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Writer's pictureNatalie Hall

Risk factors associated with cancer

Firstly, if you have received a cancer diagnosis yourself it is important not to read this information with blaming yourself as the objective. Use it to learn about how you can reduce your risk of getting another cancer. Sadly, getting a cancer diagnosis does not make you immune to getting another one.


At Fireflies we understand that our body's responses to the risk factors are all so unique. We never know for sure what has caused a cancer but our belief is that even if we did know what factor our cancer was caused by, it may just mean that our particular body doesn't have the resources to deal with it. Something we will often never know about.


The main risk factor for getting cancer is ageing which we can't do anything about!


Risk factors we do have some control over include:

  • smoking

  • alcohol consumption

  • obesity

  • sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise

  • sunlight


Smoking


Cancer Research UK states that smoking is the largest single preventable cause of cancer each year in the UK. It causes 15% of cancers.

Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the whole body. 9 in 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking. The good news is that permanently quitting smoking can reduce the risk.


It can increase the risk of other cancers including mouth, larynx, oesophagus, nose and sinuses, pharynx, liver, kidney, bladder, cervix, pancreas, stomach, bowel, one type of ovarian and some leukaemias.



Alcohol consumption


Drinking alcohol is a huge part of our culture. However, it is important to know the risks. It is strongly associated with several cancers including, mouth, breast, pharynx, larynx, bowel, oesophagus and liver.


It used to be thought that it was excessive drinking that caused cancer but now researchers have discovered that all alcohol is carcinogenic and even smaller amounts can cause the cell damage that can lead to cancer.



Obesity


The cancers linked to being overweight or obese include post-menopausal breast cancer, endometrial, kidney, colon, gallbladder, pancreatic, oesophagus and the first part of the stomach.

Being obese increases the risk of a woman getting endometrial cancer up to four times.


It also increases the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women by around 30%! Fatty tissue alters the levels of oestrogen and progesterone. In post-menopausal women fatty tissue is where oestrogen can be a powerful agent which can stimulate breast cell division and support the growth of oestrogen-responsive tumours.


The risk of colon cancer is increased by around 25% in overweight men and around 50% in men who are obese.


Increasing activity and healthy food choices can reduce obesity and therefore reduce the risk of the cell damage that leads to cancer.



Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity


This increases the risk of some cancers especially bowel, post-menopausal breast and endometrial.

Daily physical activity reduces risk considerably and also makes you all round healthier. As well as engaging in regular exercise, activities such as housework and gardening reduce risk also.



Sunlight


Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer.

In the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of malignant melanoma could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.


Getting burnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.


Our Fireflies takeaway from learning about these risk factors include:

  • Don't take up smoking (or vaping - we don't know the full risks of this) but if you already smoke try your best to give up. Do not smoke in the presence of non-smokers otherwise you are putting them at risk.

  • Participate in physical activity everyday. Move for a few minutes every hour when at work, studying, relaxing etc.

  • Focus on enjoying plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. We love to "Eat The Rainbow" and there are apps that can help you achieve this.

  • If you drink alcohol do so mindfully and moderately.

  • Avoid sunbeds & wear sunscreen on your face and body when out in the sunshine.

Thank you to Cancer Research UK and Can Rehab for the information for this post.


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