Cancer has been ascertained as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It has no cure yet, but early detection can save you. You probably can prevent or treat what you know nothing about. 

You need to read more about cancer to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this article, I discuss the risk factors for getting cancer.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a result of different diseases that affect the body. It creates abnormal cells that spread and grow beyond their limits. Organs and other parts of the body are deeply affected, which ultimately leads to death. 

The common types of cancer are lung, breast, prostate, skin, stomach and colon cancer.  A child can be diagnosed with cancer as well, but they are more responsive to treatment than adults. 

Risk factors that can cause cancer

Everything discussed below reinforces your chances of getting cancer but not necessarily the root of the disease. 

1. Smoking

Some people argue that not every smoker dies young. Regardless of any claim, if you’re a heavy smoker, your chances of being diagnosed with cancer are high. You cannot predict the future nor control your body cells. Smoking damages the liver, kidneys and, in fact, the efficacy of other organs.

2. Lack of Exercise

Exercise is one of the paramount ways you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you’re not active, obesity can set in. This would lead to health complications, increasing the risk of getting breast and bowel cancer. The only way to be safe is to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

3. Alcohol

Do you love alcohol? Whichever, too much intake would put you at higher risk of getting cancer because it breaks down into harmful chemicals that can lead to heart problems and liver disease. 

4. Air pollution

You might wonder how someone who doesn’t smoke or take alcohol has lung cancer.  Air pollution can also trigger it. Stay away from burning refuse, and use a protective nose mask if you do so. As we grow older, the cells in our body renew all the time. When you inhale polluted air, it awakens cells in the lungs that can grow into tumours, leading to lung cancer.

5  Radiation

Too much radiation can damage the cells in the body, which are mostly pretty difficult to repair or end in uncontrollable cell growth that can breed skin cancer. Radiation can also affect the body tissue, which can carry damaged cells.

6. Genetics

Genetics can pose a great possibility of getting cancer. You need to find out if this disease is in your family history. After doing this, go for a test to know if you have the tendency. Early detection would help you in overcoming it.

7. Diet

An unhealthy diet is a great contributor to getting cancer. Embrace healthy food and ensure a balanced diet. Refrain from dwelling too much on food high in fat; instead, have a meal plan that would include more vegetables and fruits.

8. Infections

Infections are a risk factor for getting certain cancers that occur after the cells in the body grow out of proportion. It destroys the genes in cells and can make you have inflammation or disrupt your immune system. One of the infections that can cause liver and stomach cancer is hepatitis virus.

Tags: cancer