
- Regular Check-Ups: Routine health screenings help detect abnormalities early, allowing for timely intervention before cancer develops.
- Vaccination: Some vaccines can help reduce cancer risk, such as the HPV vaccine (protects against cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx) and the HBV vaccine (reduces the risk of liver cancer).
The Role of Early Detection
Early cancer detection improves treatment success. Regular screenings are vital, especially for high-risk individuals.
- Skin Cancer: Skin self-examinations can help detect suspicious moles, growths, or changes in skin appearance early.
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear.
- Cervical Cancer: Routine Pap smears and HPV tests can identify precancerous changes early.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopies help detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.
- GI Cancer: Gastroscopy helps detect abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine, aiding in early diagnosis of stomach cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: PSA tests monitor prostate health, especially in men over 50.
- Lung Cancer: Low-dose CT scans are recommended for individuals with a history of heavy smoking.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, knowing genetic risks, and scheduling regular screenings, individuals can lower cancer risk. Bumrungrad Horizon Regional Cancer Center offers advanced screening and treatment for world-class care at every stage.
Provide by the Horizon Regional Cancer Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital
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