Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin explained the precautions to be taken to prevent cancer and made important suggestions and warnings. The incidence of cancer is increasing all over the world. Every year, 20 million people in the world and approximately 230 thousand people in our country are diagnosed with cancer. Moreover, cancer is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Around the world, 10 million people die each year due to cancer. Five important risk factors are responsible for about 1 out of every three cancers: Being overweight or obese, consuming less fruit and vegetables, leading a sedentary life, smoking and consuming alcohol. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of cancer with changes in living habits. So, according to the researches; When measures are taken against risk factors, cancer development can be prevented at a significant rate of 30-40 percent.
Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin pointed out that smoking is the most important risk factor for cancer and said, “If we can create a non-smoking society, we can prevent almost more than 90 percent of lung cancers. In a non-smoker society, there will be a decrease in many cancer types such as head and neck cancers, pharynx, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, leukemia and even breast cancer, as well as lung cancer.
Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin said:
“Regular exercise is very important in protecting against cancer. Because, regular and correct exercises; It positively affects the metabolism, strengthens the immune system, helps us to get rid of excess weight and reduces stress. In the studies, those who walk briskly for 5 minutes 30 days a week; Breast, colon, uterine and prostate cancers were less common. Therefore, make it a habit to walk for an hour a day two or three days a week or for 30 minutes five days a week. In addition to walking, activities such as swimming, cycling and tennis are among the exercises that positively affect our health.
Get rid of your excess weight
Numerous studies show that overweight and obesity trigger many types of cancer. High levels of certain hormones in the blood, including estrogen and insulin, can increase the risk of certain cancers. Studies show that obesity and lack of physical activity increase the risk of developing cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, liver and uterus by 20-25 percent. For this reason, it is very important to reach your ideal weight with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Throw away cigarettes now
Smoking is the most important factor leading to the development of many types of cancer, especially lung cancer. Scientific studies reveal that 90 percent of lung cancer develops due to the use of cigarettes and tobacco products. In addition, smoking and tobacco use are directly or indirectly effective in the formation of at least 10 different cancers. Because there are more than four thousand chemicals in cigarette smoke, and it is known that at least 250 of them are harmful and more than 50 of them cause cancer.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
“Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day and avoid foods that increase cancer risk.” Says Engin, “For example, limit red meat to a maximum of half a kilo per week. Instead of; Choose white meats such as fish, chicken and turkey. Do not miss vegetable proteins such as broad beans, dry beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas and lentils on your table. Choose whole wheat, whole rye, whole oats instead of processed grain products. Limit your salt intake to 2-3 grams per day. Hormone supplements and chemicals that increase the risk of cancer development are used more in vegetables and fruits that are not in season. Therefore, consume vegetables and fruits in season.
Do not barbecue meat
It is also important to avoid methods such as cooking meat on high heat in a short time. For example, do not prefer the barbecue method. Because polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons released during cooking increase the risk of cancer. If you are going to use a barbecue, be careful not to burn the meat. The best way to prevent cancer is to cook food with traditional methods such as steaming and steaming.” made statements.
Avoid processed products
Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin pointed out that foods can be subjected to a number of processes to increase the durability of foods, “For example, studies have shown that polychloronyl biphenyl in processed fish products and sodium benzoate used in other foods can increase the risk of cancer. Also, consume as little processed meat products as sausage, salami, sausage and ham as much as possible.” said.
Quit alcoholic beverages
Alcohol consumption is one of the known causes of cancer in the head and neck region, esophagus, liver, large intestine, pancreas and breast. Drinking alcohol, especially with cigarettes, increases the risk of cancer. prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin said, “As the duration of alcohol intake and the amount consumed daily, the risk of cancer increases. However, there is no safe threshold for alcohol use. Therefore, it is best not to consume alcoholic beverages at all.” used the phrase.
Take 'precaution' against infections
One out of every five cancers in the world develops due to chronic infections. For example, helicobacter pylori bacteria can cause stomach cancer, hepatitis B virus can cause liver cancer, and some herpes group viruses can cause skin and cervical cancer. Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin said, “Actually, most infections can be prevented or treated. Therefore, precautions should be taken to protect from infections, and if the disease has developed, a doctor should be consulted without wasting time so that it does not become chronic.” he said.
Engin warned, 'Don't neglect the vaccinations' and said, 'Another important point you need to pay attention to in order to protect yourself from cancer is to 'get your vaccinations regularly'. If you are at risk or live in places where Hepatitis B is common, getting hepatitis B vaccination is very important for your protection from liver cancer. Certain types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) also increase women's risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. World Health Organization; recommends vaccinating girls aged 9-13 years against cervical cancer. Insomnia is also one of the important factors that increase the risk of cancer. During sleep, many hormones are secreted that play a role in the strength of the immune system. In addition, a significant portion of cancer cells that develop in the body are destroyed by immune cells during sleep. Therefore, when we sleep irregularly and with poor quality, the risk of developing cancer increases when our hormones and metabolism cannot perform their functions.” he said.
Do not interrupt scanning programs
prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin said, “Even if there is no complaint, it is vital that screening tests are done regularly. For this purpose, it is extremely important to perform a colonoscopy every 50-5 years for the detection and treatment of polyps that can turn into cancer after the age of 10, and to detect and treat CIN lesions that pose a risk for the formation of cervical cancer with PAP Smear and HPV DNA test every 30 years after the age of 5. Again, after the age of 40, it is possible to detect precursor lesions for breast cancer with mammography screening, which will be performed every 2 years. defended his view.
Watch out for the winter sun!
In recent years, it has been known that there is a relationship between insufficient vitamin D intake and the risk of developing many diseases, including some types of cancer. prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin said, “The best source of vitamin D is ultraviolet rays from the sun. 90% of the requirement can be met in this way. In order for vitamin D to form in the skin, at least 25 percent of the body such as hands, arms, legs and face should be exposed to the sun before 15:20 in the morning when the sun's rays do not come vertically for 10-00 minutes, and after 16:00 in the afternoon. It needs to be in contact with the rays,” he said.
“However, exposure to the sun, which is the main source of vitamin D, including the winter months and especially between 10:00 and 16:00 when UV rays are strong, is harmful.” said Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Engin warned, “Because UV rays have serious harms on human health such as skin cancer and malignant melanoma.” Dr. Hüseyin Engin said, “You should not stay under the sun between these hours, and if it is necessary to stay, necessary precautions should be taken. Sun protection is best provided by shaded places, sunglasses, appropriate clothing and a hat. Sunscreen is also necessary for parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands. It is also dangerous to be exposed to ultraviolet (for example, solarium) rays for cosmetic purposes for a long time. ” he stated.
Be the first to comment