Risk Factors for Cancer

What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Cancer?

·         Tobacco
According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking causes 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. and is responsible for 87% of cases of lung cancer. Not only does it affect the lungs, it can cause kidney, pancreatic, cervical, and stomach cancers and acute myeloid leukemia. Quitting smoking immediately decreases your risk factor for cancer.

·         Physical Activity
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week greatly reduces your cancer risk. Exercise like yoga, aerobics, walking and running are great activities to lower your cancer risk factor. Not only is physical activity important to preventing other diseases, it reduces the chances of becoming obese. Obesity is a major cause for many cancers. Exercising on a regular basis can prevent prostate, colon, breast, endometrial and lung cancer.

·         Genetics
Genetics can play a big role in cancer development. If you have a family history of cancer, such as breast cancer, taking extra precautions is vital. When cancer is genetic, a mutated gene has been passed down. Genetic tests are available for many hereditary cancers. Keep in mind that if you have a family history of cancer, it does not mean you will develop it. You only have a greater chance of developing it.

·         Environmental Factors
The environment you are in can cause cancer.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals found in housing and industrial building materials can cause a variety of medical problems, such as mesothelioma.
Studies have shown that people who are exposed to high amount of benzene are at risk for cancer. Benzene is a chemical found in gasoline, smoking, and pollution.

·         Unsafe Sex
Practicing unsafe sex can increase your risk of developing a virus called HPV. HPV is a group of over 100 viruses, medically known as human papillioma virus. HPV increases your risk factor for cervical, anal, vulvar and vaginal cancer. Further studies are being conducted in HPV's role in the development of other cancers.
There is a test available to see if you have contracted HPV. It involves scraping of cervical cells and then the sample is sent to a lab. The lab test can even identify the strain of the virus, also.

·       Sun Exposure
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to the UV rays of the sun. A sunburn, or a tan is actually the result of cell damage caused by the sun. Skin cancer can be prevented in most cases. Wearing sunscreen when outdoors and staying out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest is your best defense.

Does Grilling or Barbecuing Meat Cause Cancer?

According to Dr. Ted Gansler, director of Medical Content for the American Cancer Society, eating excessive amounts of grilled meat or chicken can increase your risk of developing cancer. This is also true for pan-fried meats at high temperatures.

Current research tells us that the well done or charred meats pose the highest risk. The problem that cooking at very high temperatures break down the amino acid, creatine, in meats. When this occurs, chemical is formed, heterocyclic amines (HAs). HAs are carcinogenic and are linked to cancer.

Is there a Safe Way to Grill?

Keep in mind, that grilling occasionally appears to be okay.

Excessive consumption of grilled foods cooked at a very

high temperature is the risk factor for developing cancer.

Experts recommend that foods be cooked at lower

temperatures, even if it means cooking longer. The goal is

to prevent charring the meat. You can do this on a charcoal

grill by allowing the flames to go down after lighting. On a

gas grill, try raising the grill rack, away from the heat.

Using skewers is also an excellent way to limit the amount

of grilled meat consumed during a meal. Small pieces of

meat, combined with fresh fruits and vegetables on the grill

make for an attractive, and delicious meal.

Limit the amount of grilled and pan fried meats you eat.

When meat is cooked at very high temperatures, a reaction

occurs, forming substances called heterocyclic amines(HAs).

HAs are carcinogenic and are linked to cancer. Research

tells us this is most true with well done or burnt meats.