We consider poor diet, obesity and tobacco use as factors for causing cancer and increasing cancer risk. But the food packaging can also play very important role in increasing the risk for cancer? The alcohol intake can also be factor and the pollution or the city you live in.
These 9 things can increase the cancer risk:
1. Air Fresheners and Scented Candles
Researchers measured levels of “volatile organic chemicals” in six houses in York, England. They asked each resident about the air fresheners, scented candles and cleaning products they used, and how often they actually used them. When they tested the air in each home, they found Limonene. It is a synthetic chemical that people use to create citrus smells. It turned out to be the highest chemical detected. Limonene reacts with ozone when is released into the air. It creates formaldehyde. There is a connection of Formaldehyde with several different types of cancer.
2. Sawdust
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies wood dust as a human carcinogen. Studies have shown that workers exposed to wood dust are more likely to develop adenocarcinoma. It is a form of nasal cancer. Oak, beech and other hardwood dusts pose the highest risk.
3. The Place You Live Increases the Cancer Risk
According to a 2017 study, researchers found that counties in the USA with the poorest quality air, land, water, built environment and socio-demographic factors showed increased rates of cancer. the Built environment and the poor air quality, which includes the presence of major highways and the availability of public transit and housing showed the highest correlation.
4. Food Packaging
Packaged food and Fast food in boxes, wrappers and containers often contain harmful chemicals known as PFCs and PFASs. These stain-repellent grease-repellent chemicals can easily make their way into your food. PFCs and PFASs have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, developmental issues and impaired immune function.
5. Happy Hour
There is a connection between too much alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. The study showed that women who increased the amount of alcohol over a period of 5 years, had a higher risk of breast cancer. Studies have also linked alcohol to neck and head cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer.
6. Working The Night Shift
Working during the night or late-night shift may increase cancer risk. MIT researchers found that two genes responsible for controlling the cells’ circadian rhythm also function as tumor suppressors. This can have influence on the body’s internal clock. Studies have shown that the exposure of mice to an abnormal light schedule experience more aggressive and faster tumor growth.
7. Sunscreens
Most people know that sun damage can cause cancer, but so can many types of sunscreens. Most sunscreens are full of toxic ingredients that pose major health risks.
8. A Sedentary Lifestyle
Watching TV, occupational sitting time, recreational sitting time are in relation to cancer risk. When researchers compares the highest levels of sedentary behaviors to the lowest, they found that more sedentary participants faced a higher risk of endometrial, colon and lung cancer. The research showed that cancer risk was elevated with each 2-hour increase in sitting time.
9. Lack Of Sunlight
Researchers estimate that we can prevent 350,000 cases of breast cancer and 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer worldwide if we increase Vitamin D3 levels. Studies have shown that the lower Vitamin D levels are, the higher the risk of colorectal cancer and beast cancer. Spending time outdoors is the best way to get the daily dose of Vitamin D.