Ziqitza Rajasthan - Is your Lifestyle Increasing Your Risk of Cancer
                     Ziqitza Rajasthan : Is your Lifestyle Increasing 
Your Risk of Cancer?
Cancer is one word which evokes fear in people. A question frequently asked is “Is 
my lifestyle increasing the risk of cancer?”. The answer is “YES”. Unhealthy lifestyle 
does increase the risk of cancer. Here are few unhealthy habits which increases 
your risk of cancer. Let’s hear from an expert Dr. Santosh Datar, 
Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd wants to say on this.
Tobacco Consumption
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Tobacco is 
the single most preventable cause of death in the world”. Tobacco 
contains over 4000 types of chemicals. Out of these, around 200 
are harmful to the human body and about 70 different chemicals 
have been found to be carcinogenic. Tobacco consumption in any 
form (viz. smoking, chewing, Gutkha, snuff etc.) is harmful.
 
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of cancer of lung, mouth, 
throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, blood, 
prostate, colon and breast. The harmful effects are not limited to 
the different types of cancer but include increased risk of heart 
attack, lung infections, chronic obstructive lung disease, stroke, 
peptic ulcer, bone fractures, cataract, gangrene, Alzheimer’s 
disease, male impotence, miscarriages and complications in 
women taking oral pills.
Areca Nut Consumption
It is also called “Supari” in India. It is associated with Sub 
Mucous Fibrosis(White patch inside the mouth)  which is a 
pre-cancerous condition where the person is not able to 
open its mouth fully. Its use has been found to lead to oral 
cancer. It may also result in cancer of the liver and pancreas.
Alcohol Consumption
Please remember alcohol is a poison. Alcohol consumption 
increases the risk of cancer of mouth, larynx, esophagus, 
liver, breast and cervix. The harmful effects are not limited 
to cancers but include increased risk of alcoholic liver 
disease, alcohol poisoning, alcohol addiction, coronary 
heart disease, brain damage, damage to heart muscles, 
damage to the pancreas, nerve damage, sexual 
dysfunction, thin bones, bone fractures, blackouts, high 
blood pressure, lower immunity, infections, birth defects, 
mental depression, malnutrition, accidents, violent 
behaviour and financial problems.
Obesity
Persons having body mass index (BMI) above 30 are termed as 
obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk of cancer of 
organs, such as endometrium(inner lining of the uterus), colon, 
breast, esophagus and pancreas. Besides increasing the risk of 
developing such cancers, obesity is also associated with 
increased chances of death resulting from such cancers. It also 
increases the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, high blood 
pressure and other ailments
Lack of Physical Activity and Exercise
Lack of physical activity and regular exercise has been 
linked to increased risk of cancer.
Infections
These include various viruses, parasites and bacterial infections 
which predispose the patient to develop certain cancers. Human 
papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancers and 
oropharyngeal cancers. Hepatitis B and C are associated with liver 
cancers. Parasitic (Schistosomiasis) infection is associated with an 
increased risk of bladder cancer. H. pylori infection may result in 
stomach cancer. 
Reproductive Health and Sexual Practices
Breastfeeding has been shown to lower risk of breast and 
ovarian cancers. Infection with human papilloma virus and other 
sexually transmitted diseases has been associated with increased 
risk of cervical cancers.  Sexual activity at an early age and 
multiple sex partners increases the risk of cervical cancer. 
We at Ziqitza strongly urge you to follow a healthy lifestyle. Here 
are a few Lifestyle changes which will act as a tool for Cancer 
prevention
      Avoid alcohol, tobacco and supari
·      Eat a well-balanced, nutritious, healthy and timely diet 
e.g. Indian diet consisting of roti, vegetables, rice, dal, green 
leafy vegetables, fruits, curds or buttermilk and salads
·      Restrict the consumption of red meat and processed 
meat
·  Ensure you have adequate sleep for at least 7-8 hours. You 
should feel fresh in the morning.
·  Reduce your stress. Adequate sleep, exercise, yoga and 
meditation are best relaxing techniques, not dancing late night 
in pubs and drinking alcohol or smoking
·  Reduce weight if you are overweight or obese. Consult a 
doctor and qualified dietician
·  Remain physically active. Exercise regularly e.g. a daily 
brisk walk for 30 minutes a day. However, before starting 
any exercise regime, consult your doctor
·  Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight especially midday 
sun.
·  Maintain good genital hygiene and practice safe sex
·  Reduce exposure at the workplace to carcinogens by 
following occupational health and safety norms
·  Go for a regular checkup including dental checkup for 
early detection and treatment of cancer especially you 
have a family history of any cancer. Talk to your doctor 
about it.
·  Consult your doctor for vaccination for certain cancers 
(e.g. Hepatitis-B, HPV)
Adding to this Dr Datar from Ziqitza Rajasthan says it must be 
remembered there are no short cuts for prevention or treatment 
of cancer. Do not fall prey to false claims, unscientific remedies 
or magic cures or magic foods claimed to control or cure cancer, 
diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or reduce weight. 
Consult a qualified doctor if need