Dr. Giriyappagoudar is a renowned expert in cancer care and prevention in North Karnataka. As someone deeply committed to helping individuals lead healthier lives, he emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to reduce cancer risk.

 

We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. While some factors are beyond our control, many lifestyle choices can significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2023, 2 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and about 610,000 lives were lost to this disease. Research suggests that over 40% of cancer cases and nearly half of these deaths are preventable.

 

 

7 Key Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk

 

1. Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco use is linked to 30% of all cancer-related deaths and is a leading cause of:

Lung cancer

Mouth cancer

Esophageal cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Cervical cancer

No form of tobacco is safe, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and hookahs. Secondhand smoke also increases cancer risk. Quitting tobacco is one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer. Learn about tobacco cessation programs available locally.

 

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle

 

 

 

Excess weight increases the levels of estrogen and insulin, hormones that promote cancer growth. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney cancers. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Even simple activities like walking or cycling can make a difference.

 

 

 

 

3. Follow a Healthy Diet

 

 

Up to 50% of preventable cancers are a result of the foods we eat. Eating a plant-based diet, limiting how much red meat you eat and limiting alcohol consumption may help prevent certain cancers.

Alcohol increases the risk of various types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver cancers. Heavier drinkers are at higher risk of cancer.

According to guidelines from the American Cancer Society, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether. People who choose to drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink a day for women.

Explore 6 simple eating and exercise tips that can reduce your cancer risk

 

 

4. Wear sunscreen

 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and the world. More than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.

Proper use of sunscreen is crucial to reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Even with sunscreen, avoid being outside when the sun is directly overhead. This is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 pm. Stay away from tanning beds and avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight.

See what you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.

 

 

 

 

5. Get vaccinated

 

 

Protecting against certain viral infections can help protect against cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI), can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to people ages 26 and under. It protects against 90% of cancer caused by HPV.

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent HBV infection.

Learn more about HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screenings

 

 

6. Get screened

Regular self-exams and routine screenings for cancers can increase your chances of finding cancer early. Early detection is key to successful cancer treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these screening tests to prevent or catch cancer early:

• Breast cancer screening
• Cervical cancer screening
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Lung cancer screening

Talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a routine screening

 

7. Know your family history

Knowing the diseases that run in your family plays an important role in understanding your cancer risk. If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer, you may have a higher risk for developing these cancers.

The CDC recommends that you gather your family health history from blood-related family members. This includes biological parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews, and children.

To gather your family health history, ask those relatives:

• Who in the family has had cancer, and what kind(s) did they have?
• How old were they when they were diagnosed with cancer?
• Are they still living? If not, at what age did they die, and what caused their death?

 

Empowering North Karnataka with Cancer Awareness

 

Dr. M.G. Giriyappagoudar and his team in Hubballi-Dharwad are dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. By adopting healthier lifestyle choices, many cases of cancer can be prevented, and lives saved.

Dr. M.G. Giriyappagoudar is a Senior Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist based in Hubballi-Dharwad. With qualifications including MBBS, DMRT, and MDRT from CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 

 

Take charge of your health today! For expert advice on cancer prevention and care, consult Dr. Giriyappagoudar and explore programs that support a cancer-free future for North Karnataka.