Eight Ways to Resist Cancer

LIU ZHANGWEN

CANCER, heart and cerebral diseases are man's worst ene­mies today. There are 20 million cancer victims in the world, 5 million of whom die every year. In China 800,000 die of it annually, the second largest cause of death in the country. Though the cause of cancer remains unclear, this does not mean that we are helpless against it. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that deficiency and stagnation of the circulation of vital energy in the body are the main causes. To maintain an exuberant vitality and keep fit can prevent cancer from devel­oping. Here are eight ways in our daily life effective in resist­ing cancer.

Be Optimistic

Scientific tests prove that mental irritation is vital to the development of cancer because a bad mood weakens the body's immunity and impairs the functions of the T-lymphocyte to re­sist the disease. To be healthy one has to be optimistic. Try to control yourself and not flare up, not to be bothered by trifles or fame and gain, to be large-minded and aboveboard. Devel­op hobbies to adjust and enrich your life.

Persist in Doing Exercises

Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine believe that invig­orating the circulation of the blood is the clue to preventing cancer, for this enhances the body's immunity. Exercises arethe best way to achieve this effect, for they stimulate blood flow and metabolism. Exercises permitted by the doctors after a cancer operation help check its spread to other parts of the body. Some cancer patients have found the symptoms disap­pearing as they continued doing exercises. For middle-aged and old people, the best exercises are qigong, taijiquan, running, walking, swimming and mountain climbing. The best times aremorning or evening. Persist and the result will be distinct.

Pay Attention to Hygiene

As high as 80 to 90 percent of cancer is caused by environ­mental factors. Lung cancer, for example, is highly related to air pollution, and cancer of the liver to polluted water. Thus keeping good environmental sanitation is the best way to pre­vent the disease. Personal hygiene is important too. Waste gas­es, air and residue should be properly treated to avoid pollution. Care should be taken not to come in contact with ra­dioactive rays. Infections should be treated promptly.

Rational Diet

Scientists believe that 50 percent of cancer incidence is caused by a diet containing carcinogenic substances. Thus a proper diet is also important in preventing cancer. Food should be varied, contain different vitamins, mineral substances and cellulose. Eat more fruit and vegetables, but less animal fat and salt.

Chew Carefully and Swallow Slowly

Chewing carefully when eating is necessary to fitness. This stimulates the secretion of saliva, a big aid in building up the body. Traditional Chinese medicine calls saliva "tonic jelly." Modern medicine has also proved that saliva influences metabolism in different parts of the body and aids development and immunity. Chew each mouthful 30 seconds and then any carcinogenic substance will lose its power. The good habit of chewing carefully will benefit you all your life. Old people without good teeth should be even more careful in chewing their food.

Health Food

Pay attention to the quality of your food. Some foods help raise the body's immunity and may aid in curing cancer. They include yoghurt, milk,  bean products, royal jelly and mushrooms. Cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, turnips, car­rots and bean sprouts are rich sources of vitamins A and C that help the body resist cancer and stimulate the secretion of inter­feron. Some contain ferments to resolve nitrosamine. Garlic, papaya, sweet potatoes and various kinds of tea also help pre­vent cancer.

No Smoking and Less Liquor

Smoking harms the body. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned people not to smoke. Wine stimulates the circulation of the blood and causes the muscles and joints to relax. A little low-alcohol wine after a meal is good for health. But excessive drinking ruins health. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Old people and those with chronic diseases should drink still less.

Early Diagnosis

Cancer is not incurable. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital. In daily life one should pay attention to any abnormal signals and get early diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treat­ment should also be had with chronic diseases.
Prevention and health protection are important in tackling cancer. Persist in the above eight measures and you will gain good health.