Cancer cases are increasing globally every year. The World Health Organization has announced that around 10 million deaths occurred due to cancer in 2020. The Turkish Cancer Research and Fight Association, established in Ankara in 1947, proposed in 1956 that April 1-7 should be recognized as Cancer Week, and this proposal was accepted. Activities are organized annually during the days covering April 1-7 to raise awareness about cancer, a disease whose importance is growing day by day in society.
Cancer disease arises from the uncontrolled division, growth, and multiplication of cells in the body. This disorder can occur in any part of the body. There are nearly 100 types of cancer known to occur in the body. The most common cancers include lung cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, stomach cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancers, skin cancer, and prostate cancer.
Causes and Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer arises from both genetic and certain environmental factors. Environmental factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, stress, high levels of bacterial/viral infections, exposure to chemicals, poor diet, being overweight, and obesity. Some foods increase the risk of cancer. These foods include fried foods, excessively salted foods, smoked foods, meats and meat products cooked at high temperatures, processed fermented meat products and fast-food items.
Cancer Symptoms; unexplained excessive weight loss in a short time, loss of appetite, high fever, nausea and vomiting, chronic weakness, severe pain, masses in some parts of the body, blood in faeces and urine.
If the treatment process for cancerous cells is not started on time, cancer can spread to all cells of the body. This situation greatly reduces the probability of successful treatment. Early diagnosis is very important in treatment. The treatability of cancer has increased with early diagnosis. In our country, family health services, community health centres and healthy life centres provide free screening services to the society. Today, the Mediterranean diet is recommended to prevent cancer. This diet includes cereals, vegetables and fruits, dried legumes, milk and dairy products, meat and seafood, and oils.
Cancer and Nutrition Recommendations
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Adequate and balanced nutrition should be taken. Plenty of water should be consumed to remove drugs and toxins from the body.
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An average of 5 portions of vegetables or fruit should be consumed daily.
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Complex grains should be consumed instead of refined grains and sugar.
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A diet rich in pulp should be consumed. Probiotic foods should be included.
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Milk and dairy products should be consumed. Red meat consumption should be limited and foods such as fish, chicken and legumes should be preferred.
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When cooking meals, excess oil should not be used, liquid oils should be used and healthy cooking methods (boiling, grilling, baking in the oven) should be preferred.
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Foods rich in vitamins and minerals should be consumed.
