
With each passing year, the number of people diagnosed with cancer seems to be rising. The dreaded disease can strike anywhere, subjecting families to days spent seeking treatment after breakthrough treatment, often in vain. We are yet to ascertain the specific cause of many cancers. But many seem to stem from everyday agents in our daily lives.
The American Cancer Society predicts more than 6,00,000 cancer deaths in 2024. It indicates over 1,600 casualties every day. Some conditions like cervical cancer have started to affect young women between 30 and 44 years of age.
Although medical research is underway, many patients can only receive palliative treatment. So, what exactly has triggered this unfortunate growth in cancer cases? More importantly, can we do anything to protect our loved ones?
Let us share some precautions that can help.
#1 Alcohol Can Cause Cancer Through DNA Damage
It doesn’t come as a surprise that alcohol isn’t exactly good for you. But unlike tobacco, many of us don’t view it as carcinogenic. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) explains that breaking down alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a DNA-damaging carcinogen. With the DNA out of whack, it becomes easy for cells to turn into cancerous growths.
Drinking over three drinks every day can trigger stomach, pancreas, and prostate tumors. Depending on your lifestyle, complete abstinence from alcohol may not be for you. But avoid consuming more than 1-2 drinks daily. Don’t forget that wines and beers also count.
Miscalculating drink size is more common than you imagine. A gigantic wine glass that holds the entire bottle does not make one serving! The standard size is a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce beer bottle. For spirits, 1.5 ounces count as one drink. A safe bet is to implement several alcohol-free days every week and avoid binging in one sitting.
#2 PCB Poses a Risk for Several Cancers
Until the 1970s, polychlorinated biphenyl was common in electrical equipment and building materials. It was also liberally used in lubricants, paints, and machinery. Several studies link PCB with malignancies in the liver, stomach, brain, breast, and intestine. The International Agency for Research on Cancer admits a connection between cancer and dioxins, a category that covers PCBs.
Besides being a potential carcinogen, they may also damage neurological and reproductive development. You may experience PCB exposure symptoms if you inhale or touch these chemicals. These signs can include nausea, shortness of breath, hyperpigmentation, and lowered immunity.
The US banned their production in 1979, but PCBs can persist in contaminated soil/water. The Illinois Department of Public Health stresses the dangers of fluorescent PCB lighting. It advises people to discard them before leakage. It also suggests removing the fatty areas of fish to limit chemical exposure.
Be alert for occupational exposure to such compounds in industrial environments. Some employers conduct baseline tests for liver function to track the workers’ health.
Are Children at Cancer Risk From PCBs?
US school buildings with outdated fluorescent lights may endanger children’s health. What’s worse, some studies show that PCB contact in pregnant women affects children’s cognitive development.
Seeking attention for respiratory distress and chloracne will help protect your loved ones. (The latter is a type of severe, inflammatory acne.) Vigilant parents can pursue legal recourse, if necessary, says TorHoerman Law. Besides facilitating medical aid, it will raise community awareness and prevent future incidents.
#3 Red Meat and Some Other Foods Make You Vulnerable
Examining your diet is vital for staying healthy and limiting questionable everyday decisions. Medical News Today recently shared that red meats like lamb, beef, and pork can increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. As a rule, inflammatory deli meats, processed foods, and sugary desserts are best avoided.
The connection between pro-inflammatory foods and cancer is not all that far-fetched. A fast-food diet may be a modern cultural fad, but it interferes with the good bacteria in the gut. The resulting inflammation becomes a more pressing threat in people with sedentary routines.
Cervical cancer has developed a notorious reputation for being a widespread gynecological concern. So, it’s best not to skip regular HPV testing. Those unpleasant Pap smears are crucial as well.
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Which Foods Lower Cancer Risks?
A Mediterranean-style diet is often cited as an effective approach to preventing cancer. It centers on whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods, preferring poultry and fish to meat. You can rotate your everyday meals with complex carbs, legumes, and unsaturated fats. Prepare meals with colorful vegetables and fruits like cranberries and bell peppers.
However, any drastic step needs your doctor’s approval. For example, a zero-carb diet or a Paleo regime should await your physician’s green signal.
With dietary decisions, one mustn’t be alarmist. The problem emerges when meal after meal comprises high-risk foods. So, indulging in an occasional salami sandwich from a food truck may not make much difference. But balance it with wholesome choices on the next grocery round, keeping sodium and sugar low.
With advancing medical science, beating cancer has become more plausible. But there’s no denying the associated mental and physical anguish, never mind the financial drain. Unfortunately, some people are genetically likely to experience cancerous tumors over a lifetime.
Even so, making considered decisions can reduce your likelihood of developing cancer. It also reaps dividends in improving your overall quality of life, keeping you healthier and better informed.