Major risk factors for cancer

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Dec 18, 2021

Cancer is a life threatening disease. Approximately, half of the cases of death are caused by cancers per day. Cancers occur when some cells grow disorderly and spread in other parts of the body. Cancer can damage any part of the body. Also tumours later on develop as a cancer. Researchers still did not find the exact cause of cancer.

However, cancer may develop based on various risk factors. Factors such as using tobacco, alcohol, family history of having cancer, an unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight, sun exposure, radiation exposure, environmental issues can develop the chances of developing cancer. Here are the detailed risk factors given below.

8 Major risk factors

• Age: Age is the very crucial risk factor for any type of cancer. Increasing age increases the risk of having cancer. A recent case study of cancer has shown that most of the cancer is diagnosed at the age of 65, as cancer takes time to develop and to show any symptoms. However, cancer can occur at any stage of your life.
• Family history: Some studies of cancer have shown that many cases are inherited. If there is any person in your family who has cancer, then there is some chance that you are more likely to develop cancer. Remember, it happens only in some cases.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is very harmful for your health. Drinking alcohol causes many health issues. It is one of the major reasons for mouth, throat, liver, colon, larynx, and esophagus cancers. Recent studies have shown that moderate amounts of alcohol ( one to two drinks per day) is beneficial.
• Tobacco: Tobacco is one of the main reasons for any type of cancer. Cancer does not only cause lung cancer, it can also cause kidney, liver, pancreas, larynx, colon, esophagus and others. Passive smoking is more dangerous than active smoking.
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of developing cancer. It can contribute to many types of cancers such as kidney, breast, colon, pancreatic, esophageal, endometrial, and others.
• Physically inactive: Being physically inactive can cause cancers. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day per week is crucial for your overall health. Exercise such as walking may reduce your chances of having lung cancers.
• Diet: A good well balanced diet is important for your health. Includes vegetables, proteins, whole grain and fibers in your diet to prevent cancers.
• Sun exposure: Excessive exposure to sun may cause skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays cause premature signs of ageing and damage the cells of your skin. Using sunscreen in the exposing parts of your body and using an umbrella or hat can prevent you from getting the harmful rays of sun.

Those are all the considerable risk factors that can increase your chances of developing many types of cancer. It is important to know these factors because there are still many people who do not know about certain things that may cause them harm. However, it is important to avoid certain things such as smoking, drinking alcohol.