A healthy lifestyle can help prevent cancer

According to a study published in the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Leading cancer sites/types are lung, breast, cervix, liver, colon and rectum, prostate, stomach, oral cavity, ovary and leukemia. There is at present a low cancer prevention consciousness and most cancer patients seek consultation only at advanced stages.

Cancer is a result of complex mix of factors related to heredity, diet, physical inactivity and prolonged, continuous exposure to certain chemicals and other substances. A number of factors that increase a person’s chance of developing cancer has been identified and are called “risk factors”. While some people may be genetically predisposed to certain types of cancer, corrective lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of contracting the condition.