Anyone who hears the word cancer is terrified. It is a difficult illness to treat, and it frequently results in financial ruin for the patient and family. Even as scientists devote their time and resources to identifying causes and developing cures, it is critical that everyone take every precaution to avoid becoming ill in the first place.
Knowing factors that make it more likely to get cancer is the first step in protecting yourself.
Here are 9 risk factors that you should know:
A family history of cancer
Cancer can run in families. If you have a father, grandfather, or brother who has had the disease, your chances of getting it are higher. If you’ve had it before, you’re at a higher risk of getting it again. There isn’t much you can do about your genetics, but knowing that you have a higher risk of developing it should motivate you to get screened on a regular basis. Early detection and treatment greatly improve the chances of recovery. You may even catch the tumour before it becomes malignant.
Old age
The older you are, the greater your risk of developing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 77% of all cancer cases and almost 67% of deaths occur in people aged 55 or older. Older men are therefore advised to get screened regularly.
Unhealthy diet
A high-fat, processed-wheat, and sugar-rich diet can increase your risk of cancer. Red meat consumption (beef, pork, lamb) has also been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. These foods lower your immunity, making it difficult for your body to fight any cancerous cells in your body. Foods high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts, on the other hand, boost immunity and lower the risk of cancer in men.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking is linked with numerous types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, and cervix. In fact, smoking is responsible for about 25% of all cancer deaths. Avoid cigarettes and smokers. If you are already a smoker, make efforts to reduce or quit the practice and live a healthier lifestyle.
Obesity
Being obese or overweight can increase your risk of developing cancer, as well as make it more difficult to treat the disease. Just like unhealthy diets, obesity lowers your body’s immunity. In addition, obesity causes other illnesses such as frequent inflammations, high blood sugar, and irregular secretion of hormones. All these create an ideal condition for cancer to start and develop.
A healthy diet and 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week are usually adequate to address obesity. However, if the problem persists, talk to an expert to guide you on how you can lose weight in a healthy way.
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Radiation exposure
High levels of radiation exposure can result in cancer. This is why people who work in nuclear power plants or have had radiotherapy are more likely to contract the disease. If you are exposed to radiation, get screened on a regular basis.
Exposure to cancer-causing agents
Certain chemicals and other substances are known to cause cancer. Asbestos, for example, is a carcinogen that has been linked to mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. If you work with asbestos or in an environment where you are exposed to carcinogenic substances on a regular basis, get screened and take measures to protect yourself.
Immunosuppressive drugs
Certain immune suppressing drugs can increase your risk of developing cancer. These medications are used to treat autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and certain types of the disease. Your doctor is aware of the risk because these are prescription medications. They will warn you and monitor you on a regular basis. Inform your new doctor about the medication you were taking so that they can monitor you as well.
Excessive sun exposure
Skin cancer can be caused by spending too much time in the sun. This can occur if the exposure is sufficient to cause sunburns. This danger affects people of all skin tones and skin types. When you know you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear protective clothing.