Islamic teachings and cancer prevention

Abstract

It was widely reported that 80 to 90 percent of all cancers are related to life style and environmental factors, which could be is some way preventable. Lung cancer is the most vivid example, where 80 to 85 percent of these cases are directly related to smoking. Worldwide tobacco smoking and chewing is responsible for 2.5 million deaths annually. Tobacco smoking and chewing is responsible for many cancers beside lung cancer, eg. cancer of the Month, cheeks, tongue, lips, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. It is also a contributing factor in cancers of the bladder, kidney, pros­tate, cervix and stomach. Islamic teachings prohibit smoking. There are hundreds of Fatwas (decrees) that prohibit smoking and chewing of tobacco since its first introduc­tion to Islamic countries ie. 100 H / 1591 A.D. If the Muslims adhere to these Fatwas, they will eradicate a major cause for cancer. It will also reduce the deaths due to other lung diseases and ischemic heart diseases which showed relentless increase in most Islamic countries.