The Invisible Enemy: ‘Harmless’ Habits That Can Lead to Cancer

Unfortunately, medicine does not yet have an accurate and proven strategy that will 100% eliminate the risk of developing a malignant tumor. But numerous studies conducted by experts in this field have made it possible to identify the factors that significantly increase the risk of the disease. The main thing is to know them and not let them into your life. Check if you have any dangerous habits – and get rid of them immediately.

The debate about the harmfulness of sugar and the need to give it up completely has been going on for more than a decade and, apparently, will not subside for a long time. But here is what we can already say with a high degree of certainty: excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Mice given doses of sugar equivalent to those consumed daily in the Western Hemisphere quickly showed an increased susceptibility to tumor development. Scientists advise avoiding added sugars as much as possible and consuming “natural” sugars, such as those found in fruit.

Do you like hot coffee or very hot tea? Think twice next time: A recent meta-study published in the International Journal of Oncology found that regular consumption of hot beverages increased the risk of esophageal cancer. The systematic irritation that the walls of the esophagus experience due to the hot liquid can eventually lead to the development of malignant cells.

Strictly speaking, few studies examine the relationship between night work and cancer risk, but almost all studies confirm this correlation. Doctors are convinced that such a work schedule has a detrimental effect on immunity and increases the risk of developing inflammation. In any case, if you have the possibility, give up the sleepless nights.

A sedentary lifestyle causes the same damage to the body as smoking one or two packs of cigarettes a day. And in the list of diseases whose risk increases in sedentary people, cancer is far from the last. The fact is that the cells do not have enough oxygen: the less you move, the less it enters the bloodstream and the worse the blood circulation. Play sports and try to do some calisthenics regularly if your job involves a sedentary lifestyle.

It is difficult, of course, to call it a habit, but being overweight is also associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, thyroid, and mammary glands. The fact is that excess fat causes increased production of the hormone estrogen, which can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance and lead to the development of inflammation and tumors.

Bigger is not better, especially when it comes to nutritional supplements. Normally, dietary supplements and vitamin complexes should be used to fill the deficiency of nutrients and trace elements and prescribed after a thorough medical examination, but in practice many people determine the type and dosage themselves – and often exceed safety levels. Although vitamin complexes are not medicines, they should be taken with the same caution and under no circumstances should you prescribe them yourself!

Who would have thought, but lovers of opening windows in a car are in danger. Research suggests that breathing exhaust in this concentrated form increases our risk of developing lung and bladder cancer. Of course, this applies to car trips in polluted cities, in rural areas – ride on health.

It turns out that looking at the sky through an airplane window can be dangerous. The fact is that at height the solar radiation is very active and the glass passes through it in sufficient quantity. Everyone has heard of the dangers of sunburn, but a threat as hidden as a porthole is unlikely! Meanwhile, the habit of choosing such a place can increase the risk of skin cancer – melanoma.

Much has been said before about the dangers of forgoing condoms, but it turns out that sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies are far from all the risks. If you do not use barrier contraceptive methods, you put yourself at risk of developing cancer. And the reason is that your partner may be a carrier of the papilloma virus, which has an adverse effect on the cervix and can lead to cancer.