cancer

Women who face inconsistent menstruation, difficulty in eating, along with urinary issues are perhaps at risk of being in the latter stages of ovarian cancer- this is when the cancer has spread to the pelvis and abdomen. 

The early stages of ovarian cancers cause no symptoms, this is when the cancer is still limited to the ovaries and is also easiest to treat.

Any woman with ovaries faces some risk of developing ovarian cancer, but there are consequential factors that also increase  risk. Factors such as having a family history of ovarian cancer, those who carry the genetic mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2, or being older than 63 are  are not under an individual’s control but there are some that you can control in order to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. They are- 

1. Exercising and a healthy diet

By adhering to a weekly exercise regime and following a healthy diet, the risk of ovarian cancer does decrease. Just working out 30 minutes a day can decrease risk by up to 20%. On top of an active lifestyle, introducing certain foods into daily diet can also reduce risk. Foods like beans, nuts, eggs, and foods rich in Vitamin D are highly recommended as well as foods that contain Vitamin A- carrots, sweet potatoes and all leafy greens vegetables. 

2. Avoid Carcinogens

Carcinogens are basically substances that can potentially cause cancer. Some of these will

cause cancer only if an individual is predisposed to the risk of developing cancer, for instance having a family history or carrying a genetic mutation. However, there are some that can cause cancer regardless, like talcum powder, found in everyday products such as baby powder, makeup and deodorants. Many women who used some of these products regularly near the genital area have developed ovarian cancer. This has lead to huge lawsuits against major corporations that manufacture and sell these products.

3. Oral Contraceptives 

Women who regularly take oral contraceptives have up to a 50% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. The longer contraceptive is taken, the lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives can’t be taken by everyone and consulting a physician is necessary to see if it will work for you.

4.Choose a Healthy Lifestyle

Avoiding the use of tobacco, being exposed to secondhand smoke, not only lowers the risk for ovarian cancer, but other types of cancer too. Keep your alcohol consumption to three drinks a week. Staying away from tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, as well as exercising daily and maintaining a healthy diet can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.

5. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Women who have had at least one child, particularly before the age of 30, are at lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk also lowers with each child a woman gives birth to. Also, women who breastfeed their children are also at a much lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. 

Despite well-known harms of smoking, like cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer, over a billion people worldwide find it hard to quit due to the addictive nature of tobacco. However, it’s possible to quit with some determination and this World No Tobacco Day we bring you some advice to convince your friends and relatives to stop smoking. Quitting is ultimately an individual decision. 

You can’t convince them if they aren’t convinced that they need to quit. Ask the person if they want to quit. If they want to quit but aren’t able to due to withdrawals or other concerns, encourage them and provide support. If they don’t want to quit, give them some space but don’t give up. Talk to the person about how concerned you are about their health and how their habit affects you. Make it clear to them that you aren’t forcing or guilt-tripping them but want them to stop because you care for them. If they won’t quit out of fear for their health, they might consider if they understand the benefits of quitting. Talk about how their health will improve, their looks will improve, they will save money and other benefits you think will appeal to them enough to consider quitting.

Most people smoke due to pressure. So, if you can create a relaxing ambience every time you meet someone, chances are they won’t get the urge to smoke. You can do this by simple tricks like talking about their hobbies, hanging out at parks, or anything else that will keep them occupied.

Convince them to not smoke near you as politely but firmly as possible. If they like hanging out with you more than smoking chances are they’d choose you over their pack. However, don’t make it seem like you are forcing them to choose between you and their cigarettes. Give good reasons like how the smoke hurts your throat or your concern about the children catching the habit.

Scolding and preaching to your friend about smoking will only create a feeling of resentment which may lead to more smoking even after they were thinking about quitting. Guilt-tripping them is even worse as the guilt will cause stress which they might cope with another puff. Instead 

It’s not easy to give up smoking, your loved ones need all the support they can get to break the habit. You can support them by giving them moral support, helping them with their quit plan, helping them find the rehab program best for them, rewarding them for their success and consoling them when they lapse.

There will be times when the urge for that ‘one more puff’ will be too strong to resist. Don’t give up on your friend if they fail to resist that urge, instead encourage them to continue with their rehabilitation process. Also point out how long they managed to keep away from cigarettes as positive feedback. Prevent them from feeling guilty as that might just lead to more smoking.

Besides, why give up on your friends and family after taking the initiative to help them stop smoking?  If you follow these tips, someday they’ll quit. Till then, keep trying.