Cancer: The Guest Who Loves Bad Habits

Cancro: o convidado que adora maus hábitos

Body Mind Soul |

You know that friend you never invite, but who always shows up, eats everything in your house, leaves crumbs on the couch, and gives you a headache that lasts for years? It's cancer. And unfortunately, they've been visiting too many houses.

Let's be serious: 4 out of 10 people will one day hear "you have cancer." Read that again carefully. Four. In. Every. Ten.
Imagine you're with a group of ten friends. Now he looks at four of them. Statistics are spot on. And don't say, "Oh, but that's in the US." No, it's not just there. Portugal is in the same boat—or rather, on the same train heading toward the same wall.

The population is aging, habits are crumbling, and exams are always postponed until "when I have time." Spoiler: by the time you have time, it might be too late.

Attention: this is not meant to scare you. It's meant to wake you up.

I have two pieces of news for you. One good and one bad.
The good: it is possible to prevent it.
The bad: it depends… on you.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. And it's rising.
Why? Three reasons:

  • People are getting older (it can't be helped).
  • Quality of life is getting worse (it can already).
  • Diagnoses continue to be made when it is too late (this too).

And now get this: nearly 45% of cancer deaths are linked to preventable factors.
Yes, almost half. Half!

Risk factors you can control:

  • Smoke (still the champion in causing damage – 30% of cancer deaths are linked to tobacco).
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Excess body fat.
  • Junk diet (ultra-processed foods, sausages, red meat).
  • Low consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber.
  • Excessive alcohol.

These are all choices. Not just for one day. But for every day.

So, let's get to the basics:

  • If you smoke, stop. Seriously. For you, for yours, for your lungs.
  • If you're sedentary, get moving. The body was made to move.
  • If you're carrying excess fat, seek help. It's not about having a "summer body." It's about living.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Cut down on shiny packages and miraculous promises.
  • Drink less alcohol.
  • Sleep and stress management aren't luxuries. They're survival tools.

Prevention is not perfection. It's awareness.

It's not leaving the door wide open for an unwanted guest.
It's to show that here, you are the owner of the house.

If you've read this far, do one thing. Just one thing.
Today.
Go for a walk. Schedule a checkup. Make soup instead of ordering fast food.
Anything that adds health to your life.

Because statistics only change when someone decides to change first.
And because health is not just about hospitals.
It starts every day, with what you put on your plate, on your feet, on your head.

And if this text made you think of someone, share it.
Because information is only valuable when you use it.
And no one has to face this alone.

 

Sources:

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