One of the leading causes of death around the world is cancer. Anyone can have it, and the most likely ones are those who have a liking for bad habits. These are poor or unhealthy lifestyle choices that trigger the development of a long list of health concerns, including cancer.
Cancer is caused by mutations of the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell has a large number of individual genes, each of which instructs the cell on what functions to perform and when to grow and divide. Errors in this process may cause the cell to stop its normal function and may allow a cell to become cancerous. Untreated cancers have the potential to spread to many body parts
You can avoid cancer by leading a modest lifestyle. Nonetheless, the danger of developing cancer should not be taken lightly.
While certain factors such as genetics and family history are beyond control, avoiding bad lifestyle habits helps minimize the likelihood of this disease.
Here are a few bad habits to steer clear of:
Not Engaging in Regular Physical Activity
If you don’t exercise, you run a greater risk of being overweight. Obesity increases the risk of resistance to insulin. If a person is insulin resistant, he or she is more likely to create fat cells and not be able to break down fat cells. The resulting weight gain, inflammation, and hormone disruptions raise the risk of cancer. Independent of weight, insulin increases cell production and reduces cell death. That means there is more opportunity for something to go wrong and cancer to develop. Long-term increased insulin level raises the risk for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Prolonged Sun Exposure
It is essential to make sunscreen part of the daily skincare routine. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Apply it generously, and more often if you’re swimming. Although if possible, it is better to stay inside your house when the temperature outside is extremely high.
Smoking Cigarettes
Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 are known to be harmful and at least 69 are known to cause cancer. Worldwide, tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for mortality and kills more than 8 million people each year, from cancer and other diseases.
Eating Unhealthy Processed Food
Due to hectic schedules, cooking healthy food might sometimes become difficult. This is why individuals commonly rely on fast food and processed meats. The World Health Organization has identified processed meats as group 1 carcinogens. This means that there is clear proof that these meats trigger the development of cancer (usually stomach cancer).
Not Having Enough Rest
People have a tendency to do everything at once, which is detrimental to both their physical and emotional health. By balancing your schedule, you can lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce your risk of developing certain diseases.
While working or studying requires effort, it’s important to know when to unwind and take a break. Keep in mind that your immune system suffers when you are sleep deprived. A weakened immune system increases the risk of developing some cancers.
Drinking Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol has been linked to the development of certain cancers (breast, liver, mouth and throat). The more you drink, the higher your risk is. Alcoholic beverages have ethanol. When ethanol is metabolized by the body, acetaldehyde is produced. Acetaldehyde damages the DNA and affects the cells’ ability to heal on their own.
Using Toxic Household Materials
One’s risk of developing cancer can rise as a result of exposure to environmental pollutants and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable substances that accelerate cellular aging. Bleach, scented candles, and bathroom cleansers are some of the most popular household things that might be hazardous to your health. Always, follow the directions when using these products. Try to limit the usage of these items as much as possible.
Along with understanding the illness, its risk factors and symptoms, early detection is an important step to preventing cancer. Consult your physician if you have risk factors that may predispose you to developing cancer
Learn more about cancer and check out essential information from Hope from Within.
References:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention
https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
