Cancer Causes that Often Escape Attention

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Cancer is one of the most feared diseases by many people. It can affect anyone, anytime, and anywhere. Cancer can damage normal cells in the body and cause various life-threatening complications.

However, did you know that there are some causes of cancer that often escape our attention? These causes may not be well known or taken seriously, but they can actually increase your risk of developing cancer.

It's not uncommon for the physical ailments we suffer from to be caused by the foods or drinks we consume.

What are the causes of cancer that often escape this attention? Let's take a look at the following reviews.

foodieaty - Cancer Causes that Often Escape Attention

1. Viral Infection

One cause of cancer that often escapes attention is a viral infection. Some types of viruses are known to cause genetic changes in normal cells and make them grow uncontrollably. These viruses include:

• Hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer.
• Human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer and anal cancer.
• Epstein-Barr virus, which can cause nasopharyngeal cancer, lymphoma cancer and stomach cancer.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2, which can cause vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and penile cancer.
• The human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1), which can cause blood cancer or leukemia.

To prevent infection with viruses that can cause cancer, there are several things we can do, such as:

• Vaccinating against hepatitis B and HPV viruses.
• Using condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent transmission of herpes simplex virus and HPV.
• Avoiding contact with blood or body fluids of people infected with hepatitis B, C, or HTLV-1 viruses.
• Maintain oral and dental hygiene to prevent Epstein-Barr virus infection.

2. Radiation Exposure

Radiation exposure can also be a cause of cancer that often escapes attention. Radiation is energy emitted by certain sources, such as sunlight, X-rays, gamma rays, or radioactive materials. Radiation can damage the DNA of normal cells and cause genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.

Some types of cancer that can be caused by radiation exposure include:

• Skin cancer, which can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or solarium lamps.
• Thyroid cancer, which can be caused by exposure to iodine-131 radiation from nuclear tests or nuclear accidents.
• Breast cancer, which can be caused by exposure to radiation from mammography or radiation therapy.
• Lung cancer, which can be caused by exposure to radiation from radon, a radioactive gas that comes from soil or rocks.
• Bone cancer, which can be caused by exposure to radiation from radium, a radioactive material used in watches or phosphor paint.

To prevent exposure to radiation that can cause cancer, there are several things we can do, such as:

• Using sunscreen or protective clothing when doing activities in the sun.
• Avoiding the use of solarium lamps or tanning beds to get a tan.
• Having regular medical check-ups and only doing radiology tests if necessary.
• Checking radon levels in the home or workplace and taking steps to reduce them if they are too high.
• Avoid contact with unsafe or uncontrolled radioactive materials.

3. Obesity

Obesity is a condition in which a person's body weight exceeds the normal limit. Obesity can cause various health problems, including cancer.

Obesity can increase the risk of developing cancer because:

• Obesity can increase levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, insulin, and growth factors, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
• Obesity can cause chronic inflammation, which can damage the DNA of normal cells and cause genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.
• Obesity can cause insulin resistance, which can raise blood sugar levels and cause oxidative stress, which can damage the DNA of normal cells and cause genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.

Some types of cancer that can be caused by obesity include:

• Breast cancer, especially in menopausal women.
• Endometrial cancer, which is cancer that attacks the lining of the uterus.
• Colorectal cancer, which is cancer that affects the colon and rectum.
• Pancreatic cancer, which is cancer that affects the pancreas gland that produces digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin.
• Kidney cancer, which is cancer that affects the kidneys that filter blood and excrete urine.

To prevent obesity that can cause cancer, there are several things we can do, such as:

• Eating healthy and nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Avoiding foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt, such as fast food, cakes, sweets and soft drinks.
• Manage meal portions and avoid overeating or snacking at night.
• Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week, with moderate to high intensity.
• Maintain an ideal body weight according to height and age.

4. Smoking

Smoking is a bad habit that can cause many diseases, including cancer. Smoking can cause cancer because:

• Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, of which about 70 are known to be carcinogenic, i.e. substances that can cause cancer.
• Cigarettes damage the lungs and cause chronic inflammation, which can damage the DNA of normal cells and cause genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.
• Cigarettes can weaken the immune system and reduce the body's ability to fight cancer cells.

Some types of cancer that can be caused by smoking include:

• Lung cancer, which is the most common type of cancer caused by smoking.
• Mouth cancer, throat cancer, laryngeal cancer, and esophageal cancer, which are caused by exposure to cigarette smoke in the upper respiratory tract.
• Bladder cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical cancer, which are caused by exposure to cigarette chemicals that enter the blood and spread to these organs.

To prevent smoking that can cause cancer, there are several things we can do including:

• Stopping smoking as soon as possible and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Using nicotine replacement products, such as gum, patches, or inhalers, to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• Seeking support from family, friends, or health professionals to help overcome smoking addiction.
• Join a smoking cessation program available at a health center, hospital, or community.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol is a substance that can cause relaxation, euphoria, and loss of control in the body and mind. Alcohol can also be a cause of cancer that often escapes attention. Alcohol can cause cancer because:

• Alcohol can damage the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and esophagus, which can lead to chronic inflammation and genetic mutations that can trigger cancer.
• Alcohol can increase estrogen levels, which can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells in women.
• Alcohol can interfere with the metabolism of folate, a B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and DNA repair, which can lead to DNA damage and genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of infection with hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer.

Some types of cancer that can be caused by alcohol include:

• Mouth cancer, throat cancer, laryngeal cancer and esophageal cancer, especially when consumed together with cigarettes.
• Breast cancer, especially in women who have a family history of breast cancer or have other risk factors.
• Liver cancer, especially in people who have liver cirrhosis due to excessive alcohol consumption.
• Colorectal cancer, especially in people who consume more than four glasses of alcohol a day.

To prevent alcohol from causing cancer, there are several things we can do, such as:

• Reducing alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether, especially if you have other cancer risk factors.
• Following safe alcohol consumption guidelines of no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
• Choosing drinks that are low in alcohol, such as beer or wine, rather than drinks that are high in alcohol, such as vodka or whiskey.
• Spacing the time between alcohol consumption and sleep, to reduce the effects of alcohol on the body.
• Drink water or fruit juice after alcohol consumption, to reduce dehydration and alcohol poisoning.

In summary: These are some of the causes of cancer that often escape our attention. These causes may not be very visible or felt, but they can have an adverse impact on our health. Therefore, we need to be more vigilant and careful of the factors that can increase our risk of developing cancer.

Some steps we can take to prevent cancer include:

• Having regular health check-ups and detecting cancer as early as possible.
• Eating a healthy and nutritious diet, and avoiding harmful or contaminated foods.
• Exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal body weight.
• Avoiding or reducing exposure to radiation, chemicals or viruses that can cause cancer.
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.

By doing the above, we can keep our body and mind healthy, and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Hopefully this article is useful and adds to your insight. Thank you for reading. 😊