8 risk factors for cancer: the main cause of death worldwide

2024-04-04 00:07:00

He cancer It is one of the worst enemies for the body, since it is capable of affecting cells, favoring their uncontrolled growth, which invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. But what causes it? There are 8 things that could trigger cancer. Great care!

What causes cancer?

He cancer is characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, with the ability to infiltrate and destroy healthy tissue in the body, and can even spread to other areas of the body through metastasis. However, most of the time it is caused by DNA mutations within cells.

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In accordance with data from World Health Organization (WHO)he cancer is the main cause of death in the world, claiming the lives of almost 10 million people in 2020. Among the types of cancer The most common are those of the breast, lung, colon and rectum, as well as the prostate.

Specialists describe that around a third of cancer deaths They are due to smoking because cigarettes contain carcinogenic chemicals that damage the DNA of cells, causing mutations that can develop cancer.

On the other hand, when inhaling cigarette smoke, these compounds come into direct contact with internal tissues, accelerating the process of cellular deterioration, which increases the risk of forming malignant tumors, especially in the mouth, throat, lungs, pancreas and bladder.

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What can trigger cancer?

The main cause to develop cancer It is due to genetic factors, but there are also external agents that increase the risk, such as physical, chemical and biological carcinogens. Pay close attention because even your habits could put you at risk in the long term.

• Prolonged sun exposure: Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the DNA of skin cells, leading to skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen and avoid direct exposure during the most intense hours.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet low in fruits, vegetables and fiber, but high in red meat and processed foods, can increase the risk of developing several types of canceras in the colon and stomach, one of the most aggressive for the body.
• Insufficient physical activity: Lack of regular physical activity can increase the risk of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and may help reduce the risk of cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including those of the breast, colon, endometrium, kidney and esophagus. This is because excess body fat can cause chronic inflammation and alterations in hormone levels, such as estrogen and insulin, which promote the growth of cancer cells.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes releases a mixture of more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Inhalation of these compounds can damage almost all organs in the body, being a leading cause of lung cancer and contributing significantly to those of the mouth, larynx, pancreas, bladder, kidney and stomach.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is a known carcinogen and its consumption is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast and colon.
• Environmental pollutants: Exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos, benzene, arsenic, and some plastics and industrial chemicals, can increase the risk of developing cancer due to their ability to alter the DNA in our cells.
• Chronic infections: Certain viral and bacterial infections can increase the risk of developing cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C are linked to liver cancer.

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What are the symptoms of cancer?

Although he cancer It is a disease that no one would like to suffer from, recognizing the warning signs in time could give us a second chance. Yes, the appearance of a lump could alert that something is not right in the body, but the signs will depend on the type of cancer. Among the most common are the following:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest.
• Persistent or intermittent fever without apparent cause.
• Skin changes, such as jaundice, redness, or irritations.
• Persistent cough or hoarseness for no apparent reason.
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling of constant indigestion.
• Unexplained changes in bowel or urinary habits.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge anywhere in the body.
• Persistent pain in bones or any other area of ​​the body.

Now that you know what can trigger cancertry to stay out of it and take good care of yourself.

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