Top doc’s tips to reduce your risk of deadly cancer
World Health Day: know the dangers you can control
CANCER kills more than 40,000 people a year in Ireland but experts have issued warning signs to help push up survival rates.
Just days before World Health Day this Sunday, Dr Doireann O’leary published valuable insights into preventing cancer that can help to manage risk.
Cork GP Doireann said: “When it comes to cancer risk reduction, there are some things that we cannot control.
“These are called non-modifiable risk factors. This includes a family history of hereditary cancer.
“However, discussing family history with your GP is crucial.
“Those with a family history of breast or colorectal cancer may require earlier cancer screening.”
She added that there are also “modifiable risk factors” like day-to-day lifestyle choices such as smoking that we can amend to lower the risk of cancer.
Dr O’leary said: “It comes as no surprise that smoking is the most important one. Smoking increases risk of the following cancers: sinonasal, nasopharynx, pharynx, oral cavity, larynx, oesophagus, lung, pancreas, ovary, cervix, leukaemia, kidney, bowel, stomach, and liver.”
“The NCRI (National Cancer Research Institute) report shows that about 29 per cent of the population are smokers.
“If the percentage of smokers in Ireland were reduced to five per cent of the population, there would be over 1,000 fewer cancer cases a year by 2035 as a result.
Alcohol consumption is another major issue for cancer, and an estimated 42,000 people in Ireland get cancer each year, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
Dr O’leary said: “Alcohol increases the risk of cancer. Some 86 per cent of the adult population are alcohol consumers.
“In the 10-year period ending in 2035, it is estimated that 7,741 cancer cases will be attributable to alcohol intake if rates remain unchanged.
“Try to cut back if you can, and maybe opt for meeting friends for a walk and a coffee instead of a drink or try non-alcoholic drinks on a night out.”
She added: “Avoid sun beds and practice being sun safe.
“There is a 92 per cent increased risk of melanoma of the skin associated with having been sunburned.
“There is a 20 per cent increased risk of melanoma associated with having used a sunbed.
“Excessive exposure to solar radiation can induce DNA damage in the skin. Over time, skin cancer may develop due to a build-up of this damage that causes the cells to start growing out of control.”
She continued: “Get some exercise too.
“This will reduce your cancer risk.
“The best exercise to do is the one you enjoy, so that you’ll do it consistently. Regular physical activity reduces risk of colon and breast cancer, in particular.”
“And, interestingly, the risk of breast cancer can be offset by getting about 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week.”
Other advice tips include reducing intake of processed meat such as ham, salami, bacon and some sausages, and discussing the HPV vaccine with your doctor.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine reduces the risk of cervical, penile, anal, vulval and rectal cancers as well as cancers of the head and neck.