Cancer cases are rapidly increasing among youth, with poor lifestyle, unbalanced diet, obesity, and stress being the primary causes. According to experts, this risk can be significantly reduced by adopting a proper diet, regular exercise, stress management, and timely screening. Awareness and healthy habits are crucial for young people.
Cancer Risk in Youth: Cancer cases are rapidly increasing in the new generation, with poor lifestyle being the main reason. According to Dr. A. K. Diwan, Director (Oncology), Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi, young people are often susceptible to this disease due to junk food, irregular eating habits, and lack of sufficient physical activity. Experts state that habits like obesity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and high blood sugar further increase the risk of cancer. Awareness, proper diet, regular exercise, and timely screening are effective measures to reduce this threat.
Obesity and Cancer
According to recent studies, cases of cancers such as thyroid, breast, kidney, endometrial, and leukemia are increasing among individuals aged 20 to 49 years. In India, one in five cancer patients is under 40 years old. According to The Lancet and the Global Burden of Disease Study, 42 percent of cancer cases could be prevented if people controlled risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and high blood sugar.
Stress and the Immune System
Stress also increases the risk of cancer. When the immune system is weak, the body cannot eliminate cancer-causing cells in time. Dr. Diwan explains that under stress, people tend to consume more alcohol, smoke, and drink tea/coffee, which exacerbates the problem. Therefore, techniques like meditation, yoga, and music should be used to reduce stress.
Adopt an Active Lifestyle
Exercising for at least 150 minutes per week is beneficial. Brisk walking, jogging, yoga, and Pranayama help control obesity and improve hormonal balance. Regular physical activity enhances blood circulation and boosts the body's immunity.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
- Include fiber and a plant-based diet in your meals.
- Reduce consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Limit the use of microwaves.
- Include items like green tea, berries, greens, broccoli, and cauliflower in your diet.
- Adjust your calorie intake according to your physical activity to maintain a balanced weight.
Lifestyle improvement is crucial to prevent the rising cancer cases among youth. Proper diet, regular exercise, stress management, and timely screening can significantly reduce this risk. Dr. Diwan states that cancer prevention is possible by adopting awareness and healthy habits, and young people need to take immediate steps in this direction.
If you pay attention to your health and adopt these suggestions, the risk of cancer can be significantly reduced.
