How to prevent cancer in children?

How to prevent cancer in children?

There is a sudden surge in the number of cancer cases in children, many of which are preventable. I did my best to pool as many prevention strategies as possible in this blog:

1. Start prevention from preconception period itself. Parents must not smoke and have a healthy lifestyle. Anemia, Vitamin D and other deficiencies must be treated before conception itself.

2. During pregnancy, mother must take a nutritious diet, avoid medicines and stop smoking (active and passive). Avoid exposure to radiation. This means not to have cordless phones at home, less usage of mobile phones, turning off WiFi in the nights, not to use blue tooth and avoid CFL light bulbs.

3. Babies must be breast fed as long as possible, longer the better; minimum of one year is the target. Breast feeding builds a strong immune system that prevents frequent infections, allergies and asthma, and cancers.

4.Introduce the right solids at the time of weaning foods when taste buds are

developing- whole cereals, fruits, vegetables and lentils with no added salt or sugar.

5.Make greens a part of daily diet. Cabbage, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, etc. Somehow, children don't seem to like these veggies much. Introduce them as early as possible in their life so that they develop a palate to these flavors.

6. One fruit a day is a must. Fruits have excellent antioxidants which remove toxic radicals which are detrimental to the immune system. Give preference for organic fruits and vegetables preferably grown in your garden.

7. Cut down on salt and refined sugar. Avoid fried food,fast food bakery food and packed food.

8. Give dairy only as much is needed. too much dairy can suppress appetite and decrease intake of other nutritious foods. It can also increase saturated fats which increase risk of cancers.

9. Avoid living in industrial areas, main roads and near petrol bunks where there is too much pollution.

10. Don't use pesticides at home or in your garden, avoid administration of unnecessary antibiotics, medicines or non-recommended vaccines. Avoid mosquito sprays, lice shampoos or flea collars. Avoid perfumes, body sprays and mouthwashes. Try to use organic detergents, floor cleaners, dishwashers and hand soaps.

11. Decrease stress by creating a happy environment at home for children. Encourage children to play outdoors. Let them get dirty with soil, laugh to their heart's content, run without fear, jump with happiness and breathe fresh air. Keep windows open in the house as much as possible. Allow them to sleep well.

12. Include mamra almonds in daily diet. The almonds must be soaked overnight before eating.

13. Exposure to scorching sunlight must be avoided, although exposure to some sunlight is necessary.

14. Check weight and height annually and takes measures to maintain appropriate weight and height. Both under-nutrition and obesity are risk factors for cancer.

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