Qamar Nazir
We go about our daily lives, frequently without thinking twice about the innumerable little things we do. Many of these habits, which range from the meals we eat to the goods we use, seem innocuous, even regular. However, accumulating data from scientific research has exposed a concerning reality: a number of the things we do on a daily basis can be associated with a higher risk of cancer. The accumulated exposure over time can have a substantial impact on our long-term health, even though not all of these habits are associated with a cancer diagnosis. Making wise decisions and minimizing possible harm require an understanding of these risks.
Smoking is one of the most well-established risk factors for cancer. Millions of individuals continue to consume tobacco products or smoke cigarettes in spite of decades of warnings. In addition to being directly connected to lung cancer, smoking also increases the risk of pancreatic, bladder, throat, and mouth cancers. However, exposure to secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking. The risk of getting many types of cancer is greatly increased just by being around smokers, particularly in confined areas.
Another daily aspect that may affect our risk of cancer is what we eat. The World Health Organization has categorized eating processed meats, like bacon, sausages, and deli meats, as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means there is substantial evidence that they cause colorectal cancer. Excessive intake of red meats, particularly those that are grilled or charred, can also be harmful. The risk of getting cancer can also be increased by diets deficient in preventive foods including fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Concerning components may also be present in the products we use on our skin and hair. Parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are compounds found in some shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and cosmetics that have been studied for possible links to hormone disruption and the development of cancer. Similarly, long-term usage of chemical straighteners and some hair dyes has been associated with an increased risk of uterine and breast malignancies.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can remain in the air and contribute to indoor air pollution, are frequently found in household cleaning products. Respiratory cancer risk may rise with prolonged exposure to these substances, particularly in poorly ventilated environments. Furthermore, certain scented candles and air fresheners release chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, which are known carcinogens.
Teflon and other non-stick cookware produced with perfluorinated compounds are still widely used. These materials can decompose under excessive heat and generate harmful fumes that have been linked in animal tests to cancer. In a similar vein, placing food in plastic containers—particularly ones that aren’t marked as microwave-safe—raises questions about the possibility for cancer-causing chemicals like BPA to seep into the food.
Another significant risk factor is sedentary behavior and a lack of physical activity. Long periods of sitting, whether at work, in a car, or while watching television, have been linked to an increased risk of developing some types of cancer, such as endometrial and colon cancer. Exercise supports immune function, lowers inflammation, and regulates hormones—all of which help prevent cancer.
More than a dozen forms of cancer have been linked to obesity, which is closely associated with poor food habits and physical inactivity. Cancers of the breast, colon, kidney, liver, and pancreas are among them. Hormone imbalances and persistent inflammation are two effects of excess body fat that might foster the formation of cancer.
Another issue is exposure to environmental contaminants. For instance, one of the main causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers is radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up in dwellings. Carcinogens found in outdoor air pollution from industrial processes, wildfires, and vehicle emissions can further raise the risk of developing cancer over time.
Exposure can also come from our water supply. Arsenic or industrial chemicals such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds), which have been connected to a number of cancers, can be found in some areas’ drinking water. It’s critical to understand the quality of the water in your area and, if required, to use approved filters.
Overuse of cellphones and other electronics may not be directly associated with cancer, but the habits they cause, including sleep disturbances brought on by exposure to blue light, may have an effect on general health. A higher risk of cancer has been linked to poor sleep and disruption of the circadian rhythm, especially for night shift workers who are exposed to artificial light at night.
Although stress may not directly cause cancer, it can impair immunity and result in risky habits including smoking, drinking, overeating, and sleep deprivation. Chronic stress is also associated with inflammation, which contributes to the onset and advancement of numerous illnesses, including cancer.
One of the biggest causes of skin cancer is still daily exposure to UV radiation, whether from tanning beds or direct sun exposure. The risk of getting melanoma and other skin cancers rises if you don’t wear protective clothes, apply sunscreen, or look for shade during the hottest parts of the day.
While removing every probable carcinogen from our lives is practically difficult, raising awareness can be a very effective strategy. We can change many of the daily behaviors that have been linked to cancer, such as eating better, using cleaner products, moving more, and limiting dangerous exposures. We make tiny but significant progress toward a healthy future by being more mindful of what we put in and on our bodies as well as how we live our daily lives.