Cancer cases are increasing at an alarming rate globally. A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed a record 1.3 million cancer cases recorded from 96 hospitals between 2012–19. Per another study, the projected cancer burden is expected to increase to 29.8 million by 2025. Presently, lung, breast, esophagus, mouth, stomach, liver and cervix are the leading cancer types in India. While cancer cannot be eradicated, here are tips on how to avoid cancer.

Follow these simple cancer–prevention tips

• Limit alcohol consumption

  When you consume alcohol, the ethanol converts into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages the DNA in cells. Experts recommend up to two drinks a day for men and up to one drink a day for women.

• Avoid tobacco

  The human body cannot cope with the harmful chemicals present in tobacco. Cigarettes release over 70 cancer–causing chemicals that spread in the body. They damage the DNA and can lead to various cancers, including mouth, bladder, cervix and lung cancer. Eliminating tobacco is essential to preventing cancer.

• Maintain a balanced diet

  Increasing the intake of nutritional foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, etc., is critical to cancer prevention. It is just as necessary to reduce the intake of processed meats and saturated fats.

• Exercise regularly

  Lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity. Obesity, especially in women, can cause breast cancers, colon cancer, cancers of the thyroid, etc. Ensure that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

• Protect yourself from the sun

  The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. Continuous exposure to the sun can cause skin cancers. Always apply sunscreen every two hours if you are out in the sun.

• Get regular check–ups done

  Another way how cancer can be prevented is by going for annual screenings and tests. Many cancer screening tests are available in India. Individuals above the age of 40 must undergo a whole–body check–up at least once a year, especially if they have a family history of cancer.

While you take the necessary steps to prevent your risk of cancer, it is vital that you also invest in a health insurance policy. The costs related to the treatment of cancer are high. Treatment may include surgery to remove the cancer cells, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy.

You can manage the high costs of cancer treatment by investing in critical illness health insurance and cancer care policies. In case of a cancer diagnosis, the insurer provides the sum insured, which you can use to finance diagnoses, therapies, medication, and hospital bills. You can pay for several inpatient and outpatient procedures. However, you must ride out the 2–4 year waiting period per your policy terms.

Cancer cases are on the rise, and so are the costs of health care. But if you buy a health insurance plans, you can manage the medical costs effortlessly. Your insurer pays for most of your medical expenses. Now, you can buy your health insurance policy online, directly from the insurer’s website.