Cancer prevention begins with understanding what cancer is, its causes, early symptoms, and how lifestyle choices—including intermittent fasting—can reduce your risk.
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, making it a major global public health concern.
In Nigeria and many African countries, late diagnosis, limited access to care, and low awareness contribute to high cancer mortality rates. This article explains what cancer is, its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and management options—in simple, practical terms.
Cancer is not just one disease—it is a group of more than 100 diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs (a process called metastasis).
Cancer can affect almost any part of the body, including the breast, prostate, cervix, lungs, liver, colon, blood, and skin.
Common types of cancer include:
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Cervical cancer
Lung cancer
Liver cancer
Colorectal cancer
Leukemia
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer
Cancer usually develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
1. Unhealthy Diet
Highly processed foods, sugary drinks, excessive red meat, and low fruit/vegetable intake increase cancer risk.
2. Tobacco Use
Smoking and smokeless tobacco are among the biggest preventable causes of cancer, especially lung, throat, and mouth cancers.
3. Alcohol Consumption
Regular alcohol intake raises the risk of liver, breast, and colorectal cancers.
4. Physical Inactivity & Obesity
Being overweight and sedentary increases inflammation and hormone imbalance, both linked to cancer development.
5. Infections
Certain infections (like HPV and hepatitis) can trigger cancers of the cervix and liver.
6. Environmental Exposure
Pollution, chemicals, radiation, and unsafe workplaces can contribute to cancer risk.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Cancer You Should Never Ignore
Cancer symptoms vary depending on type, but common warning signs include:
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Lumps or swelling
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent cough or hoarseness
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Non-healing sores
Ongoing pain
⚠️ Important: These symptoms don’t always mean cancer—but they should never be ignored.
Early medical attention saves lives.
How Cancer Is Diagnosed
Doctors may use:
Physical examination
Blood tests
Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
Biopsy (taking a tissue sample)
Screening tests like breast exams, Pap smears, prostate checks, and colon screening help detect cancer early—often before symptoms appear.
Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment depends on cancer type and stage and may include:
🔹 Surgery
Removing tumors or affected tissues.
🔹 Chemotherapy
Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
🔹 Radiation Therapy
Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
🔹 Immunotherapy
Helping the immune system fight cancer.
🔹 Supportive Care
Managing pain, nutrition, and emotional health.
Many patients benefit from combining medical treatment with lifestyle support such as nutrition therapy, stress management, and physical activity.
Cancer Prevention: Can Cancer Be Prevented Naturally?
Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and healthy fats.
✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases risk for many cancers.
✅ Exercise Regularly
Even 30 minutes daily reduces risk.
✅ Avoid Tobacco
Smoking is responsible for multiple cancers.
✅ Limit Alcohol
If you drink, do so moderately.
✅ Get Screened
Early detection saves lives.
✅ Protect Against Infections
Vaccination and safe practices reduce cancer risk.
Intermittent Fasting and Cancer Prevention (Emerging Evidence)
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting (such as 16:8 or 14:10). While it is not a cure for cancer, growing research suggests it may help reduce cancer risk when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s how intermittent fasting may support cancer prevention:
🔹 Improves Insulin Sensitivity
High insulin levels are linked to increased cancer risk. Fasting periods help lower insulin and blood sugar levels, creating a less favorable environment for cancer cell growth.
🔹 Supports Cellular Repair (Autophagy)
During fasting, the body activates autophagy—a natural cleanup process where damaged cells are removed and recycled. This may help reduce abnormal cell buildup.
🔹 Reduces Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to cancer development. Intermittent fasting may help lower inflammatory markers in the body.
🔹 Helps With Weight Management
Obesity is a major risk factor for several cancers (including breast, colon, and liver cancer). Intermittent fasting can support healthy weight loss and metabolic balance.
🔹 Encourages Healthier Eating Patterns
People who practice intermittent fasting often become more mindful of food choices—favoring whole foods over ultra-processed meals, which further lowers cancer risk.
⚠️ Important: Intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women, people with eating disorders, or those on certain medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting.
Intermittent fasting is becoming an important lifestyle tool for cancer prevention, especially when combined with healthy nutrition and physical activity.
Learn more about diabetes, its causes, symptoms, and management here:
👉Early Signs of Diabetes You Should Not Ignore
Living With Cancer: Emotional & Mental Health Matters
Cancer affects not only the body but also the mind and family life.
Many patients struggle with anxiety, depression, fear, and financial stress. Emotional support, counseling, spiritual care, and community encouragement play a major role in recovery and quality of life.
Never walk the journey alone.
Cancer Awareness in Nigeria: Why Education Is Critical
In Nigeria, many people still believe cancer is spiritual or untreatable. This misconception leads to late hospital presentation and preventable deaths.
Public health education, community screening programs, and accessible care are urgently needed. Awareness campaigns like World Cancer Day help remind us that early action saves lives.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is serious—but it is not always a death sentence.
With early detection, proper treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices, many people live long, fulfilling lives after cancer diagnosis.
Your health matters. Your life matters. Cancer prevention starts with everyday habits—healthy eating, movement, screenings, stress control, and informed lifestyle choices.
If you notice unusual symptoms, seek medical care early. Prevention starts with everyday choices.
We can prevent cancer by avoiding tobacco, by exercising regularly etc.
Some of the symptoms of cancer we should know are; ungoing pain, lumps or swelling etc.
Cancer might be Multifaceted but what we do know is that prevention and early detection are key to saving lives, so let’s spread awareness and support each other in making healthy choices.
To be free from cancer awareness and prevention is a life long journey let’s take it one step at a time.
Unexplained weight lose is one of many things that can be related to cancer and getting checked out is the best thing to do for peace of mind.
Unexplained weight lose is one of the the many things that can be related to caner and getting Checked out is the best thing to do for peace of mind.
Risk of cancer can be reduced through awareness and early detection. So let’s make healthy Choices.