What Causes Cancer? How Can We Prevent It?

Cancer is still a dreaded word even though it has been around for a long time. We still do not have a complete understanding of this disease. Suddenly I am hearing of cancer cases all around me. Family, distant relatives, families of friends, colleagues, acquaintances of acquaintances, etc. Cancer is arriving everywhere. When I had a cancer scare, it seemed to have finally come home. Fortunately, it turned out to be a benign tumour eventually, but cancer has not left my thoughts.

 

Recently I lost someone very dear to me, to throat cancer. He had fought resiliently and survived it the first time, four years back. But then 4-5 months back, the cancer came back, this time with vengeance and utter ferociousness. Despite being tired and weak this time, he tried his best to fight it but he could not cope up and cancer consumed him. Another relative is slowly being consumed day by day and all that the family can do is pray. Doctors have already expressed their helplessness.

 

What really is happening? Cancer spread seems to be accelerating with each passing day. What is causing this? I have been trying to find this answer and have been scouting the Internet and reading whatever I can on this subject.

 

I have come across a lot of material. Here I am going to list a few websites that I thought had good information. And what is the point in knowing the causes of cancer without knowing the ways to prevent it? So I am also going to list some websites where I found information on this.

 

What Causes Cancer?

 

1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/

 

This page lists out the major causes of cancer with detailed explanation.

2. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/generalinformationaboutcarcinogens/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens

 

This page mentions the known and probable carcinogens. Some of these chemicals are well known to us and some are unfamiliar. But it does give us an idea of what we can avoid to reduce our risk of cancer.

 

Can We Prevent Cancer? How Can We Prevent Cancer?

 

1.       http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/how-to-prevent-cancer/

 

Excellent resource for ways to reduce our risk of getting cancer. From foods-to-eat to lifestyle changes that help, are all listed in brief.

 

2.       http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816

 

The seven important steps to take to prevent cancer.

 

1.       http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2012/05/01/cancer-survivors-heres-how-to-prevent-it-from-coming-back/#b20a3865319d

 

2.       http://www.cancer.net/survivorship/follow-care-after-cancer-treatment/healthy-living-after-cancer

 

These two links help with ways to prevent a recurrence of cancer once you have survived it.

 

1.       http://www.redefineyourreality.com/what-is-cancer.htm

 

This is a video link that a friend had sent. The concise three tips appear harmless if you practice them.

 

In brief, the steps that you can take to reduce your risk of cancer are:

 

1. Give up tobacco & limit alcohol (I will say, give up tobacco AND alcohol too)
2. Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes
3. Eat fruits and vegetables; drink green tea; drink smoothies
4. Reduce processed foods
5. Do deep breathing exercises
6. Reduce your stress; meditate; sleep properly
7. Limit your exposure to Sun
8. Go to a doctor if you suspect anything; have regular check-ups

 

I wish Good Health and Happy Life to all of you.