When the body’s normal control process stops working, cancer occurs. Older cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new, abnormal cells. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue, called a tumor. There are various risk factors behind this deadly disease. From simple things like how you prepare your steak to where you put your phone to bed, these are cancer risk factors that you probably don’t know. Read on to learn more about everyday things that can cause cancer.
Everyday things that cause cancer
Smoking can cause cancer, as you know, but here are some amazing daily exposures that can increase your risk of getting the disease:
1. Obesity
Although we consider the risk of heart disease or diabetes as a major health factor to avoid weight gain, we should also include cancer, says Gapstour: being overweight and obese is the biggest risk factor after smoking, accounting for about 8 percent of all cancers. 2014. “We don’t know all the mechanisms involved, but body weight plays a role in inflammation, changes in hormone levels and can affect your body’s biochemicals like insulin.
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2. Electronic device
Cell phones are the main red flag when people think of electronic devices which can be a cause for concern. We hold our cell phones against our heads, and the big question is whether these electronic devices can contribute to tumor-cancer. Cell phones mainly emit radiofrequency power and the number of cell phone users has increased dramatically over the years.
3. Stress
According to the National Cancer Institute, when stress doesn’t lead directly to cancer, your body’s response to that stress – through things like increased blood pressure, faster heart rate and higher blood sugar levels – can inevitably lead to cancer if left untreated. In recent years, a link between stress and cancer has also been discovered, with people under stress “developing some bad behaviors, such as smoking, overeating or drinking alcohol.”
4. Tobacco
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the lifespan of smokers is at least 10 years shorter than that of non-smokers. If you have a habit, consider the reason for kicking it in the end: Quitting smoking before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from the disease by about 90 percent.
5. Alcohol
According to the NIH, alcohol increases your risk of various cancers. These include cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx (voice box), liver and breast. Alcohol consumption increases the risk for those who smoke. An earlier study found that alcohol was strongly associated with the diagnosis of breast cancer – increasing the risk with dose.
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6. Sitting too much
In a 2014 review published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, German scientists analyzed data from 43 studies and found that sitting for two extra hours every day increased a person’s risk of colon cancer, endometrial cancer and lung cancer. 8 percent, 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively.
7. Outdoor tanning
According to the ACS, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than with any other type of cancer – and that number is growing. One of the primary causes is UV exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when you are out and about, and seek shade whenever possible to reduce your risk.
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