Maintaining healthy habits will provide a better quality of life and health
Increasingly, the population has a routine that often, as they say, 24 hours a day cannot cope with. The daily rush causes some important issues to be left aside. Among them is the practice of physical exercise. Not every type of cancer is preventable, but some cancers can be prevented just by making the right lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organization – WHO, at least one third of common cancers are preventable with a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity.
Clinical oncologist Rafael Vanin de Moraes, from COP – Centro de Oncologia do Paraná, explains that moving brings benefits to anyone’s health. This also applies to those who are undergoing treatment or have already had cancer. “When we talk about physical activity, we are not just referring to that associated with competitions or exercises with greater intensity. For a sedentary person, starting to go hiking or walking with your pet is the beginning of a change that will bring benefits to your life. Walking or cycling to work and taking the stairs instead of using the elevators are simple actions, but they can already contribute to the prevention of many diseases, including cancer.”
Research from the National Cancer Institute – INCA shows that physical activity promotes the balance of hormone levels, reduces gastrointestinal transit time, strengthens the body’s defenses and helps maintain adequate body weight. Practicing physical activity combined with a balanced diet will help prevent cancer. “Population studies indicate that obesity and overweight are directly linked to an increased risk of developing various types of tumors, such as breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer and of liver”, explains the clinical oncologist.
According to INCA surveys, Brazil will have around 700,000 new cancer diagnoses in 2024. According to the Institute, this number of cases would be lower if the population practiced physical exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. “It is important to remember that, even when practicing physical activities and maintaining healthy habits, carrying out periodic exams is essential, as even when exercising regularly, some people remain susceptible to some type of cancer due to genetic factors, for example”, highlights Dr. Rafael Vanin.
Do as I say and do as I do
Knowing the importance of physical activity, Dr. Rafael always tries to keep time in his schedule for street running. “More than 15 years ago I became a fan of street racing, encouraged by my father, who is still racing today at the age of 65. I’ve already run in São Silvestre, I’ve already done a few half marathons and the feeling is that I’ll continue running for a long time. I hope so.”
Tags: Physical activities allies preventing cancer
