Cancer is a serious and complex disease. Hearing the name of this disease is enough to send shivers down everyone’s spine. According to the statistics of the National Cancer Institute, the number of cancer patients is expected to rise to 23.6 million by 2030.
Different types of cancer can be due to different types of causes. Thus in order to avoid this disease we need to educate ourselves about various cancer-causing habits that are part of our everyday routine.
We do know some potential cancer-causing reasons such as genetic makeup and family history which you have no control over. But there are some everyday cancer-causing habits that can be skipped to avoid the risk of cancer.
Curious about which habits cause cancer then do not worry as we have got you covered. Stay with us till the end of the blog and learn about the things that can cause cancer.
Table of Contents
Questionable Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene i.e. taking care of your mouth and teeth is a necessary thing that should be done on a daily basis. If you are thinking that keeping track of your oral health such as brushing and flossing is valuable just for your teeth then you are wrong. Good dental health is not only restricted to these avenues and can actually be helpful in the maintenance of overall well-being and avoiding cancer.
A study has cemented the fact that if you maintain good oral health by avoiding the foods that can compromise it you are actually reducing lung and colorectal cancer risk. Hence not taking care of your teeth and gums is a cancer-causing habit.
Need a guide to the best foods for good oral and dental care. Click here!
Sitting Too Much
Loves being a couch potato, well quit it. If you sit too much on a daily basis then you are highly exposed to a drastic weight gain. Obesity is a condition that can lead to multiple health complications such as
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gallbladder issues
- High LDL cholesterol
- Osteoarthritis
- Stroke
- Heart attacks and other sorts
In addition to all this, it is also a major cancer-causing habit. You can maintain a healthy weight by taking the following things into consideration:
- Avoid lifts, and use stairs as much as you can
- Engage in healthy exercises which can help you to burn the fat
- If you have a job that expects you to sit for long hours, try to take a standing break after every hour
The Use of Scented Candles
No one can deny the impact of soothing scented candles on sore body muscles. They activate your olfactory stimulation and lead to relaxed muscles.
But something as soothing as these candles can also lead to an increased risk of cancer. This is because when these candles are used it promotes the release of benzene and toluene.
Both these compounds are notorious for being carcinogens and increasing your risk of cancer.
Therefore try to stay away from the use of such scented candles and reduce your cancer risk.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Assist. Prof. Dr. Saif Ur Rahman who is one of the top oncologists in Pakistan says that hydration and drinking substantial amounts of water are not only necessary for your organ health but are also primal for reducing your cancer risks.
Not drinking enough water is a cancer-causing habit that allows the concentration of harmful substances in the body. This toxin buildup can then lead to cancerous mutations in the cell.
Therefore, keep a water bottle with you or try to drink water with the help of reminders. Make sure to step up your water consumption as it reduces your chances of bladder and kidney cancers.
Heating Food in Microwave Oven
Microwaves are electrical appliances that can heat frozen or cold foods with the use of radiation. The radiations that are used by microwave ovens to cook food are low energy. Therefore if you are wondering if microwaves cause cancer then you do not have to worry because they do not.
But if you are using a damaged microwave then you are exposing yourself to a streak of unguarded and potentially harmful rays. Because in those scenarios microwave food can also lead you to develop cancerous cells which are extremely dangerous, to say the least!
Our youth is heavily dependent on these easy food options and that is why cancer is rapidly increasing in adults at a regressive pace.
Note: Microwave popcorns can increase the risk of cancer because they are rich in diacetyl which can cause lung cancer.
The Use of Plastic
We all are accustomed to the use of plastic bottles because of their convenience and easy-to-carry ability. But you should know that too much plastic use is an everyday thing that can increase the risk of cancer. Plastic containers host a chemical BPA that disrupts your body’s hormonal balance and leads you to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Plastic when heated can leach off at least fifty toxins which are carcinogens. That is why heating food in plastic utensils is something that you should avoid at all costs. Experts at Hameed Latif Hospital say that the use of plastic containers, bottles, and jars is a cancer-causing habit. Rather than getting food delivered to your doorsteps either cook for yourself or go to restaurants.
Because the overuse of plastic is an everyday thing that can cause cancer. Do not worry because it is possible to reduce the use of plastic.
Not Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Are you one of those people who put all the veggies and greens aside? Well, start consuming vegetables and fruits as they are rich in antioxidants and reduce your risk of cancer.
According to Harvard Health, eating vegetables is like doing your immune system a favor as it leads to good health and reduces carcinogens in the blood.
Plan your meals in such a way that you are able to include veggies and fruits in them as well.
Consumption of Processed Foods
Processed meats are those food items that are stored by the acts of smoking, canning, curing, and salting. Most red meats are processed meats. This is because the whole process that is involved in the making of these meats allows the formation of carcinogens. The consumption of these foods can then make a person susceptible to cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meat as a potential carcinogen. Consumption of 1.8 ounces of processed meats on a daily basis can expose you to an 18% risk of colorectal cancer.
Want to learn more about a cancer-free diet then read here!
Alcohol Consumption
It is a no-brainer that alcohol consumption is a cancer-causing habit. The more you consume alcohol, the higher you are at risk of cancer. In a report by the National Toxicology Program, alcoholic beverages are rich in human carcinogens.
Some common organs that are highly affected because of alcohol consumption are as follows:
- Colorectal
- Liver
- Breast
- Head and neck
- Esophageal
This is because when alcohol is brewed, it becomes a host of several carcinogens. Thus alcohol consumption increases your cancer risk.
Laptop on Your Lap
Do not place your laptop on your lap for a longer period of time. This is not only a myth!
Electronic devices when heated can lead to the production of radiation. Too much and prolonged exposure to these rays can expose a person to an increased risk of skin cancer. It can also cause sleep apnea and damage to the reproductive organs.
In males, it can affect the production of sperm, and in females, it can undermine the release and production of eggs. According to various research, it also leads to cancers in reproductive organs.
Thus you should refrain from the use of laptops in such a manner. Try to use a workstation for it so that you can avoid the risk of skin cancer and reproductive cancer to some extent.
Undergoing Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Women often undergo hormone replacement therapy when they are going through menopause. But according to the latest research, you should avoid this medicinal treatment as it double folds your risk of breast cancer.
Therefore consult with your primary healthcare provider before undergoing this hormonal therapy treatment.
Consuming Artificial Sweeteners
People often depend on artificial sweeteners because they are aligned with the health impacts of too much sugar intake. But you should refrain from the overuse of these artificial sweeteners.
This is because according to the latest research, artificial sweeteners can lead to an increased risk of bladder and brain cancers.
Makeup Products that Contain Paraben
According to the Journal of Applied Toxicology cosmetologists often refrain people from using those makeup products that have paraben in them.
This is because paraben is a known carcinogen and it can increase the risk of skin cancer. When this compound gets absorbed in the skin it might also promote breast cancer.
Cancer-Causing Habits – Avoid Them As Much As You Can
Therefore if you want to enjoy the perks of good health and well-being then you should avoid these cancer-causing habits.
Make sure to eat a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients. In case you are looking for a consultation with the best oncologists you can book it via healthwire.pk.
