Did you know these lifestyle and food habits are increasing risk of cancer?

According to the World Health Organization’s latest data, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide in 2022. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime.

The disease is a leading cause of death, with approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women dying due to it.

In India, there were 1.41 million new cancer cases and 0.9 million deaths due to the disease in 2022.

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year to raise awareness about the growing cancer incidence and facilitate action for reducing disease risk and improving cancer care.

Several biological, chemical and environmental factors can interact to cause the condition. While some of these are out of one’s control, deliberate lifestyle choices like consuming tobacco also contribute in increasing cancer risk.

Overlooked habits increasing cancer risk

Consuming tobacco, alcohol

Unhealthy lifestyle, including inadequate exercise and poor-quality food

Sleep deprivation

Smoking

Storing hot food in plastic containers

Using chemical-laden cosmetics

Dr Shishir N. Shetty, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, informs, “More than 50 per cent of cancers are caused due to unhealthy lifestyle. Inadequate exercise, eating poor quality or junk food and not sleeping well are known to have major effects on the body, including obesity, which can increase cancer risk. Also, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, highly processed food, processed meat, and use of certain cosmetics and house cleaning agents which have benzene and formaldehyde, are known to be potential risk factors of cancer,” he adds.

Sharing other overlooked practices that can prove to be risk factors, Dr Pritesh Munot, Medical Oncologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Certain daily habits and lifestyle choices can significantly increase your chances of being exposed to cancer-causing agents. This can include practices and situations like using plastic containers to store hot food, applying chemical-laden cosmetics, excessive smoking, and exposure to pesticides.”

The link between diet and cancer

According to Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, fructose syrup added to bakery products, processed, and refined foods, frozen foods, and those with zero fibre can prove to be harmful. Unhealthy food kept in the open and too much refrigeration can also be risk factors.

Foods that can increase cancer risk:

Foods that contain too many preservatives and artificial colours

Highly processed foods

Foods that are high in sugar or have high calories

Fried, grilled, or charred meat

Alcohol

To prevent cancer risk, individuals are advised to eat well-balanced and healthy foods. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and antioxidant-rich foods. “Eat fibre-rich foods like flaxseeds, or whole grains to support your gut health while lowering the cancer risk,” advises Dr Munot.

Probiotic foods naturally prepared at home are good for health. Traditional food preparation and avoiding fast food is essential, recommends Sisodia.

Existing diseases and risk of cancer

While some lifestyle factors may not directly cause cancer, they can cause other diseases, which in turn can contribute to developing cancer.

Dr Munot informs, “Existing health conditions and diseases can also increase the risk of developing cancer. Conditions like obesity, diabetes or gastrointestinal issues can cause chronic inflammation while severely damaging cells.”

Dr Shetty further states, “Some existing conditions like obesity, diabetes, viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus, autoimmune diseases like lupus, very rarely, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovarian disease, can be one of the causatives for cancer.”

The role of simple lifestyle changes in reducing cancer risk is often overlooked. From daily activities to food consumption, every aspect impacts health. It is thus essential to make healthy lifestyle choices, not only to prevent cancer but to maintain overall well-being.