These 15 Things Have All Strongly Been Linked to Cancer

 When it comes to deaths in the US, cancer is second only to heart disease. It fundamentally affects the way that our cells grow and divide, changing them in tenacious ways. All cancers come about due to damage or genetic mutations in our DNA. 

 Many cases of cancer are out of our control, determined by genetic defects and predispositions passed down from one generation to the next or spurred by genetic changes that we undergo in our lifetime. 

 

However, we also know that breathing in certain substances, eating specific items, and even using some kinds of plastics increases the risk of developing deadly cancer. Below are 15 known and suspected carcinogens. 

 

 

1. Sugar

Scientists now know that consuming too much sugar can not only lead to diabetes, but it can also actively damage your cells and increase your risk of developing cancer. But that’s not all, we’re afraid. 

 

New research suggests that sugar might fuel tumor growth in the body because cancer uses sugar as fuel. Scientists say that the ground-breaking research gives us a better understanding of how cancer cells and sugar interact and that it could one day help to create targeted diet strategies for patients.

2. Processed Foods  

Any food that comes in a plastic wrapper and is able to last for months without spoiling may be a good on-the-go fix for a hunger pang, but it also likely increases your chances of developing cancer. French scientists recently zeroed in on a link between people who eat more processed foods and those who develop cancer. They’re not entirely sure yet whether the issue is the shelf-stabilizing ingredients, the packaging, or a combination of the two. 

 

 

3. Smoking  

We’ve known for years that tobacco smoke contains at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals. Furthermore, it’s not just smokers who are affected – people who inhale second-hand smoke can develop deadly forms of cancer as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that “Non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. 

 

 

4. Tanning and Unexpected Sun Exposure  

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75%. Being exposed to regular sun can hurt you too, so wearing protective clothing and sunscreen and finding shade are good ideas if you need to be out in the sunshine for more than 15 minutes. 

 

 

5. Working a Night Shift 

In 2007, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified nighttime work as a probable carcinogen. Scientists believe that working at night and working long hours in the dark can mess with the body’s natural, circadian sleep and wake cycles.

6. Charred Meat and Grilling Over an Open Flame

Smoky meats from the grill might be tasty and tender, but they probably also increase your risk of cancer. This is because the muscle meats contain compounds called heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. 

 

According to the National Cancer Institute, when meat such as chicken, fish, or beef is cooked over a hot open flame or pan-fried at high temperatures, the juices and fat that they release into the fire spark flames with the dangerous chemicals inside (that then cook the meat we intend to eat). 

 

Scientists aren’t entirely sure if these chemicals cause cancer, but in lab tests, they have been found to change DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer. 

 

 

 

 7. Alcohol  

Regular alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing several different kinds of cancer, including liver, throat, breast, and colon. According to the National Cancer Institute, “the risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol a person drinks.”

 

A recent analysis of nearly 6,000 drinkers in 19 high-income countries around the world revealed that drinking more alcohol is associated with developing all kinds of cancers of the digestive system. 

 

 

 

8. Diesel Exhaust 

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, diesel oil contains more than 30 components that can cause cancer. 

 

 

9. Wood Dust 

Sawmill workers and carpenters who breathe in tons of dust from cutting and shaping wood on a regular basis are more likely to develop cancers of the sinus and nasal cavity than the average person. 

 

 

 

10. Birth Control and Estrogen

Women who start menstruation early or go into menopause later might have an increased risk of breast cancer because they’re exposed to more estrogen and progesterone made by the ovaries. 

 

Furthermore, women who are going through menopause who use a combined estrogen-progestin therapy to help ease their symptoms might also be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. 

 

Using birth control pills might also increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer, though there is some evidence that being on birth control is associated with a reduced risk of developing other cancers like colorectal and ovarian. 

 

 

11. Viruses

Catching certain kinds of viruses can indirectly increase your chances of cancer. This is because, in some situations, viruses trigger genetic changes in cells that can contribute to cancer. The CDC says: “some viruses linked to cancer are the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer; hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer; and the Epstein-Barr virus, which may cause a type of lymphoma.” 

 

 

12. Obesity 

 Being obese can put you at an increased risk of developing different types of cancers including colon, rectum, breast, esophagus, pancreas, and kidney. However, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk. Prevention includes eating healthy foods and making sure you get enough exercise, both of which not only help people maintain a healthy weight and reduce their chances of developing some of those cancers, but it can also ward off depression and boost your mood, too. 

 

 

 

13. Air Pollution 

Smoggy air and the particles in it can also lead to cancer. Soot isn’t great in general. In London, people started noticing lots of chimney sweepers developing scrotal cancer in the 1770s, and further studies found a correlation between the backbreaking chimney work and increased cancer rates. Soot inhalation has also been linked to esophageal, bladder, and lung cancers. 

 

 

 

14. Some Plastics 

 Plastics can be dangerous, especially when they start to leach out chemicals through scratches or cracks in the container. BPA is a synthetic estrogen that has been used in many resins and plastics since the 1960s. BPA resins can be used inside products such as metal food cans as sealants, while polycarbonate BPA plastics can include water bottles and food storage containers. While many plastic manufacturers have started to label their products “BPA-free,” there’s still a lot floating around that can cause breast and prostate cancer. 

 

 

 

15. Getting Intimate before You’ve Had Your HPV Shots

 HPV is a common family of sexually transmitted viruses, and it’s one of the ones we mentioned above that can cause cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 40 different types can be passed around through sexual contact. Many forms of this virus go away on their own and are relatively harmless, but others can cause penile, cervical, vaginal, and anal cancers. Even the use of a condom won’t necessarily prevent the spread of HPV. This is why the CDC recommends that all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine, ideally before their first sexual encounter.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

These 15 Things Have All Strongly Been Linked to Cancer

Get the best night's sleep on these amazing smart beds Get the best night's sleep on these amazing smart beds Sponsored | LifeStyleTrendsHQ When it comes to deaths in the US, cancer is second only to heart disease. It fundamentally affects the way that our cells grow and divide, changing them in tenacious ways. All cancers come about due to damage or genetic mutations in our DNA. 

 

Many cases of cancer are out of our control, determined by genetic defects and predispositions passed down from one generation to the next or spurred by genetic changes that we undergo in our lifetime. 

 

However, we also know that breathing in certain substances, eating specific items, and even using some kinds of plastics increases the risk of developing deadly cancer. Below are 15 known and suspected carcinogens. 

 

 

1. Sugar

Scientists now know that consuming too much sugar can not only lead to diabetes, but it can also actively damage your cells and increase your risk of developing cancer. But that’s not all, we’re afraid. 

 

New research suggests that sugar might fuel tumor growth in the body because cancer uses sugar as fuel. Scientists say that the ground-breaking research gives us a better understanding of how cancer cells and sugar interact and that it could one day help to create targeted diet strategies for patients.

2. Processed Foods

Any food that comes in a plastic wrapper and is able to last for months without spoiling may be a good on-the-go fix for a hunger pang, but it also likely increases your chances of developing cancer. French scientists recently zeroed in on a link between people who eat more processed foods and those who develop cancer. They’re not entirely sure yet whether the issue is the shelf-stabilizing ingredients, the packaging, or a combination of the two. 

 

 

 3. Smoking 

 We’ve known for years that tobacco smoke contains at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals. Furthermore, it’s not just smokers who are affected – people who inhale second-hand smoke can develop deadly forms of cancer as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that “Non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. 

 

 

4. Tanning and Unexpected Sun Exposure  

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75%. Being exposed to regular sun can hurt you too, so wearing protective clothing and sunscreen and finding shade are good ideas if you need to be out in the sunshine for more than 15 minutes. 

 

 

5. Working a Night Shift 

In 2007, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified nighttime work as a probable carcinogen. Scientists believe that working at night and working long hours in the dark can mess with the body’s natural, circadian sleep and wake cycles.

6. Charred Meat and Grilling Over an Open Flame

Smoky meats from the grill might be tasty and tender, but they probably also increase your risk of cancer. This is because the muscle meats contain compounds called heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. 

 

According to the National Cancer Institute, when meat such as chicken, fish, or beef is cooked over a hot open flame or pan-fried at high temperatures, the juices and fat that they release into the fire spark flames with the dangerous chemicals inside (that then cook the meat we intend to eat). 

 

Scientists aren’t entirely sure if these chemicals cause cancer, but in lab tests, they have been found to change DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer. 

 

 7. Alcohol 

Regular alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing several different kinds of cancer, including liver, throat, breast, and colon. According to the National Cancer Institute, “the risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol a person drinks.” A recent analysis of nearly 6,000 drinkers in 19 high-income countries around the world revealed that drinking more alcohol is associated with developing all kinds of cancers of the digestive system. 

 

 8. Diesel Exhaust  

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, diesel oil contains more than 30 components that can cause cancer. 

 

 

 9. Wood Dust 

 Sawmill workers and carpenters who breathe in tons of dust from cutting and shaping wood on a regular basis are more likely to develop cancers of the sinus and nasal cavity than the average person. 

 

 

10. Birth Control and Estrogen

Women who start menstruation early or go into menopause later might have an increased risk of breast cancer because they’re exposed to more estrogen and progesterone made by the ovaries. 

 

Furthermore, women who are going through menopause who use a combined estrogen-progestin therapy to help ease their symptoms might also be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. 

 

Using birth control pills might also increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer, though there is some evidence that being on birth control is associated with a reduced risk of developing other cancers like colorectal and ovarian. 

 

 

11. Viruses

Catching certain kinds of viruses can indirectly increase your chances of cancer. This is because, in some situations, viruses trigger genetic changes in cells that can contribute to cancer. The CDC says: “some viruses linked to cancer are the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer; hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer; and the Epstein-Barr virus, which may cause a type of lymphoma.” 12. Obesity Being obese can put you at an increased risk of developing different types of cancers including colon, rectum, breast, esophagus, pancreas, and kidney. However, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk. Prevention includes eating healthy foods and making sure you get enough exercise, both of which not only help people maintain a healthy weight and reduce their chances of developing some of those cancers, but it can also ward off depression and boost your mood, too. 

 

 

13. Air Pollution 

Smoggy air and the particles in it can also lead to cancer. Soot isn’t great in general. In London, people started noticing lots of chimney sweepers developing scrotal cancer in the 1770s, and further studies found a correlation between the backbreaking chimney work and increased cancer rates. Soot inhalation has also been linked to esophageal, bladder, and lung cancers. 

 

 

14. Some Plastics 

Plastics can be dangerous, especially when they start to leach out chemicals through scratches or cracks in the container. BPA is a synthetic estrogen that has been used in many resins and plastics since the 1960s. 

 

BPA resins can be used inside products such as metal food cans as sealants, while polycarbonate BPA plastics can include water bottles and food storage containers. 

 

While many plastic manufacturers have started to label their products “BPA-free,” there’s still a lot floating around that can cause breast and prostate cancer. 

 

 

 

15. Getting Intimate before You’ve Had Your HPV Shots 

HPV is a common family of sexually transmitted viruses, and it’s one of the ones we mentioned above that can cause cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 40 different types can be passed around through sexual contact. 

 

Many forms of this virus go away on their own and are relatively harmless, but others can cause penile, cervical, vaginal, and anal cancers. Even the use of a condom won’t necessarily prevent the spread of HPV. This is why the CDC recommends that all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine, ideally before their first sexual encounter.

Cervical cancer: Ladies, pain in THESE 3 areas could be a major red flag

Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells grow at an uncontrolled pace in the cervix or around it to form a tumour. The incidence of cervical cancer is relatively high in India – more reason why it is imperative for women to keep an eye out on the symptoms, get diagnosed and treated well in time. And when one talks about the symptoms of this disease, experts say that patients may complain of pain in three particular body parts that are strongly linked to the disease.  

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?  

When it comes to the symptoms of cervical cancer, experts say that one may experience pain in the following body parts:

Pelvis

Lower tummy

Lower back

Often, these could be associated with endometriosis. Yet, it is recommended to be mindful of the signs to get diagnosed and treated well in time.

Besides pain in various body parts, cervical cancer can have the following symptoms:

1. Painful sex
2. Vaginal bleeding after sex
3. Vaginal bleeding between periods
4. Extremely heavy periods
5. Changes in vaginal discharge

What are the causes of cervical cancer?

Experts blame 79 per cent cervical cancer cases on a group of human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV; of these, 16 to 18 per cent can result in development of cervical cancer. Most cases of this infection are easy to catch and people do not need intercourse to develop it. HPV often spreads from skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. In terms of treatment, patients can rely on chemotherapy, radiation or surgery depending on how serious the condition is. 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

Understanding Cancer - 8 Scary Myths Dispelled

Cancer is one of the scariest words in existence. And the fear of this disease is very realistic. After all, it is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer takes the lives of 10 million people every year according to data by the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2020. The word “cancer” is an umbrella term for a huge variety of genetic conditions that can develop in any part of the body, so it’s only natural that we develop some preconceived notions about this scary disease.

Believing in cancer myths can be more dangerous than you think, as it leads to needless worry and redirects your attention from preventative practices that are important. In this article, we dispel 8 big misconceptions about cancer.

Myth 1. Cancer is almost always fatal

In the 21st century, a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. In the past few decades, cancer detection and treatment have improved tremendously. According to a 2020 cancer report in the US, cancer rates have been consistently dropping by an average of 1.5% since the early 2000s. 

 

The National Cancer Institute states the following: “Now, 5-year survival rates for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, are 90% or better. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is currently about 67%.” 

 

It has to be pointed out, however, that the survival rates vary considerably depending on the type of cancer. In the UK, for example, 98% of testicular cancer patients recover, but that rate is just 1% for pancreatic cancer sufferers - states Cancer Research UK. 

 

Myth 2. Eating sugar makes cancer grow faster

All cells in the human body, even cancer cells, use glucose (blood sugar) to grow, survive, and multiply. Glucose is the only fuel cells can essentially absorb. Since cancer cells tend to grow faster, doctors know that they devour greater amounts of glucose, and they use this knowledge in some cancer tests. But this doesn’t mean that eating sugar makes cancer cells grow at a greater speed, or that depriving yourself of sweets will slow down cancer - cancer cells will absorb more glucose no matter what your diet is.

Of course, there are plenty of good reasons to avoid a high-sugar diet, including a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, and a higher RISK of developing esophageal cancer. However, if you or someone you know has already been diagnosed with cancer, cutting out sweet foods is unlikely to make a difference. 

 

Myth 3. There is no cure for cancer

Cancer will not necessarily come back. In fact, certain types of cancer can be effectively cured even at advanced stages. “In addition to curing advanced testicular cancer and lymphomas (Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin lymphomas), we usually expect to cure most early forms of breast, colon, prostate, and skin cancer, including melanoma,” says Dr. Michael McNamara, a registered oncologist to the Cleveland Clinic. 

 

Treatments are more effective now than ever before, and most cancer types are treatable. Unfortunately, not all types of cancer can be cured completely - it all depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. That said, even the scariest cancers like stage 4 melanoma, breast cancer, and stage 4 colon cancer with metastases in the liver have more than 40% chance to be cured completely with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery - so says Prof. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist and chief of medicine at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California to Medical News Today.

Myth 4. Most cancers are hereditary

Most of us are aware that cancer develops as a result of malignant mutations in the DNA. However, only a small percentage of cancers occur due to inherited genetic mutations. These cancers are known as “familial” or “hereditary,” and they account for roughly 5-10% of all cancers. 

 

Most cancers are “non-hereditary,” meaning that they are caused by genetic mutations that occur as a result of aging, harmful habits like smoking and alcohol, or factors like X-ray radiation or exposure to harmful chemicals. Likewise, even people who have a strong family history of cancer can prevent cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings.

Myth 5. Biopsies and cancer surgery make cancer spread

This myth is actually partially true. It is correct to assume that improperly conducted surgery could potentially lead to the spread of cancer, but there are so many protocols and precautions to cancer surgery that the chances of that happening are extremely low. The advances in imaging and treatment reduce this risk even further. 

 

As stated by the National Cancer Institute, “The chance that surgery will cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low. Following standard procedures, surgeons use special methods and take many steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgery to remove tumors.” Biopsies, too, are not a cause for concern. A study from 2015 of over 2,000 participants dispels the misconception that tumor biopsies lead to cancer spreading. 

 

All in all, the benefits of biopsies and surgery far outweigh their risks. 

 

Myth 6. Cancer always requires urgent treatment

Even we were surprised to learn this, but the best course to choose in some scenarios is an approach doctors call “watchful waiting.” Cancers that grow very slowly, such as certain prostate cancers, lymphomas, and leukemias, are observed before treating or managed with medication rather than surgery or chemotherapy. In other cases, cancer may not be the primary threat to one’s health, in which case, doctors can also choose to treat another health issue first before addressing cancer. 

 

Needless to say, all this doesn't mean that you shouldn't see a doctor as soon as you notice any pain or any other signs of cancer. Only a professional can decide which cancers must be treated, as well as when and how the treatment should be administered.

 

Myth 7. Cancer can be contagious

You cannot catch cancer from a person who has it - this is a complete myth. So don’t be afraid to visit or touch a family member or friend if they get diagnosed. That being said, there are a few, albeit indirect, ways one can get cancer from another person. 

 

Some viruses can increase one’s risk of cancer. Women who have contracted the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer, hepatitis B or C raises the likelihood of liver cancer, and the Epstein-Barr virus raises one’s risk of certain lymphomas, nose-, and throat cancer. 

 

In addition, one can technically get cancer as a result of organ or tissue transplantation if the donor had cancer in the past. However, this kind of transplant-related cancer is very rare because doctors never use organs or tissues from donors with a known medical history of cancers.

Myth 8. The many mythical causes of cancer

There’s a wide variety of misconceptions surrounding everyday activities and objects that supposedly trigger cancer. Believing these myths can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety, which, unlike phones and deodorants, do impact your health in a negative way. Here’s a list of items wrongfully attributed to cancer: 

 

Smartphones, power lines, and microwaves 

 X-rays can increase one’s risk of cancer, but the radio waves your phone and other home devices emit are different and don’t come with the same risks. These waves are called non-ionizing radiation, and they produce extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic waves that cannot damage genes. 

 

As the American Cancer Society concludes, “Several large studies have looked at the possible effects of ELF magnetic fields on cancer in rats and mice. Most of these studies have found no increase in the risk of any type of cancer. In fact, the risk of some types of cancer was actually lower in the animals exposed to the ELF radiation.” 

 

Artificial sweeteners  

 

Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, and neotame have been tested several times and deemed safe and not linked to cancer. For example, a massive study with over half a million participants has detected no link between aspartame and brain cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. In addition, all of these sweeteners are also approved by the FDA, so you needn’t worry about using them occasionally.

Hair dye 

Getting a root touch-up every month or so will not increase your risk of cancer. While there is some evidence suggesting that daily exposure to chemicals like hair dyes can raise the risk of bladder cancer, we can all agree that most of us don’t dye our hair on a daily basis. This research is relevant mostly to hairdressers and barbers who work with hair dye every day, and regular consumers shouldn’t be concerned about using these products. 

 

Deodorants and antiperspirants 

Some people believe that antiperspirants and deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer. This myth comes from a study in which aluminum was found in the breast tissue of women who used antiperspirants that contain aluminum, or from test-tube studies in mice and hamsters. However, the presence of aluminum in the breast tissue doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer - indicates a large review study from 2008 and a more recent analysis from 2021. 

 

We hope that you found this article informative and useful. We wish you strong health!