Cancer is a serious illness where some cells in the body start growing out of control and may spread to other areas. It is one of the main causes of death in the world.
Although there is no single cause of cancer, researchers have found many things that can increase the risk. Knowing these risk factors can help us protect ourselves.
One of the biggest causes of cancer is smoking. Cigarettes and tobacco contain thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which damage the DNA inside our cells. This damage can lead to cancer, especially in the lungs, throat, and bladder.
Smoking is linked to about 30% of all cancer deaths. The good news is that quitting smoking—even after years—can greatly lower your cancer risk.
What we eat and how we live also affects our cancer risk. Eating a lot of processed meats, red meat, or drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers like colon and liver cancer. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables is also a problem. But eating a healthy diet full of plant-based foods can help lower the risk.
Being overweight or obese is another important risk factor. When there is too much fat in the body, levels of certain hormones like estrogen and insulin can rise. These hormones may help some cancers grow, such as breast and womb cancer. Keeping a healthy weight by eating well and exercising can help reduce this risk.
Radiation is another thing to watch out for. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin and cause skin cancer, including melanoma, which is very dangerous. Using sunscreen, wearing hats, and staying in the shade can help protect your skin.
Some medical tests like X-rays and CT scans also use radiation. These are usually safe, but doctors try to avoid using them too often.
Infections can also cause cancer. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical and throat cancers. Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause liver cancer. Thankfully, there are vaccines for both HPV and hepatitis B, which greatly reduce the chance of getting these cancers.
Chemicals in the environment can also be harmful. People who are exposed to substances like asbestos, arsenic, or certain chemicals at work may have a higher chance of getting cancer. These substances can hurt the DNA in our cells. Governments have made rules to limit exposure, but workers should still be careful and wear protective gear.
Some people inherit a higher cancer risk from their parents. This means they were born with a gene change that makes cancer more likely. For example, changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can raise the chance of breast and ovarian cancers. Genetic tests can help people understand their risks and take early action.
Getting older also increases cancer risk. As we age, our cells have more time to collect damage. The body also gets slower at fixing that damage. That’s why cancer is more common in older adults. But even in later years, living a healthy life can still help lower the risk.
Cancer is a complex disease with many causes. But by learning about these risks, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Quitting smoking, eating well, staying active, using sun protection, getting vaccines, avoiding harmful chemicals, and knowing our family history are all ways to lower the chance of cancer.
By making smart choices and staying informed, we can live healthier and lower our cancer risk.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that a low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
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