How Do I Avoid Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic Cancer Overview
Pancreatic cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is called the silent killer because it can strike on an individual without showing noticeable symptoms of cancer during its early stages. Recent studies have indicated that half of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer usually die within 5 months after the diagnosis. These are the reasons why many are concerned about this condition and often ask, “How do I avoid pancreatic cancer?”
Although there is no exact preventive measure which can be done to avoid pancreatic cancer, there are certain things people can to do decrease their risk of developing it. The risk factors which are involved in pancreatic cancer development includes heredity, smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. Knowing these risks factors can usually help people determine their risks and encourage them to take steps in improving their health. Those with a family history of pancreatic cancer are often advised to observe lifestyle changes to minimize their risks.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been closely associated with numerous cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. Thus, those who are genetically predisposed to pancreatic cancer are often advised to avoid smoking to lessen their risks. And those with other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and pancreatitis should also avoid lighting a cigarette as well.
Weight Control
Obesity increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. It is recommended by health experts that losing weight should be done gradually. This can be done through diet modification, such as eating small portions of food consisting of fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Red meat, processed and carbonized, have also been linked to pancreatic cancer. Thus, to help avoid pancreatic cancer, consumption of these foods should be minimized or avoided. Fish and chicken can be tapped to replace red meat.
Exercise
Having a regular exercise routine can do a lot to health improvement and health maintenance. At least 30 minutes of exercise several times a week is usually recommended.
Positive Mindset
Changes in one’s lifestyle also include having a change in one’s mindset. Cultivating a positive outlook in life can generally help produce positivism and healing in the body.
Things to Consider
Since chronic pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus are medical conditions which also increase pancreatic cancer risk, it is also best for people to know how to prevent these diseases from developing. Diabetes mellitus is often a result of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet plan. Pancreatitis is often caused by excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.
So when friends and loved ones ask, “How do I avoid pancreatic cancer?”, the proper answer would be to know what this cancer is all about including its risk factors, and to start making changes in one’s lifestyle in order to achieve a better health.
References
MedlinePlus: Pancreatic Cancer, site accessed October 8, 2010 - https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pancreaticcancer.html
Mayo Clinic: Pancreatic Cancer, site accessed October 8, 2010 - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357
