The word ‘cancer’ is probably the most emotive in the English language, and those who have to hear it can be in for many years of suffering. Though life expectancy is rising, the incidence of chronic and terminal illnesses is also on the increase and can mean challenging later years for many of us. Alarmingly, new figures from U.K. research indicate that the chance of developing cancer is on the rise, and the risk for men is expected to reach one in two by the year 2027. Armed with this knowledge early enough, we can pay full attention to our lifestyle choices and maximize our chance of a disease-free maturity.
The top three cancers for men to guard against are prostate cancer, bowel cancer and melanoma.
Prostate Cancer – an extremely common form of cancer, it is actually the most fatal cancer for men over 75. Prostate cancer is something you should watch for from the age of 40, and with increasing vigilance as you get older. Those at the greatest risk are those of African descent, those with a family history and those exposed to occupational hazards.
Men who want to fortify themselves against this risk should consider making certain dietary adjustments. A pescatarian diet is ideal, as this incorporates plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and avoids the effect of meat, which has strong links to cancer. Curcumin and oregano should be regularly incorporated in your diet for their cancer-fighting benefits. That means lots of Indian and Italian food – not exactly a hardship for anyone!
Bowel Cancer – the third most common cancer in the world, bowel or colorectal cancer is intricately connected to lifestyle choices. It is advisable to undergo routine screening for colorectal cancers from the age of 50, from which age it usually appears.
Since lifestyle is the main acknowledged cause of this type of cancer, it is important to be scrupulous in your attention to health and wellbeing. Avoid red meat, stews, alcohol and tobacco. Of course, it’s not enough to simply avoid the bad stuff; support your lifestyle with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and be sure to take plenty of exercise. All of which is sound advice in ensuring overall wellness and guarding against a number of diseases.
Melanoma – a less common form of cancer, though rates are steadily increasing. Those of a fair complexion are very much at risk, especially when they spend a lot of time in sunlight. Because the cause of melanoma is obvious, prevention is straight-forward. Simply reduce your exposure to sunlight, and always be sure to use a sun lotion with a high SPF whenever going out in the sun.
Along with the ongoing strides made by cancer research organisations, attention to our own lifestyle and wellbeing is the only thing that can bring these alarming cancer rates down. All of us have a part to play in the fight against cancer, and must take responsibility for our own happiness and wellbeing into our later years.
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