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My City, Lifestyle, Health

Some everyday things that could cause cancer

We all fear the word "cancer" – and what makes these fears so much more of a reality is that there are everyday item...

By Republica

Picture Courtesies: Facebook/Pixabay


We all fear the word "cancer" – and what makes these fears so much more of a reality is that there are everyday items and habits that increase our risk for certain types of cancer.


Here are a few risky items that are particularly hard to avoid:


 


Electronic devices

Cell phones are the major red flag when people think of electronic devices that may be a cause for concern. We hold our cell phones against our heads, and the big question is whether these electronic devices could contribute to tumors – cancerous or not. Cell phones essentially emit radiofrequency energy, and the number of cell phone users has dramatically increased over the years. According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), radiofrequency is a form of electromagnetic radiation which can be divided into two types: ionizing (X-rays, radon, and cosmic rays) and non-ionizing (radiofrequency, and power frequency).


Although cell phones are categorized under non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and cannot damage DNA or cells directly, research has suggested that it could increase the risk of cancer by reducing melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin has been shown to suppress the development of certain tumors.


 


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Diesel fumes

Diesel engine fumes are classified as carcinogenic in humans according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is equivalent to second-hand cigarette smoke. It's impossible to avoid breathing in diesel and petrol fumes when you are stuck in traffic.


It can be even more detrimental to your health if you work or live near these air pollutants. The more diesel fumes you inhale, the higher your risk of developing respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer.


 


Sitting too much

Physical activity and exercise could potentially lower the risk of developing different cancers and other chronic illnesses. Although there is no guarantee, being active could go a long way to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.


Sedentary behavior such as sitting or lying down for extended periods of time can drastically increase your risk of cancer, especially colon and endometrial cancer.


According to NIH, physically active people had a nearly 25% lower risk of developing colon cancer than their physically less active counterparts.


Being physically inactive is also associated with a number of other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.


Further research indicates that cancer survivors could also benefit from physical activity regarding weight gain and quality of life.



 


High-temperature cooking

Healthy eating and leading a healthy lifestyle could prevent a number of chronic illnesses. Preparation of food is also important.


NIH reported that when meat is cooked at high temperatures – such as frying in a pan or grilling over an open flame – heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) chemical are formed. HCAs are created when amino acids, sugars, and creatine react at high temperatures. PAHs, on the other hand, are formed when fat and juices from meat over an open flame drip into the fire, causing flames.


According to a study, significant exposure to HCAs and PAHs can cause cancer in animals. Tumors of the breast, colon, liver, skin, lung, and prostate developed in animal test subjects. Although the dosage was much higher in the animal test subjects than consumed by human beings, evidence suggests that cooking meat at high temperatures could have potentially negative effects on our health and gastrointestinal tract.



 


 


 


 


 

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