Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Poland and Europe. Due to the steady systematic decrease in deaths from cardiovascular diseases, they are likely to become our main killer in the coming years. Doctors unanimously agree that prevention is an effective form of combating this disease of civilisation.
Worrying symptoms
Everyone should regularly examine their skin and that of their partner/partner for pigmented lesions (melanoma) and other skin cancers.
Screening can help diagnose the earliest stages of possible cancers, but always look out for signs of disease such as:
- slowly enlarging lymph nodes,
- staining and thickening of the mucous membranes, small non-painful sores on the lips and tongue,
- hoarseness, difficulty swallowing,
- cough, bloody expectoration,
- lack of appetite, weight loss,
- diarrhoea, constipation, frequent urge to defecate,
- enlarged moles on the skin,
- bloody mucus, blood in the stool,
- irregular bleeding, bloody discharge,
- bloody urine, frequent urge to bladder,
- induration or palpable lump.
photo: pantherstock
10 recommendations for a healthy lifestyle
According to current research findings, most cancers can be prevented through healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. We all know this, but not all of us have the time or inclination to adhere to it, and it takes really little to help ourselves and our loved ones.
Here are 10 recommendations:
1. Get moving - a regular half-hour brisk walk is enough.
2. Don't smoke cigarettes.
3. Keep your weight down and fight obesity:
- follow a Mediterranean diet on a daily basis,
- keep fat and sweets to a minimum,
- eat more fish, fruit and vegetables
- limit your consumption of meat (especially red meat) to a few times a week,
- consider vitamin D3 supplementation,
- eat fresh produce with a short shelf life.
4. Limit alcohol (to about 2 glasses of beer or 2 glasses of wine per day).
5. Sunbathe in moderation, use sunscreen, do not use tanning beds.
6. Get vaccinated against hepatitis (jaundice!).
7. Avoid casual sexual contact.
8. Avoid contact with carcinogenic substances, e.g. asbestos fibres, benzene, aromatic compounds and radon.
9. Try to heal all inflammations in the body.
10. If there is a history of cancer in your family, get tested at a genetic clinic.
You can find out more from your family doctor. Ask if you don't know or are in doubt.
