Introduction: What 90% of Cancer is Caused By?
While it is widely accepted that cancer is an inherited disease, studies show that 90-95% of cancer cases are attributed to environmental and lifestyle choices outside of familial genes. These external aspects activate a series of genetic mutations that assault the body’s basic cell division processes, which in turn leads to tumors.
Changes in lifestyle habits can help combat the chances of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer, as there are so many controllable risk factors like smoking, poor nutrition, obesity, excessive drinking, pollution, radiation, and infectious diseases. This article looks at how cancer is caused by these factors and offers solutions on how to prevent it.
How Cancer is Caused By Genetic Mutations
Cancer is a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of somatic cells, also known as tissue cells, which can be governed by a specified set of alterations to the normal functioning of the said cells. Cancer is also caused by one or many of the changes in the DNA sequence within genes, also referred to as genetic mutation.
Such mutations can be subdivided into:
1️⃣ Acquired Mutations (90–95%) – the high majority of cancers come from mutations of cells accumulated over time due to lifestyle and environmental factors.
2️⃣ Inherited Genetic Mutations (5–10%) – Breast and ovarian cancers occurring due to mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are examples of mutations inherited through family. These mutations are extremely rare.
Considering cancer is caused by preventable risk factors in the majority of cases, managing these risks can help reduce cancer cases across the globe.
Top Environmental and Lifestyle Habits That Cause Cancer:
1️⃣ Consumption of Tobacco: First Contributor of Cancer
One of the most cancer-causing environmental factors is tobacco. Tobacco has the ability to lead to cancer due to smoking, which introduces over 70 carcinogens to the body. These toxins tend to harm lung tissue, leading to several mutations. 1
🚬 Types of Cancer Caused by Tobacco:
✔ Lung cancer – The foremost cause of cancer death today.
✔ Bladder cancer – Detected among patients who were cigarette smokers due to the fact that tobacco poisons are discharged through urine which damages bladder cells.
✔ Cancer of the throat and esophagus – Relates to smoke, caused by direct exposure.
✔ Cancer of the pancreas – Tobacco users suffer from high risks regarding cancer of the digestive tract.
Since the cancer is caused by smoking-related toxins, quitting tobacco smoking greatly reduces the risk of cancer.
2️⃣ Lack of Proper Diet and General Bad Eating Habits
Another key cancer caused by personal habits is poor dietary lifestyle.
🍔 Foods that Increase the Chances of Suffering from Cancer:
✔ Processed meats like bacon or sausages
✔ Excessive Red meat
✔ Sweetened and high-score caloric foods
Adopting a nutritious diet can prevent cancer since it is linked to poor eating habits.
🥗 Foods that Prevent Cancer:
✔ Fruits and vegetables: Antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and their denseness.
✔ Whole grains: Boosts digestive system and lower the possibility of developing colorectal cancer.
✔ Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation that escalates the chances of cancer. (fish and nuts)
3️⃣ Obesity- A Fundamental Reason for Cancer
Chronic obesity is indeed due to its hormonal imbalances and harmful inflammation over time.
Obesity-Linked Cancers:
✔ Breast cancer: Fat tissue produces estrogen that causes the cancer to strike.
✔ Colon cancer: Obesity disturbs the gut bacterial flora, which leads to inflammation.
✔ Endometrial cancer: Obesity causes higher levels of insulin and estrogen, thus aiding tumor formation.
Cancer can be caused by excess weight, but a balanced diet with regular exercise can help maintain a healthy BMI, and lower the risk of developing cancer.
4️⃣ Alcohol and the Risk of Developing Cancer
Lifestyle factors have a leading role in excessive alcohol consumption being a major contributor to cancer.
Cancers caused by Alcohol:
✔ Mouth, throat, and esophagus: Alcohol consumption weakens cell membranes, which in turn increases mutations.
✔ Liver Cancer: Chronic use of alcohol causes damage to liver cells and leads to the cancer.
✔ Breast cancer: Alcohol tends to increase estrogen within the body, which causes cancerous effects for women.
Given that cancer results from cell damage caused by alcohol, alcohol moderation decreases risk.
5️⃣ Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risk
Another important factor of environmental exposure as a cause of cancer is radiation.
⚠ Radiation Which Causes Cancer:
✔ Excessive exposure to the Sun leading to skin cancer due to UV radiation.
✔ Ionizing radiation such as X-rays and nuclear exposure. This type of radiation is linked to leukemia and thyroid cancer.
🔆 Prevention Tips:
✔ Usage of hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen.
✔ Avoid non-essential medical X-rays.
✔ Diminish exposure to radiation from industry.
6️⃣ Infections That Can Cause Cancer
Some viral and bacterial infections contribute a significant reason as to why cancer is caused by environmental factors.
🦠 Infections That Can Cause Cancer:
✔ Human Papillomavirus HPV causing cervical cancer, throat cancer, and anal cancer.
✔ Hepatitis B & C causes liver cancer.
✔ Helicobacter pylori H. pylori bacteria causing stomach cancer.
✅ Prevention Strategies
✔ Get the vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B.
✔ Prevent HPV from being transmitted by practicing safe sex.
✔ Prevent H. pylori infection by practicing appropriate hygiene and food safety.
7️⃣ Pollution and Risk of Cancer
Pollution is also another factor as to why cancer is caused by external factors.
🌍 Cancer Risk Relating to Pollution Exposure:
✔ Lung cancer risk increases due to air pollution (diesel fumes, industrial smoke).
✔ Arsenic and heavy metals in contaminated water are linked with bladder and kidney cancer.
🔹 Prevention Methods:
✔ In polluted areas, using air purifiers serves best.
✔ Water filtration or purification works best.
✔ Dangerous workplace chemicals should not be used.
Conclusion: Lifestyle Change to Reduce Cancer Risk
Because 90% of cancer incidences stem from environmental or lifestyle factors, the vast majority of cancer incidences could be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes.
Important Details for Cancer Prevention Reminder:
✔ Stay away from tobacco products – Quit smoking.
✔ Increase whole grains, as well as fruits and vegetables – Eat a balanced diet.
✔ Exercise regularly for healthy weight maintenance – lose weight.
✔ Drink less alcohol – limit excessive drinks.
✔ Limit exposure to radiation – wear sunscreen and avoid X-rays.
✔ HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines should be received – get vaccinated.
✔ Safe drinking water along with clean air helps – reduce pollution exposure.
Modification of risk factors enables direct prevention of cancer. These lifestyle habits are easily changed, providing a greater chance of preventing Cancer.
💡 Act today – ease into small steps for lasting health improvements! 💡
Great information 👌🏻👍🏻
This blog highlights the crucial link between lifestyle, environmental factors, and cancer risk. It’s an eye-opening read that emphasizes the importance of healthy choices in preventing this life-threatening disease.