7 Lifestyle Habits That Can Increase Cancer Risk

Cancer is a very deadly and frightening disease. It is said that 1 in 3 people over 80 years old develop cancer. Cancer affects people of all ages and genders, and the number of cancer patients is constantly increasing. However, cancer is not just a vague fear, but something that can be avoided through healthy habits and prevention! In this article, we will take a closer look at daily life habits that can cause cancer.

1. Hot Beverages and Esophageal Cancer Prevention

Frequently drinking hot beverages can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus does not have a protective lining, so hot beverages can directly damage the esophagus.

The World Health Organization has classified beverages hotter than 65 degrees Celsius as carcinogenic, and studies have shown that people who frequently drink hot tea above 65 degrees Celsius may have an 8-fold increased risk of esophageal cancer. Therefore, when drinking hot beverages, it is advisable to let them cool down before drinking.

2. Pickled Vegetables and Esophageal Cancer Prevention

Excessive consumption of high-salt foods, especially pickled vegetables, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer by about two-fold. Excessive salt, such as sodium, can irritate and inflame the esophagus. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of pickled foods and include lightly seasoned foods in your diet.

3. Red Meat and Processed Meat, Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Red meat and processed meat are foods that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. These meats can produce carcinogens during the digestion process, and studies have shown that consuming more than 25g of meat per day can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 49%.

To prevent cancer, it is advisable to limit meat intake and consume vegetables rich in dietary fiber along with meat. Also, wrapping meat with vegetables like perilla leaves can reduce the impact of carcinogens.

4. Physical Activity and Stomach Cancer Prevention

Stomach cancer may be associated with a lack of physical activity. According to a study by the National Cancer Center, not engaging in at least 75 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week is one of the major factors that increases the risk of stomach cancer in both men and women.

Physical activity helps manage weight and maintain a healthy metabolism, which can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer. It is advisable to create and maintain a regular exercise routine that includes various activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling.

5. Indoor Air in Enclosed Spaces and Lung Cancer Prevention

Exposure to enclosed indoor air containing harmful substances such as fine dust and radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Fine dust contains heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, and these substances can penetrate deep into the alveoli and cause inflammation. Radon also comes from building materials and can cause lung cancer.

Therefore, it is important to maintain clean indoor air by ventilating the space frequently. When ventilating, open as many doors and windows as possible to ensure air circulation. It is also a good idea to maintain ventilation during cooking and to check radon levels through radon testing.

6. Overtime Work and Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Prevention

Overtime work can lead to sleep deprivation, which can increase the risk of developing ovarian and prostate cancer. In women, the more frequent overtime work, the higher the risk of ovarian cancer, and in men, the more frequent overtime work, the higher the risk of prostate cancer.

Sleep deprivation due to overtime work can affect hormone secretion and circadian rhythms. These risks can be reduced by getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep pattern.

7. Prolonged Sitting and Cancer Risk

The longer you sit, the greater your risk of developing cancer. When you sit for extended periods, your physical activity decreases, your metabolism slows down, and cellular and hormonal activity can slow down. If these changes persist, it can lead to inflammation in the body, and the risk of cancer can increase.

A study by the Victorian Cancer Council found that women who sit for long periods have twice the risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the habit of getting up and moving regularly when sitting for long periods. If it is difficult to avoid sedentary lifestyles in workplaces, it is advisable to use lunch breaks or rest times for light stretching or walking. These simple activities can help reduce the risk of cancer.

Conclusion

Improve these lifestyle habits and maintain a healthy life to prevent cancer. By following these habits, you can minimize your risk of developing cancer. Cancer prevention plays an important role in protecting our lives.