There’s an overwhelming amount of misinformation around cancer causes and risk factors, making prevention a challenging endeavor. It’s hard to protect ourselves when struggling with disbelief and differentiating fear-spreading fluff from credible, evidence-based research.
One thing is clear: cancer slowly creeps up in our organs, digging its claws deeper and deeper. Diagnosis typically happens when cancer has spread uncontrollably, manifesting itself through signs and symptoms. However, by the time cancer overwhelms our organs, prevention is no longer an option. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on causes and risk factors and embrace a wholesome lifestyle.
It’s crucial to build awareness around the common cancer-causing risk factors integral to our routine. Risk factors often go undetected, from how we sleep and how we eat to our screen-time and relaxation rituals. Keep reading to explore some everyday hazards and lifestyle traits associated with the risk factors of cancer.
Asbestos Exposure
We naively assume that asbestos exposure is limited to construction sites, factories, and manufacturing units. People wrongfully regard it as a workplace-specific hazard. The truth is, asbestos is a part of plenty of manufactured products and everyday commodities. For instance, asbestos is used in roofing, flooring, cement products, and even paper products.
It is added to brakes, clutches, and other automobile parts to create friction. More alarming, asbestos is commonly used in packaging, coatings, and even heat-resistant fabrics. Simply put, we live in a world surrounded by asbestos-containing products and structures. Asbestos exposure weakens the lungs, setting the stage for mesothelioma and lung cancers.
We strongly advise you to read this article to build awareness of the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. You see, mesothelioma is a highly complex cancer that occurs after prolonged exposure to asbestos buildup in the lungs. It’s hard to detect this form of cancer as it creeps up slowly and gradually, creating unprecedented damage.
In most cases, mesothelioma is diagnosed after years of asbestos exposure, as this cancer goes undetected for decades. It’s very hard to diagnose and connect the symptoms; therefore, prevention is the best remedy to protect your lungs.
Falling Asleep While Watching TV
Sleeping with our favorite sitcom playing on the TV is an everyday ritual for so many of us. Did you know that this seemingly unusual and safe ritual can put you at risk for colorectal cancer? That’s right!
Millions worldwide struggle to fall asleep without music and visuals crooning on in the background. However, this is a damaging habit that you must quit immediately. In recent years, exposure to artificial light at night has given rise to cases of breast cancer. Besides, artificial light and excessive screen time disrupt the body’s nocturnal clock and sleep cycle.
Lighting up Scented Candles
There’s something so scintillating and relaxing about scented candles burning in the background while we enjoy a bubble bath. Little did we know, these soothing scented candles are putting us at risk for a debilitating illness! Most people like to light up aromatic candles on dinner dates, while others like to sleep with their favorite scents.
Scented candles contain toxic chemicals, namely toluene and benzene, incredibly harmful for the lungs and body. Inhaling these harsh pollutants contributes to the risk factors of cancers, alongside weakening the respiratory system.
If you are fond of lighting up scented candles every day, you need to discard them immediately. Inhaling toxic pollutants contributes to various chronic illnesses, including cancer and respiratory ailments. It’s wise to explore organic handmade scented candles made with essential oils to eliminate your exposure to pollutants. You can make your own scented candles at home by mixing natural scents and essential oils with a chemical-free process.
Neglecting Stress Management
Stress is unbelievably destructive, and we often fail to realize its impact in setting the stage for chronic illnesses. You see, stress gives birth to a violent hormone, cortisol, which weakens our immunity and damages body organs. Are you effectively managing and reducing your stress with mindfulness and relaxation techniques?
While stress isn’t a direct cause of cancer, it creates an environment that allows cancerous cells to thrive. Stress impacts our body with heightened blood pressure levels, increased blood sugar, and a fastened heart rate. All these issues contribute to the risk factors of cancer if we fail to manage them effectively.
There’s an overwhelming amount of evidence-based research linking mental stress with cancer. You see, people who struggle with stress often embrace unhealthy habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, substance use, and overeating. Managing stress and anxiety is crucial to protect your body from physical harm, destructive behaviors, and chronic diseases.
Conclusion
Habits that we ignore and indulge as seemingly harmless guilty pleasures end up inflicting irreversible damage. Maintaining a healthy body and a sound mind requires us to adopt a mindful lifestyle and wholesome habits. It all boils down to prioritizing the needs of your body to protect your physical and mental wellbeing.
Detecting cancer is never easy, regardless of the type and organ at risk. Therefore, prevention is the most effective strategy to stay cancer-free, especially with a family history of cancer. We advise you to build awareness and learn about signs and symptoms to stay vigilant.
