Dr. Sandeep Nayak Talks About the Top 7 Cancer Causes You Should Know About

It isn’t just older people getting hit with the big ol’ cancer bug. New research is uncovering that even young adults are susceptible to the ravages of this disease. People are curious to know what cancer causes too.

Given that cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States, it’s no wonder so many people are interested in learning more about how it develops and how to identify it early on so that treatment can begin before it gets nasty.

Luckily, plenty of resources is available to help you learn the truth about cancer and keep yourself healthy. 

In this article, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the best oncologist in Bangalore, gives you the top 7 cancer causes you should know about as he believes” prevention is better than cure!”And only when you are aware of the cancer causes will you take steps to prevent it, right? So, let’s begin the journey to cancer prevention by taking the first step- the step of awareness. 

So, what are the causes of cancer? 

1. Smoking

Smoking is a significant cause of cancer. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of cancer in men and women across all age groups. Smoking also increases the risk of developing other types of cancers. Smokers are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and leukemia than nonsmokers, says Dr. Sandeep Nayak. Additionally, smokers are more likely to die from these diseases.

2. Alcoholism 

Alcoholism is a leading cause of cancer. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing several cancers, including leukemia, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain cancer. Not only that, but drinking alcohol also can increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. For example, it’s been linked to increased bladder cancer and bowel cancer. Additionally, heavy drinking can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body, which could lead to infection and even leukemia.

3. Obesity

Obesity is a cancer cause. A study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing cancer by up to 50 percent. The study was conducted on nearly 2,000 men and women who were followed for five years. The researchers discovered that those who were obese had a 50 percent higher chance of developing cancer than those who were not obese. While this finding is still significant, it is not the only one. Studies have found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing several other cancers, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer.

4. Radiation exposure

Radiation exposure is a significant cancer risk. Not only is radiation exposure a leading cause of cancer, but it’s also the leading cause of other health problems such as leukemia and brain tumors. According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the long-term effects of radiation exposure can be deadly, and even brief exposures to radiation can be harmful. For example, one study found that women exposed to high levels of radiation during pregnancy were more likely to develop cancer in their children. Radiation exposure can also increase your risk for other types of cancer, so it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved with being a radiographer or working with x-rays or other radioactive materials.

5. Sun exposure

Sun exposure is a known cancer risk. The increase in skin cancers due to sun exposure has been well-documented. Sun exposure can also lead to other types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. It’s vital to be careful about sun exposure and use sunscreen consistently, advises Dr. Sandeep Nayak. 

6. Poor diet

One of the most critical factors in cancer development is poor diet and lifestyle habits. According to a study published in the Journal of Cancer, poor diet and lifestyle choices are the leading cause of cancer. The study found that these habits can lead to various cancers, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and more. It’s essential to be mindful of our foods and make sure that we eat healthy options that protect our health, says Dr. Sandeep Nayak.

7. Lack of physical activity 

Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to help control your risk of developing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, physically active people have a lower cancer incidence than those who are not. Additionally, regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing other types of cancer.

Conclusion

Cancer is a rapidly growing problem, and it’s essential to know the top 7 cancer causes so you can take steps to prevent it, believes one of the best oncologists Dr. Sandeep Nayak. Yes, awareness is the first step to prevention! Smoking, drinking, and obesity are significant contributors to cancer, while radiation exposure, lack of physical activity, and poor diet can also increase cancer risk. 

So, now as you have taken the first step, it is time to take the next step, and that is to avoid the risk factors of cancer to reach your goal of ‘cancer prevention.’