Today, I want to discuss a topic that will affect or has already affected each and every one of us. Judging from statistics, this issue will only get worse because the rate of cancer among young men is increasing exponentially. Cancer doesn’t care who you are or how much money you have. Oftentimes, it’s too late when you realize there’s a problem.
Cancer will affect every single one of us at some point — to what degree is up to you. In a lot of cases, cancers are genetic, but the majority of them are from lifestyle choices. You can also catch it early enough to be treatable. Don’t bury your head in the sand or ignore certain things.
The reality is that you could make a lifestyle change to prevent it from happening. 40 to 50% of cancers are due to choices, which is what I want to talk about today. These are the most common cancer-causing things we do.
- Tobacco use. Whether cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, cigars or vaping, these increase your risk of cancer.
- Obesity. Even being a little bit overweight can change everything from hormone balances to inflammation, and is linked to 13 types of cancer.
- Alcohol. It’s a group one carcinogen like tobacco and can increase the risk of liver cancer, mouth cancer, bladder cancer, and esophageal cancer. Even in modest amounts, alcohol increases your risk.
- Poor diet. A diet low in nutrient-dense foods will impact your body in a lot of unhealthy ways. You need vegetables and antioxidants.
- Inactivity. One of the easiest things you can do to be healthy is to move. Leading a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of cancer drastically.
- Processed foods. Consuming processed meats, bacon, hot dogs, deli meat, overcharred meat, and barbecue can increase your risk of cancer.
- Ultra-processed foods. Foods that have a lot of adjectives and preservatives, along with emulsifiers, are dangerous for your body. They will jack up your endocrine system and mess up your microbiome.
- Tanning beds. Exposure to UV light and radiation damages DNA, and 90% of skin cancers are linked to excessive UV light..
- Viral infections. HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis are linked to liver cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and cervical cancer. These are preventable through vaccines and safe practices.
- Environmental factors and toxins. We’re talking about radon, asbestos, diesel, smoke, and chemicals. Hair color (dye) is in this category as well.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals. EDCs are found in plastics and cheap grooming products. They jack up your endocrine system, increasing the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
- Cooking in plastic. Heating things in plastic containers is one of the worst things you can do because more EDCs are emitted into your food. Don’t ever store food and plastic either. Opt for glass containers. Don’t even drink out of plastic.
- Artificial sweeteners. Sugary drinks also increase the risk of cancer.
- Poor sleep. Not getting enough sleep is also bad.
- Low fiber.
- Chronic stress.
- Low vitamin D levels.
- Non-stick cookware like Teflon.
- Not getting checked. Get regular blood work and preventive screenings, along with immunizations, to mitigate your risk.
