The development of cancer cells is related to genetic factors, and secondly to environmental factors such as: food, sleep, levels of stress and anxiety, practice of physical activities, among others. With that in mind, the University of Washington researched what are the main habits related to cancer in individuals. Learn more below.
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Major risk factors for developing cancer
Surprisingly, it was realized that the top 3 cancer-causing habits are actually practiced and experienced by many people around the globe. Thus, it may be that the control of these risk factors for cancer is a public health challenge and requires the attention of health authorities around the world. Check below which are the three main factors associated with the appearance of this dreaded disease in any body tissue or organ:
- Smoking;
- Drinking alcohol (especially at higher than recommended levels);
- Being overweight (the risk is increased if there is obesity).
These risk factors, according to the study, were responsible for 50.6% of male cancer deaths worldwide. Considering all those affected by cancer, 44.4% of the victims fit into at least one of these three risk groups.
Why is it important to know the main risks?
The disease, by itself, is the second leading cause of death in the world, and is also responsible for overloading the health system. Thus, discovering the main causes is important for disseminating information and creating awareness and prevention policies, in addition to encourage harm reduction practices – such as the creation of beverages with lower alcohol content, nicotine-free cigarettes, among other slightly more alternatives healthy.
Tobacco use: the biggest villain
Among all cancer cases, the study estimates that 36.9% of deaths are related to smoking. Generally, the organs and tissues most affected by cancer, in this case, are: lung, trachea and bronchi, cervix, colon and rectum, esophagus and stomach. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create anti-smoking and pro-harm reduction public policies, and all of this starts from stimulating research.
