5 Factors that Raise Cancer Risk

Cancer is one deadly disease that can practically affect anybody. However, there are some factors that put a person at a greater risk of getting cancer as compared to other individuals. These “factors” are known as “Risk factors” in medical terms. Some of these, such as: Gender, family history and age can’t be changed while many of them can be changed at will. Here is a list of 5 factors that raise cancer risk.

YOUR IMMUNITY

The reason the importance of a good immune system is stressed upon is justified. Your body’s immune system is its very first line of defense against infections, inflammation and cancers. Certain factors like: chronic diabetes, prolonged illness, immunosuppressive medications etc can weaken your immune system. As a result, your immune system fails to shield you against the initiation of cancer development in your body. As a result, your body is unable to eliminate the damaged cells, control the cell production and cancerous cell masses are formed.

Therefore, always take good care of your body by maintaining enough hygiene. Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants also helps to keep your immune system in good form.

AGE

With increasing age, many functions of your body deteriorate. Although, Cancer can occur in all age groups and both genders regardless of ethnicity, most cases of cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 55. Therefore, at least after entering your 40s it is very important that you focus on eating healthier, stating more active, quitting detrimental habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND ACQUIRED HABITS

There are certain habits and lifestyle choices that make us more prone to cancer as compared to other individuals. A few of them are listed below:

• Chewing or smoking tobacco
• Passive smoking
• Decreasing the consumption of alcohol
• Obesity
• Excess consumption of refined Sugars
• Consuming Alcohol
• Eating lots of packaged food that is laden with chemicals
• Spending a lot of time outdoors without sufficient sun protection
• Exposure to radiation

The truth is much can be done about this if one decides to take charge of their heath. Try to consciously quit your substance abuse and get moving more than earlier. Decreasing refined sugars and consuming more of proteins, antioxidants and vitamins in your diet helps to lower the chronic inflammation in your body and equips it to fight off all sorts of abnormalities in your body.

FAMILY PREDISPOSITION AND GENETICS

5 factors that raise cancer risk includes a positive family history. If any of your family members has had cancer, there is some risk that you too might develop cancer. So, avoid all the risk factors that might predispose you to cancer and try to lead a healthy lifestyle by making the correct food choices and exercising daily to maintain an ideal body weight. Many family health conditions can be controlled by the right type of precautions.

SKIN COMPLEXION

5 factors that raise cancer risk includes having lesser skin pigmentation. Skin pigments including Melanin give your skin more protection against damage from Sun. That is why people with fairer skin are more prone to skin cancers as compared to darker skin tones. Therefore, limiting your time under the sun and protecting yourself with help of sunscreens, umbrellas and scarves is of utmost importance.

The bottom line being that Cancers are mostly diagnosed in people who do not take ample care and precautions for their body. Scientists and doctors around the globe agree that a major percentage of cancers is preventable if sufficient measures are taken at the right time.

So, these were the 5 factors that raise cancer risk. No matter if you have a family predisposition or what your age is, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of developing cancer. As is the cases with every disease, precaution is better than cure.