Alcohol, tobacco, and a high intake of dietary supplements are factors that increase the risk of cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), potential lifestyle-related risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, being overweight and inactive, account for 30-40% of cancer diagnoses. .
Here are some habits you should break to reduce your cancer risk and increase your chances of living a long, healthy life.
◆ Use of sunscreen
Moderate sun exposure can be a great way to get more vitamin D. But too direct exposure can lead to some types of skin cancer.
“You should wear sunscreen on all exposed skin, even if you’re wearing a hat,” Laura Purdy, a board-certified family doctor in Fort Benning, Georgia, told Best Life. “Wear long sleeves or wear sunscreen with an index of at least 30. You have to use it,” she said. Failure to protect the skin from UV rays may increase the risk of cancer later in life. “
Bridget Koontz, radiation oncologist at Genesis Care, explains that UV exposure can cause premature aging even in the cold months. So, regardless of age or skin color, everyone should protect themselves from the sun.
◆ Eating too many nutrients
“Eating a lot of calcium can increase the risk of prostate cancer.” says Mr. Purdy.
According to a 24-year study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, daily intake of more than 2,000 milligrams of calcium can increase the risk of prostate cancer and other fatal forms of the disease.
A meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2019 found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
A high calcium intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
But Purdy noted that many of these claims require further research to determine their accuracy. It is important to decide on the amount of supplement you are taking to ensure that you are not consuming too much or too little of the nutrients.
It is a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting a new dietary supplement.
◆ Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. This habit is also associated with many other cancers.
“Smoking increases the risk of cancer of the nasopharynx, mouth, esophagus, throat, urinary system, kidneys and most of the digestive tract, including the liver, stomach and pancreas. It can also increase the risk of leukemia.” , he has declared. Purdy warns.
The expert also stated that the use of tobacco in any form, whether smoked or chewed, significantly increases the risk of various types of cancer.
Dr. Koontz believes that smoking can reduce the body’s ability to fight cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cancer and cannot stop your body from fighting cancer. This is because the toxic components found in tobacco weaken the body’s immunity, making it difficult for cancer cells to be destroyed.
◆ crapulence
Drinking more than the recommended amount per week can increase the risk of some types of cancer. So how much alcohol is considered excessive?
According to the National Institute on Alcoholism in the United States, women drink no more than 3 drinks per day and no more than 7 drinks per week. Men drink no more than 4 cups per day and no more than 14 cups per week.
“Alcohol may increase the risk of certain cancers of the mouth, throat and digestive system. Drinking excessively also increases the risk of liver and breast cancer. If you drink alcohol and tobacco at the same time, this risk will increase.” Dr. Purdy warns.
