Causes of Cancer
Cancer is the second common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths yet people do not know what causes cancer thus can not take any precautions. Other than smoking, there are numerous other factors that causes cancer. Some of the factor that cause cancer are heredity, polluted environments, and unhealthy eating.
Cancer can be passed down through an abnormal gene caused by a mutation. However, the abnormal gene doesn't always cause cancer. Only five to ten percent of all cancers are due to genetic reasons. People should be more worried if cancer is present on one side of the family. Meaning, if your mom and your mom's mom has cancer you should be more careful. In many cases, genetic cancer leads to a rare type of cancer like kidney cancer, and occurs before one is twenty years old.
Kurt Straif, PhD, head of the IARC Monographs Section, said, "The air we breathe is filled with cancer-causing substances." According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, air pollution increases the chances of lung cancer and bladder cancer. The main cancer causing factor in the air is carcinogens which comes from a combination of factors such as but not limited to diesel engine exhaust, solvents, metals, and dust.
In the UK, one in ten cancers are due to an unhealthy diet. People eat different types of food in different amounts making it difficult to pinpoint one factor that causes cancer. Although there are various variables whether it be excess nutrients and chemicals or the lack of it; one common factor was eating less than five portions of fruit and vegetables a day which amounted to more than half of the cancer caused due to an unhealthy diet. Other factors include eating too much red meat, not eating enough fiber and eating too much salt. Obesity puts one at risk of esophageal cancer, kidney cancer and gallbladder cancer. It can also lead to breast or uterine cancer for women. GMOs, processed meats, microwaved popcorn, soda pop, refined flour and sugar, and hydrogenated oils are also known to put one at a higher risk of getting cancer.
Cancer is easy to treat if it is found early, and the right treatment is taken. Unfortunately, people usually do not know what causes cancer, and believe they are safe if they do not smoke or drink. Since cancer doesn't show any immediate symptoms, it is important to know which factors may cause cancer, and take appropriate measures. It is recommended that you get a checkup every six months. After all, it is better safe than sorry.
No comments:
Post a Comment