The incidence of cancer around the world is growing every day. As life expectancy increases, so does the incidence of cancer, as does the death rate from it. A quarter of new cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 65 and 74, according to the National Cancer Institute.
According to WHO forecasts, in the next 20 years, the number of cancer cases worldwide will increase by 57%, which represents an imminent "human catastrophe" that will require increased attention to its prevention.
The good news, however, is that cancer can be prevented by following simple, modern medical guidelines.
Here are 9 habits you need to change today to avoid cancer.
1. Smoking
Tobacco smoke releases hundreds of toxic chemicals. Over 70% of these chemicals cause cancer. Even secondhand smoke is believed to cause cancer. There is no safe second-hand smoke, because even a small amount of it contains poisonous substances.
2. Obesity
Excess adipose tissue produces excess amounts of estrogen and other hormones that can stimulate cell growth and proliferation, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing cancer. Obesity also causes chronic inflammation, which over time can damage DNA and trigger cancer. Being overweight is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, endometrial cancer, and a number of other diseases.
3. Sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Applying sunscreen to your skin can help protect you from the sun's rays. At the same time, it must be remembered that the protective agent must be of a suitable type, a broad spectrum of action and water resistant, for example, SPF 30 or higher.
4. Proper nutrition
Although it is an unmodifiable factor, strong evidence suggests that a diet consisting of a variety of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes help reduce the risk of many cancer.
5. Sedentary lifestyle
Scientists from Germany have shown that an extra two hours of sedentary lifestyle per day increases the risk of colon cancer by 8%, by 10% increase in endometrial cancer and the risk of lung cancer increases by 6% even among people who were otherwise physically active.
6. Exposure to artificial light at night
Artificial light at night increases the risk of certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, which require hormones to grow. One possible explanation for this is that exposure to artificial light at night promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep cycle. Low melatonin levels are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, as there is evidence that women who work night shifts have higher rates of this disease.
7. Alcohol consumption
Exceeding the recommended daily alcohol intake, especially with two different drinks, increases the risk of developing certain cancers, such as head and neck, esophagus, liver, and breasts.
8. Grilling
High-temperature frying of meat leads to the formation of HCA (heterocyclic amines) and PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) - chemicals that cause changes in DNA, and this in turn increases the risk the development of cancer.
9. Heredity
Cancer is a genetic disease because it is caused by certain changes in genes that control the functioning of cells, especially how they grow and divide. Genetic changes that contribute to the development of cancer can be inherited from parents. However, even if the family has a predisposition to cancer, not everyone will necessarily develop the disease.
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