The thing that surrounds you or it might be your lifestyle habits can affect your health a lot to your health and that also includes how it may or may not increase your cancer risk.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths last 2022. Approximately 53.5 million people were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis. There are about 1 in every 5 people who develop cancer in their lifetime and there are approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women who die from this disease.
Lung cancer was the most common cancer worldwide with 2.5 million cases while having 12.4% total of new cases. Next to it is Breast Cancer with 2.3 million cases, colorectal cancer with 1.9 million cases, prostate cancer with 1.5 million cases, and stomach cancer with a record of 970, 000 cases.
What increases your risk of cancer?
These cancers are throughout the world and have recorded multiple deaths if not prevented earlier. There are a lot of risk factors for every cancer, may it be one’s lifestyle, heredity, or age. However, you can still protect yourself as your risk for a large percentage of preventable cancers can be reduced and managed through certain diet and lifestyle choices.
Things that can raise cancer risk
- Alcohol – When you drink alcohol, your bodies break down into acetaldehyde. It is a chemical that attacks the cells and later on, stops our bodies from repairing the damage.
- Radiation exposure – Being exposed to UV or any other radiation can be a factor or can raise your risk of cancer. Start using and wearing an FDA-approved sunblock, hat, umbrella, or any protection against the sun when going outside.
- Chemicals – Some chemicals are considered harmful for a person’s health especially if they are working in a place where most chemicals are used. It is advisable to always follow warning labels and safety precautions.
- Tobacco – There are up to 70 cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco. Cigarette smoking is not just bad for the one using it but also for the people around you, it is called secondhand smoke.
- Eating habits – Processed foods contain chemical preservatives called nitrates like hotdogs. This can also be seen in other foods like red meat and foods with added sugars. Always check the ingredients list and eat foods close to their natural state as much as possible.
- Genetics – Having family members who are also diagnosed with cancer cannot guarantee you will also have the same cancer but it can give us a heads up on what to keep an eye on our body.
- Obesity – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of getting 13 types of cancer. It means that our bodies need to have a strong immune system and be healthy.
- Viral infections – There are a lot of viruses that we can get from around us like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It can take over our cells and they insert their DNA or RNA into our cells. As a result, it can cause malfunction and can grow cancer cells out of control.
Discover Healthway Facilities
Experience the best medical care and get your medical needs with Healthway making it easier and one step away from your place. Healthway is residing in several areas in the Philippines, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Healthway Outpatient Centers: Healthway Lio El Nido, Healthway Abreeza Davao, Healthway Centrio Cagayan de Oro, Healthway UP Town Center, Healthway Ayala Center Cebu, Healthway The District Imus, Healthway Cloverleaf, Healthway Estancia, Healthway SM The Block, Healthway Greenbelt 5, Healthway Shangri-La Plaza, Healthway 8 Adriatico Manila, Healthway Market! Market!, Healthway Festival Mall, Healthway Alabang Town Center, & Healthway QualiMed Manila.
Healthway QualiMed Hospitals: Healthway Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center, Healthway QualiMed San Jose del Monte, Healthway QualiMed IloIlo, Healthway QualiMed Santa Rosa
Healthway Cancer Care Hospital: South Union Drive, Arca South, Western Bicutan, Taguig City
A note to the reader
While Healthway Medical Network provides access to past articles, it is crucial to remember
when this information has been updated and that these are not a substitute for professional
medical advice. Always consult your doctor for accurate and personalized guidance.