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most common types of cancer in women are: cervical cancer (33 percent), breast cancer (9,9 percent), Kaposi’s sarcoma (9,3 percent) and in men Kaposi’s sarcoma (19,2 percent), prostate cancer (12,7 percent) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (6,4 percent).
Cancer prevention and
quality of life
Stopping tobacco use (smoking, chewing or sniffing tobacco) and creating smoke-free environments has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cancers and other short- and long-term health risks.
Try to avoid exposure to passive smoke to further reduce the risk.
Eat a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet is of major importance to maintain good health throughout life. Experts believe that one in four cancers is linked to diet.
l Limit eating food high in fats, with added sugar and dairy products;
l Eat food high in fibre like whole grain bread or roller meal;
l Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, covo, nyevhe and beans;
l Limit eating red meat such as beef, lamb and goat and avoid processed meats;
l Avoid oily foods and re-using cooking oil;
l Eat more of white meat such as chicken, fish and soya products; and
l Limit intake of salty and spicy foods as well as foods processed with salt.
Avoid fizzy sweetened drinks
Take fruit juices and at least 1,5 to 2 litres of pure water everyday
Physical activity
Regular and adequate physical activity is of major importance to maintain good health. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes everyday in activities such as walking, running and aerobics. For school-aged children/teenagers at least 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended for noticeable health benefits.
Sun exposure
Ultra violent radiation is important for our health, it plays an important role in the production of vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone growth. However,
Enjoy the sun without
getting roasted:
l Avoid excessive exposure to the sun especially if you are light skinned and those without skin pigmentation.
l Avoid midday sun between 10am and 3 pm.
Stop using sun baths
Remember to use sunscreens and wear protective clothing when outdoors, these are effective prevention methods.
Love your skin
l Avoid environmental and occupational cancer-causing agents;
l Avoid drinking polluted water;
l Live or work in well-ventilated rooms to minimise polluted air;
l Avoid exposure to asbestos fibre;
l Limit exposure to mercury and their products commonly used in gold panning;
l Wear protective clothing in workplaces that has fumes, dust or chemicals; and
l Avoid cancer-causing infections.
While cancer is not infectious, there are a number of infections that either directly cause cancer or increase the risk of developing cancer such as human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Get interventions such as vaccination against hepatitis B and HPV.
Get treated early for infections such as sexually transmitted infections.
Practice safer sex (having
protected sex)
Do not insert herbs, chemicals or agents into the vaginal canal for sexual enhancement or to hasten child-birth unless prescribed by a doctor.
Source: Ministry of Health and Child Welfare — Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients together; it is possible.
Online Reporter