Pancreatic Cancer Prevention
As is the case with all diseases and conditions, preventing their occurrence is far more desirable than treating them or their symptoms once they develop. Pancreatic cancer prevention is no different. And considering that most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die of the disease, preventing this condition is especially vital. To prevent pancreatic cancer, one should know the risk factors for the disease (pancreatic cancer's cause is unknown).
The most common reason for developing pancreatic tumors is advancing age. The disease occurs rarely in young people, with most of the cases appearing in people over the age of 50. Most cases are found between the ages of 65 to 80. Aging cannot be prevented, of course, but there are actions you can take to help prevent pancreatic cancer even at these ages.
A very large risk factor for pancreas tumors is heavy smoking and tobacco chewing. Thus, of you smoke two or more packs a day, your chances of developing cancer of the pancreas more than double. However, stopping smoking reduces your risk by around 30%. The cells damaged by the tobacco's toxic, DNA-altering chemicals are replaced by new cells. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent pancreatic cancer and other health problems.
One's environment also plays a role. Some chemicals that manufacturers use, such as benzidine, asbestos, 2-naphthylamine, and gasoline derivatives, are related to tumor development. Limiting your exposure to these chemicals and pesticides like DDT can help in pancreatic cancer prevention. Most people do not spend much time around these substances, so avoiding them should not be difficult. As everyone has heard in recent years, staying active and eating a healthy diet goes a long way in preventing disease. The same is true for pancreatic cancer prevention. Doctors recommend you exercise for a half an hour every day, or at least three times per week. Fitness and lower weight increase the effectiveness of the circulatory system and pulmonary system, and increases the immune systems ability to handle threats. Remember, exercising and keeping your weight down will not only help prevent cancer, it will also improve your quality of life. Research shows that when people eat a minimum of 3 servings of vegetables a day, they have a lower risk for pancreatic cancer. A serving is classified as 1 cup of leafy greens, ½ cup of other vegetables, and ½ cup of cooked legumes like beans or peas. Fruits and whole grains are also very valuable, for they all contain high amounts of fiber. Fiber works to pick up toxins and keep your digestive system functioning as it should. This may prevent cells from mutating into cancer. It is important to receive your recommended daily allowance of around 24 grams of fiber a day to stay healthy. Cutting back on how much red meat and grilled or charred food you eat is also important, as is decreasing consumption of fats, sugars, and processed foods. As with most diseases, prevention is not a difficult undertaking. For pancreatic cancer prevention, not to mention other diseases, living a fit, healthy lifestyle and eating a low-fat, meat, and sugar diet high in fiber and vegetables does wonders for your health.
|
