Cancer prevention: Start with lifestyle.

In the context of rising cancer rates and a trend towards younger patients, health experts affirm that prevention remains the most effective, sustainable, and least expensive solution. Not all types of cancer are "unavoidable." On the contrary, a significant percentage can be prevented if risk factors are well controlled.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 30–50% of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and appropriate preventive interventions.

Dr. Chau Quoc Dat, Head of the Oncology Department at Ca Mau Provincial General Hospital, said: “About 30% of cancers are preventable if we change our lifestyles to a healthier one. This is something that each person can proactively do.”

One of the most important factors is nutrition. In fact, the trend of consuming more red meat, processed foods, and fast food is becoming increasingly common, especially among young people. Meanwhile, a lack of green vegetables, fruits, and fiber increases the risk of developing cancers, especially gastrointestinal cancers.

"People should increase their intake of green vegetables and fruits, and limit red meat, processed foods, and burnt grilled foods... These are factors associated with an increased risk of cancer," Dr. Dat advised.

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Training to enhance the capacity of commune-level health workers in monitoring, early detection, and response to disease outbreaks according to the 7-1-7 goals.Over two days, from June 3rd to 4th, 2026, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Ca Mau province, organized an intensive training course on disease surveillance, early detection, and response for grassroots healthcare workers.

Besides nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle is also a "silent contributor." Many studies show that prolonged sitting and lack of exercise increase the risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and several other chronic diseases. Therefore, maintaining a habit of exercising for at least 30 minutes each day is considered a simple but effective measure.

In particular, tobacco and alcohol remain the two leading risk factors.

"Tobacco and alcohol are linked to many types of cancer, especially lung and liver cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial factors in disease prevention," Dr. Dat emphasized.

According to the Ministry of Health , smoking is the cause of approximately 25% of cancer deaths globally. Meanwhile, excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing various types of cancer.

Besides lifestyle changes, vaccination is also one of the effective preventive measures. Currently, the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer, while the hepatitis B vaccine helps reduce the risk of liver cancer – two common types of cancer in Vietnam.

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People who have recovered from tuberculosis can get it again.Even after treatment, former tuberculosis patients are still at risk of relapse or reinfection if they do not proactively protect their health. The reality in Ca Mau shows that the number of relapsed tuberculosis cases remains alarmingly high, highlighting the need to raise community awareness in preventing and controlling this dangerous infectious disease.

In the context of increasingly complex diseases, everyone needs to be more proactive in protecting their health. Cancer prevention is not something far-fetched; it starts with daily habits. A healthy lifestyle not only helps reduce the risk of cancer but also improves long-term quality of life.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/phong-ngua-ung-thu-bat-dau-tu-loi-song-301220