In a world grappling with the impact of cancer, the observance of World Cancer Day on February 4 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness, resilience, and collective action. Former IBM executive and tongue cancer survivor, Amar Bhaskar, emphasizes that a positive attitude, resilience, adaptation to change, self-reinvention, engaging in activities, and rejoicing with family form the bedrock of a strong defense against this relentless disease.
The Power of Awareness
One significant obstacle in the battle against cancer is the lack of information. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words echo the sentiment that only light can drive out darkness. World Cancer Day, celebrated annually, serves as a beacon of hope, commemorating survivors, acknowledging healthcare workers, and emphasizing the power of collective action. The theme for 2024, ‘Close the Care Gap’, underscores the ongoing need for awareness.
Lifestyle and Cancer: A Causative Connection
Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention, contributing to 30-50% of cases. To combat this, individuals must strive for intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. Key elements include healthy eating, stress management, quality sleep, regular physical activity, and the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco.
5 Lifestyle Changes for Cancer Prevention
1. Eat Healthier: Bhaskar advocates for a diet close to nature, emphasizing the importance of a predominantly vegetarian diet. Colorful, nutrient-rich foods packed with phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibers contribute to detoxifying the system and blocking certain cancer pathways.
2. Manage Stress: Stress, though not a direct cause, promotes cancer growth. Bhaskar advises on handling the mind-state through meditation, highlighting its benefits in creating positive thoughts, improving sleep patterns, and enhancing overall well-being.
3. Get More Sleep: Quality sleep, considered as essential as oxygen, supports cell regeneration and acts as a natural immune booster. Scientifically, seven hours of sleep is crucial to protect against various diseases, including cancer.
4. Physical Activity and Immunity Boosters: Regular physical activity for at least half an hour, coupled with engaging in creative pursuits, helps relieve stress and boost the immune system. Positive thoughts and joy contribute to an increase in white blood cell count, providing added protection.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco Completely: Tobacco and alcohol consumption contribute significantly to cancer cases. Initiating early, prolonged usage, and quantity consumed are factors influencing affliction. Refraining from these habits is imperative for cancer prevention.
In Shorts : Beyond Awareness: Transforming Lives with Holistic Cancer Prevention
While not every cancer can be cured, every individual can be healed through a spiritual approach. Bhaskar encourages waking up with gratitude, appreciating the gift of a new day, and maintaining a simple lifestyle as a shield against dreadful diseases. As the world unites on World Cancer Day, embracing these lifestyle changes becomes a collective stride towards a healthier, cancer-resistant future.
