Cancer Fighting Foods
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Causes of Cervical Cancer — The risk factors for cervical cancer include: viral infection such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV); Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV); poor diet and weakened immune system; smoking; being sexually active (intercourse) very early; multiple sexual partners or sexual partners who have had multiple partners; partner having genital warts or herpes simplex; poor genital hygiene; succession of childbirths which wear ‘n’ tear the cervical tissue; and previous cancer of the lower genital tract. Precautions against Cervical Cancer — Regular screening, no smoking, good hygiene and nutritious diet can go a long way in preventing cervical cancer. It is fully curable if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Since the disease is asymptomatic in the early pre-cancer stage, only repeated screening can make it possible to detect the likelihood of cancer at an early stage. Have a first Pap smear test soon after you become sexually active, and then every three year, or every year if you have risk factors, until 70 even if you have had a hysterectomy. Stay fit with regular exercise and healthy diet. Maintain scrupulous genital hygiene, and insist that your partner keeps clean too — the penis should be washed before and after intercourse. A condom is the most effective protector. Note: There are vaccinations available that can prevent cervical cancer.
Colon Cancer
More men than women succumb to colon cancer and the risk rises at 40 and peaks after 55. Symptoms of Colon Cancer — The common symptoms include any prolonged changes in your normal bowel habit such as: diarrhoea or constipation which lasts for more than 2 weeks; blood or heavy mucus in the stool; a feeling of fullness that does not ease even after passing a stool; painful bowel movements; and colicky pains. These symptoms may be combined with anaemia and weight loss. Note: These symptoms could be from other reasons and need to be investigated and evaluated. Causes of Colon Cancer — You are at a higher risk of colon cancer if you: eat a high-fat, low-fibre diet; have a previous history of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; and have a history of polyps in the colon or have colorectal (bowel, rectum, colon) cancer in the family. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that kilo for kilo processed meats (such as sausages, salamis) as well as meat cooked at very high temperatures (i.e. chargrilled and barbecued meat) had significantly more cancer-causing potential in the colon. Precautions against Colon Cancer — Have colon screening regularly every year especially after age 50. Eat more wholegrains and their sprouts, leafy greens, citrus fruit. WHO recommends a minimum daily intake of half a kilo of fruits and vegetables. The fibre in these foods may offer protection by helping to move possible carcinogenic toxins out of your system speedily before causing any damage. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E in foods also team with fibre to bind the carcinogens and whisk them away.
