World Cancer Day 2018: 7 ways to prevent the debilitating disease

Every year 4th February is observed as the World Cancer Day. The day is commemorated with an aim to spread awareness and educate people about the lifestyle disease.

Bracketed under the category of lifestyle disease, cancer is a debilitating disease which can be prevented by making minor tweaks in your lifestyle.

The World Health Organisation estimates close to 30-50% of cancer cases as preventable.

Although there is no exact cause of the disease, experts identify the onset of the disease manifested in the growth of cancerous cells in the body.

Indian-American oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee -- in his award-winning book, The Emperor of all Maladies -- describes cancer as 'neoplasm'.

'Neoplasm'can loosely be described as the aggressive and manic multiplication of abnormal (cancerous) cells that can outdo, outrun, outwit their healthier, normal counterpart.

While the rising incidence of cancer is a cause of concern, experts note that cancer research remains highly underfunded.

"US$1.16 trillion is the estimated total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010," estimates WHO.

An estimated 8.8 million died of the disease in 2015 and the number of cases is only rising by the day.

While nothing guarantees cancer prevention, dietary tweaks and changes in lifestyle can go a long way in minimising the risks.

Ahead, a look at some of the simplest steps that can be taken to ensure a healthy, cancer-free life, after all, prevention is always better than the cure!

The World Health Organisation considers these basic steps imperative in the fight against cancer.

1. Smoking and tobacco consumption account for a large number of oral cancer cases. Smoking and tobacco consumption must be avoided. Monitor your alcohol intake.

2. A healthy diet is a must; monitor what you eat and limit your fast food intake. Sugary food items should be avoided; make your diet more about fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts and dairy among others.

3. Exercise regularly. The World Health Organisation recommends moderate-intensity physical activity, at least thrice a week, for an adult to keep fit. Walking 10,000 steps a day is also an ideal way to keep fit. Do not lead a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Breastfeeding is known to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women.

5. Vaccinate your kids against Hepatitis B and HPV.

6. Avoid getting exposed to air pollution and too much of sun.

7. Get regular medical tests and cancer screenings done.

Close to 30-50% of cancer cases are preventable -- WHO

According to health experts, early cancer detection can save many lives. Preventive measures can also bring down the ever-escalating burden on global healthcare cost.

One of the many symptoms of cancerous growth manifestsitself in a stony-hard lump. Get in touch with your doctor if you detect a stone-hard lump in any part of your body. Ask your medical expert to explain the many forms of cancer symptoms, how to identify them and when to seek medical help.