There is no denying that there’s a likeliness of getting cancer when you have a family history of it. But that doesn’t mean, if you don’t have cancer in your family history, you should feel relieved. The risk of developing cancer doesn’t die, as you would have heard before, cancer can be caused by external factors as well. These include your lifestyle habits. And we’re not just talking about smoking and sun exposure, but other habits you follow daily.
As cancer is the last thing anyone would want, we’re sure you would like to correct your ways and habits that increase your risk of cancer. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
We bet you didn’t see this coming. But truth be told if you are a couch potato or have a desk job that requires you to sit for 8 hours or more, you need to do something about it because you may be at a higher risk of developing cancer.
You may not need exercise to survive but you definitely require it to live a healthy life. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and obesity is associated with a higher risk of cancer.
Aim to exercise for at least 150-200 minutes weekly. If you have a desk job, try to go for short walks during breaks. You can also consider taking calls while you walk.
Heavy consumption of alcohol
If you have a social life that is incomplete without drinking, you need to mull over it. While moderate consumption of alcohol does no harm, excessive consumption may lead to cancer. If studies are concerned, heavy alcohol consumption plays a significant role in the development of different kinds of cancer including breast cancer, esophageal, and liver cancers. Previous studies reveal that if you consume more than 10 standard drinks a week, it may increase the risk of breast cancer by 23 per cent, oesophagal cancer by 220 percent and colon cancer by 17 percent.
Eating packaged food frequently
Your diet matters. If you eat home-cooked meals every day, you’re good to go. But if you happen to eat packaged food frequently, unfortunately, you are at risk of developing cancer. Blame the ingredients, cooking process and packaging that can all contribute to the risk.
Packaged foods contain nitrite for preservation, which is directly carcinogenic. Additionally, plastic-coated products contain bisphenol which can increase the risk of breast and prostate cancers especially when the food gets contaminated.
Additionally, the products contain saturated fat acid, flour and refined sugar, which can lead to cancer by triggering inflammation and oxidation. Additionally, desserts rich in high sugar may stimulate cellular division and growth pathways through increased secretion of insulin, which may lead to cancer.
Sleeping with your phone on the side
You must have heard it before. Yes, sleeping with your phone by your side can indeed lead to cancer. Electromagnetic radiation is to be blamed. It is believed that this radiation may trigger accelerated glucose metabolism in nearby tissue or cause heat change and vascular dilatation that can trigger cancer. Although there still lacks conclusive research, it’s best to avoid keeping your phone nearby to reduce the risk.
Staying awake late
Surprised yet? Just when you thought sleeping late could merely cause headaches and body pain, it can do more damage as it can also lead to cancer.
You must know that Melatonin, a hormone, is responsible for regulating the biological clock and sleep cycle. Poor sleep habits can lead to epiphysis – a small organ found in the mid part of the brain- failing to secrete melatonin properly, triggering cancer.
Excessive consumption of red meat
You may want to up your intake of protein or red meat may be a staple food for you, but just so you know, excessive consumption of red meat may lead to cancer.
As per research, consumption of red meat like lamb, mutton, and pork can increase your chances of developing bowel and stomach cancer.
Closing thoughts
So, let’s be real about it—our daily routines can be upping the cancer risk without us even knowing. But here’s the good news: armed with a bit of knowledge, we can tweak those habits and lower the odds. So, whether it’s swapping out that extra sugary snack or getting a bit more active, small changes can add up to a healthier, cancer-smart lifestyle.
