Cancer can strike at any time and anywhere in the body. Although sometimes cancer seemingly comes out of the blue, people diagnosed with cancer may be able to trace their disease to certain behaviors that likely increased their risk. The following are various behaviors that researchers have determined can increase cancer risk.
1. Tobacco use: The American Association for Cancer Research says tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer. Quitting tobacco can be the single most effective way to reverse the course of potential cancer development.
2. Alcohol consumption: The Centers for Cancer Control and Prevention says all alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. Reducing alcohol consumption or not drinking at all can lower cancer risk.
3. Carrying excess weight: The MD Anderson Cancer Center says the link between obesity and cancer risk is clear. Research shows that excess body weight and fat increases a personÕs risk for several cancers, including colorectal, post-menopausal breast, uterine, esophageal, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Experts believe it is largely due to the inflammation caused by visceral fat, which is the fat that surrounds vital organs.
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4. Poor diet: Eating a lot of fast food, processed foods and red meat and consuming sugary drinks can increase the risk of cancer.
5. Failure to protect the skin: UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning devices can increase the risk of skin cancer developing. In addition to never using tanning beds, individuals should use proper sun protection, including sunscreen, and stay out of the sun during peak hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Although there are no certainties when it comes to cancer prevention, individuals can modify many behaviors to help reduce their risk for the disease.
