Did you know that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and air pollution can increase your risk for cancer? That’s right. You don’t have to smoke yourself; breathing toxins alone can put you at risk of this deadly disease.
Avoiding environmental hazards and cancer-causing risk factors is nearly impossible. After all, one cannot stop breathing or curb the poisonous gases coming out of vehicles, factories, and chemical plants. So, how can you take preventive measures?
Experts believe that a few conscious lifestyle changes can help you curb the risk factors. It all boils down to understanding the risk factors and taking appropriate preventive measures.
Keep reading to explore cancerous environmental hazards and how you can escape them.
1. UV Rays of the Sun
Ultraviolet radiation, commonly known as the sun’s UV rays, is alarmingly damaging to the human body. UV exposure from the sun isn’t as hazardous as tanning beds, sunlamps, and UV-involving cosmetic treatments. You see, exposure to ultraviolet radiation results in unprecedented cellular damages across the body.
Essentially, UV radiation causes grave damages to cell DNA. Therefore, it contributes to the risk factors of several types of skin cancer, primarily melanoma. Did you know that more than 3.5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the US alone? And more alarmingly, melanoma is the culprit behind most deaths caused by skin cancer.
Fortunately, reducing your exposure to UV rays isn’t as challenging as environmental pollution. All you need is a potent sunscreen and clothing to protect you from UV exposure. Also, be sure to avoid excessive sunbathing and artificial tanning treatments.
2. Asbestos Exposure
Today, the environment exposes us to many health hazards, such as detrimental mesothelioma cancer. If you’re wondering what causes this condition? Let us help you understand.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in soil and rock. It is the leading cause of mesothelioma cancer—a type of cancer for which there is no cure. Most people get exposed to asbestos on construction sites, as it is commonly found in insulation materials. Asbestos exposure is a leading risk factor for ovarian, lunger, and laryngeal cancer. It is also a prominent cause of mesothelioma.
Most people get affected by asbestos due to occupational hazards, and the damage exacerbates amongst smokers. If you suspect your workplace or home environment of asbestos exposure, be sure to alert the authorities and undertake an inspection immediately.
Does your home have any damaged or crumbling structures that are in dire need of repair? Asbestos is most likely to creep up in damaged insulation and dismantled drywall. It’s wise to inspect your home for asbestos if you’re experiencing unusual respiratory complaints and breathing issues.
3. Tobacco Consumption and Secondhand Smoke
Tobacco is one of the most widely consumed substances, and it exposes millions of people to harm. Even those who don’t use it end up getting exposed to secondhand smoke and cancerous toxins. People consume tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and some even chew or snuff tobacco-derived products.
Did you know that tobacco serves as the number one culprit behind lung cancer, the second most prevalent type of cancer? Tobacco smoke exposes our lungs to a plethora of poisonous gases, of which carbon monoxide is the most lethal.
These gases compromise our respiratory system, weaken our lungs, and expose our body to free radicals and cancerous cells. People often wonder,
Essentially, all deadly cancers stem from our negligence, exposure to toxins, and unhealthy habits. Avoiding and quitting tobacco and staying away from secondhand smoke will help you prevent numerous afflictions. Remember, no tobacco products are safe, be they e-cigarettes, vapes, or chewable tobacco products.
Know more about “power” that works for kidney cancer.
4. Body Fat and Obesity
Are you struggling with weight management issues or suffering from obesity-induced chronic illnesses? Unfortunately, obesity is the leading culprit behind multiple deadly afflictions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart complications.
Alarmingly, researchers have discovered that obesity is a prominent risk factor in over 13 different kinds of cancer. The risk is most significant in breast and prostate cancer – two of the most common types of cancer. When combined with prolonged physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle, obesity becomes more life-threatening.
Research reveals that obesity amounts to 30% of the risk factors for breast, kidney, uterine, and colorectal cancers. Luckily, a weight loss and management regime can help eliminate this factor and promote physical and mental wellness. It’s also wise to create a cancer-fighting diet by adding immunity-building foods to your diet.
Conclusion
We can control certain environmental factors and lifestyle preferences, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. However, we cannot curb many risk factors, such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, and asbestos exposure in the workplace. In such a scenario, vigilance and prevention are the safest bets to curb your risks and stay cancer-free. Adopt a few simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and wearing a mask, to reducing one’s risk.
