The real disease burden of cancer in a country like Nigeria is really under-reported. A significant portion of patients die at him without ever being diagnosed and the few that get diagnosed come in at the late stages where it is practically impossible to beat the disease.

How can we stop this disease from manifesting in the first instance? Here are 5 quick tips to prevent cancer

Limit Red Meat and Animal Fat: Studies have shown that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Poultry and fish contain less fat than red meat,  thus reducing the red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer. 

 Reduce Your Alcohol Intake:Drinking excessive amounts if alcohol have been implicated as risk factor for many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for certain types of cancer.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions. 
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer properties. 
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are especially useful in preventing cancer, according to numerous studies

Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke: Smoking has been implicated in not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. It is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce by quitting or never starting.

Practice safe sex:Unsafe sex has been implicated in cervical cancer. Unsafe sex can cause infection with the human papillomairus (HPV), which can cause cancer of the cervix and is a risk factor for other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. There is a vaccine to prevent this cancer now. Please ask your doctor where you can get it. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some types of cancers. Get screened regularly.

Here’s to a healthier you!