By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Everyone knows cancer is a deadly disease. It was the most common cause of death among Koreans in 2005, leaving brain vascular disease and heart disease far behind.
Tumors can be found everywhere ― in the brain, liver, eyes and even the mouth. If removed at an early stage, it is possible to live for five years or more and even be considered cured, but a tumor found in the later stages likely means physical and mental suffering before death.
Some doctors say the dramatic growth rate of cancer is to be expected, given that Koreans are living longer. ``In the old days Koreans did not live up to the point where they would get cancer,'' Prof. Song Si-young of Yonsei Severance Hospital told The Korea Times.
Experts also say there are some factors that proliferate the prevalence ― genetic background, unhealthy diet, polluted environment, exposure to radioactive rays, severe stress and several others. Is there any way to avoid getting cancer? Prof. Nam Joo-hyun once joked, ``I need a Nobel Prize for that.''
However, doctors suggest lifestyle changes and paying attention to risk factors can lead to early detection, which could increase the chances of survival.
Here is some advice from the Korean Cancer Association.
Those who tend to have fewer bowel movements are more likely to get large intestine cancer because carcinogens inside the body cannot be secreted.
Eating lots of fiber to increase bowel movements is a good way to prevent cancer. Koreans tend to get lots of fiber through Kimchi and other vegetable dishes but experts have issued warnings about an increase in the consumption of meat.
Beans and milk are two of the so-called whole foods, which have balanced nutrition. The association also advises people to ensure they get enough vitamin A, C, E regularly.
Fat is a highly suspicious substance that also causes cancer. It also causes various diseases in the blood, veins and heart.
Salty foods cause hypertension that can worsen any kind of symptom. Smoked foods have several carcinogenic substances and doctors advise people to refrain from eating them. Most importantly, don't eat burnt foods or those with fungus.
It is widely known that a glass of wine can help heart function. However, this does not apply to everyone and not all types of alcohol can give this benefit. In fact, alcohol can cause various liver disease and other problems, including addiction.
Some people question whether smoking can harm other parts of the body besides the lungs. However, Prof. Park Jae-gahb of the Seoul National University Hospital said it is bad in every way. ``There are thousands of chemicals in a cigarette. You puff on it and absorb it to your body,'' he said.
Melanoma, a malignant tumor affecting the skin is one of the rarer types of skin cancer but causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths.
Doctors recommend exercising three times a week at a moderate pace.
Try to avoid extreme stress and take a shower everyday ― it will wash out harmful chemicals that have collected on your skin.