IT IS well known that a healthy lifestyle helps prevent quite a number of cancers ("Sharp rise in number diagnosed with cancer"; June 21).

It is also true that cancer can strike even those with such a lifestyle, for there are other factors involved.

A healthy lifestyle also prevents cardiovascular problems and their complications.

However, such a lifestyle can be implemented only with discipline, determination and consistency.

Many find it easier to give in to their unhealthy craving and ill discipline, rationalising away these tendencies.

We need to inculcate the discipline and the wisdom to pursue a healthy lifestyle, as well as the courage and grit to change what we can, and to accept and persevere in those areas which we are not able to change.

The result and impact not only affect our own lives but also the lives of our loved ones and our society.

Quek Koh Choon (Dr)