Lessons from GK Health: Do’s & Don’ts for Cancer Prevention
ayaansaroori8@gmail.com
G K's health section empowers us with essential knowledge on diseases and prevention
Learnings
In today's digital age, where mobile phones have replaced print materials, reviving them is essential. Greater Kashmir, a leading regional English newspaper, excels in insightful journalism, particularly on health. Its weekly Health Watch and daily Healthy Bytes and Health Lens provide valuable knowledge on diseases, awareness, and prevention.
As a student and contributor, I find the health section highly informative, deepening my understanding of diseases and their impact. Since 2023, I have gained insights into drug addiction, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer—key issues in the valley.
Now, I aim to share the dos and don’ts of cancer, based on my learnings:
Do’s
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Follow a balanced diet with good nutritional value.
Include regular exercise to maintain physical strength and a healthy weight.
Ensure adequate sleep to help boost the immune system.
- Routine Health Checkups
Schedule regular health checkups for early cancer detection and to identify any potential risks.
Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, improving the chances of successful management.
- Use Sunscreen and Limit UV Exposure
Protect your skin from harmful UV radiation by applying sunscreen regularly, especially during the day.
Limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Minimize Exposure to Harmful Air Pollutants
Reduce exposure to harmful environmental pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other carcinogenic gases.
Wear masks in highly polluted areas and monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for safety.
Don’ts
- Avoid Unhealthy Foods
Stay away from foods that are high in unhealthy fats and contain carcinogenic preservatives.
Processed meats and junk foods can increase the risk of cancer.
- Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as these habits are linked to several types of cancer, especially lung and liver cancer.
Smoking damages DNA and weakens the lungs, increasing cancer risk.
- Don’t Skip Health Checkups
Never neglect regular health screenings, even if you feel healthy.
Postpone checkups can delay the detection of potential cancer, leading to more complex treatments later.
- Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Polluted Areas
Don’t stay too long in areas with high pollution, especially where the AQI is poor.
Extended exposure to environmental toxins can contribute to the development of various cancers.
Ayaan Saroori is a student and a writer