As you might already know by now, cancer is among the leading causes of death around the globe. According to statistics from the CDC in 2021, it ranked top three in the US by the number of fatalities, only second to heart disease.
Nonetheless, cancer isn’t an automatic death sentence. Especially with early detection and advances in cancer treatment technology today, cancer survival rates have increased exponentially over the years.
Cancer awareness campaigns have also played a gigantic role in this, educating the public on the importance of taking preventative measures, and regular screening.
In this post, we shall take a look at five common risk factors for cancer, and what you can do to reduce the chances of suffering from the deadly disease.
First Things First: Understanding Your Risk of Different Types of Cancer
They say that prevention is better than cure. And speaking of cancer prevention, it always starts by understanding your risk of suffering from certain types of cancer. The abnormal, uncontrollable growth of cells – cancer – can affect numerous parts of the body, from the skin to internal organs like the pancreas, brain, bladder, liver, lungs, and even the blood cells… the list is endless.
If we consider lung cancer, for instance, lifestyle choices such as smoking for years on end can put you at a much higher risk of suffering from the disease.
Certain cancers like prostate, breast, and cervical tend to be hereditary, meaning they can be transferred from parents to their first, second, or even third generations, and so forth. This means that if anyone in your family has or had such a disease, you could be also at risk of suffering the same at some point in life.
With this in mind, it pays to take regular cancer screening and consult with your healthcare provider for help understanding your risks for specific cancers.
Five Common Cancer Risk Factors
1. Tobacco Use
Regular and prolonged usage of tobacco is a well-known risk factor, often associated with cancers of the lungs, throat, and even internal organs like the kidney. The reason is, tobacco contains carcinogenic chemicals besides nicotine, like N-nitrosamines, PAHs, formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic, just to name a few. Some of these are said to cause damage to DNA in cells, leading to cancerous growths.
Especially if you smoke cigarettes, it’s best to seek help or professional guidance on how to quit. Avoiding secondhand smoke (from being near a person when they’re smoking) can also help minimize your exposure to these harmful carcinogens.
2. Obesity
To set the facts straight, being overweight may not directly cause cancer. However, there’s a strong correlation between excess body weight and some kinds of cancer, including colon, ovarian, pancreatic, and breast cancers.
If you weigh more than a healthy weight range for your age and height, increasing routine exercise or making healthier food choices are good ways of battling obesity. A significant amount of research shows that losing just 5% of extra body weight over time can have cancer-protective benefits.
3. Sun Exposure
Frequent and prolonged exposure to risky levels of sun (UV) radiation causes skin damage and premature aging. Besides derailing healthy aging, it has actually been linked directly to melanoma skin cancer, which is one of the deadliest forms of cancer known today.
To reduce sun exposure risks, consider using sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher when out in the sun. Also avoiding outdoor activities during peak sunshine hours can help, especially between midday hours from 10am till 4 pm.
4. Genetic Predisposition
As earlier mentioned, your family history can also significantly increase your chances of getting certain forms of cancers – such as colorectal or ovarian cancer if they run in your lineage. While there's only so much you can do to alter your DNA, early screening and detection could help provide a good treatment plan.
Understanding your genetic predisposition can also help you reduce your chances of suffering from the disease through maintaining lifestyle habits, diet, and exercise.
If members of your immediate or extended family have been diagnosed with cancer, consider genetic counseling to better understand your risk factors and make informed decisions regarding regular preventative testing.
5. Alcohol Consumption
Last but not least, excessive and regular consumption of alcohol has also been associated with various kinds of cancer, like those of the colon, breast, and esophagus.
Of course, a drink or two once in a while can be good for your health, but only when you limit your intake of alcohol to healthy recommended limits. As a rule of thumb, this means restricting your intake to nothing more than two drinks for men and one for women per day, respectively. If necessary seek assistance through support groups or professional rehabilitation programs dealing with addiction.
In conclusion, cancer doesn't discriminate by age or gender. It can affect anyone at any point in their lives. But understanding the risk factors can go a long way in reducing your chances of developing cancers and even improving your overall health while at it.
