LIFESTYLE NEWS - Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), one in four South Africans is affected by cancer. For this reason, Cansa is lobbying government to put the condition on the national health agenda, in line with HIV/Aids and TB.

What can I do to prevent cancer?

• Eat healthy, cancer-fighting foods mostly from plant sources, e.g. a variety of fruit, vegetables, whole grain products, legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Stick to a diet high in fibre, as this has shown a protective effect.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Avoid fatty and over-cooked food.
• Stay physically active.

Most people only show symptoms of cancer in the late stages of the condition, and it is therefore important for those with a history or family history of cancer to have annual check-ups.

How does cancer develop?
The human body is made up of different types of cells which divide and multiply as the body needs them. When these cells continue to multiply when the body doesn't need them, the result is a mass of tissues called a tumour or growth. A tumour may be either benign or malignant. Benign tumours are not cancerous and are limited to a small area. Malignant tumours however, are cancerous and often invade nearby tissues and organs, spreading the disease to other parts of the body.
Studies to date indicate that one third of cancer deaths in the United States of America are attributable to smoking, and another third to diet and poor exercise habits. This means that two thirds of cancers are likely preventable through lifestyle changes.

Diet and cancer
Most cancers are associated with obesity, high alcohol intake, and consumption of highly-saturated fats and processed foods such as smoked food, over-cooked and salted meat. Processed meat creates cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals which increase the risk of colon cancer.