- What are carcinogens?
- Tobacco smoke
- Ultraviolet radiation (UV)
- Alcohol
- Viral agents
- Bacterial infections
- Improper, highly processed diet
- Carcinogens associated with occupational risk
Environmental factors may have a greater influence on cancer development than genetic factors. According to the World He alth Organization (WHO), factors related to the environment and our lifestyle may determine the risk of developing cancer even in 70%! What behaviors harm us the most? What can we do to effectively minimize the risk of cancer diagnosis in the future?
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, killing around 10 million people a year. Every year in Poland there are approximately 165,000 cases of cancer, of which nearly 60% of patients… will die. This is a terrible statistic compared to other European countries, especially taking into account a clear upward trend.
Cancer formation (also known as carcinogenesis) is a complex, multi-stage and often long-term process. It is estimated that an average 1 cm tumor takes approximately 5 years to develop. Of course, depending on the type and degree of invasiveness, this time can vary considerably. Aggressive cancers (e.g. pancreatic tumors) can develop in just a few months, while others (e.g. prostate cancers or thyroid carcinomas) - even several or several years.
What are carcinogens?
Currently, based on numerous studies, it is believed that the formation of almost all cancers is influenced not only by individual predispositions and genetic factors, but most of all by external factors in the air or diet, and specific behavior.
The percentage distribution of individual groups of factors that determine the he alth of an individual (according to WHO) is as follows:
- lifestyle (diet, physical activity, stress factors) - 50%
- environment (pollution, UV radiation) - 20%
- genetic factors - 20%
- he althcare - 10%
Of course, an important risk factor for cancer diagnosis will also be the natural aging of the body and the associated lower efficiency of the immune system.
Even so, as can be seen from the above data, in many cases cancer can be avoided by changinglifestyle. It must not be forgotten that external carcinogens interact with genetic factors, accelerating the mechanisms of carcinogenesis to varying degrees.
The effect that a given factor will have on a particular person also depends on the exposure time, the cumulative or synergistic effect of several factors, as well as comorbidities. Eliminating carcinogens is actually reducing the risk of disease.
The most dangerous environmental carcinogens are:
- tobacco smoke,
- solar radiation (UV),
- alcohol,
- viral and bacterial agents,
- improper, highly processed diet (preservatives, dyes, aromatic hydrocarbons, indirectly sugar),
- substances related to occupational risks (asbestos, PCV).
Tobacco smoke
Smoking is one of the most harmful addictions. In Poland, it is the cause of as much as 93% of lung cancer cases in men and 77% in women over 35 years of age.
More than4,000 chemical compounds have been identified in tobacco smoke, of which approximately 40 are highly carcinogenic(including benzopyrene, nitrosamines, phenol-derived catechols and heavy metals).
Increased risk of lung cancer occurs primarily in long-term smokers, and also depends on the number of cigarettes smoked. It has been shown thatas little as 1 to 4 cigarettes a day increases the incidence of lung cancer 3-fold in men and 5-fold in women .
The so-called"passive smoking",that is inhaling tobacco smoke exhaled by an active smoker.People regularly exposed to second-hand smoke have an increased risk of lung cancer by about 20% compared to avoiding cigarettes .
Interestingly, the recently popular e-cigarettes are not a good alternative. These stimulants also contain harmful heavy metals, nitrosamines, formaldehyde, diacetyl, and often a number of pollutants of unknown origin.
What to do to minimize the impact of tobacco smoke on our he alth?
You should first of all:
- Quit smoking
Limiting the number of cigarettes smoked or choosing light products, contrary to appearances, does not protect "proportionally more" against carcinogenic substances.
It is never too late to change bad habits, and undoubted he alth benefits can be observed 3-5 years after quitting the addiction.
- Avoid e-cigarettes
They containthe same doses of addictive nicotine, plus a number of unexplored and potentially carcinogenic compounds.
- Avoid smoky places
Especially discos, pubs, bus stops. Let our fellow smokers pay attention to how harmful their addiction is to other, "passive smokers".
Ultraviolet radiation (UV)
UVA and UVB radiation belongs to the so-called physical carcinogens . Its damaging effect isdamaging the DNA of cells and generatingfree radicals. The resulting mutations can lead to neoplastic transformation. UV radiation also accelerates aging and impairs the skin's ability to regenerate.
One of the most common skin malignancies is melanoma, which manifests itself in the form of pigmented lesions. High incidence is especially high in white populations living in hot climates (e.g. in Australia).
This cancer (especially a type of nodular melanoma) can develop rapidly, growing deep into the skin layers and causing extensive metastasis.
UV radiation is also generated by lamps used in tanning beds. During a single session of such "artificial" tanning, the dose of harmful UVA and UVB rays taken may be even several times higher than in the sun.
It should be remembered that the emergingtan is nothing else than a defensive reaction of our skin(production of the melanin pigment), and not a symptom of he alth and vitality.
What should I do to reduce the effects of UV radiation on the body?
In order to effectively protect ourselves against the harmful effects of UV radiation, we should:
- Avoid being in the sun, especially in summer from 11:00 to 15:00, during the highest exposure to UV radiation,
- Use creams with a UVA / UVB filter (at least SPF 20-30), hats, covering clothes,
- Resign from visiting the solarium.
Alcohol
The results of a study by British scientists published in 2022 dispel doubts about the possible he alth-promoting effects of small doses of alcohol on our he alth.
Acetic aldehyde, which is formed during the metabolism of ethanol, damages the DNA structure and has strong carcinogenic properties. People who regularly consume alcohol (both in the form of strong, high-percentage drinks and "innocent" beer) may more often develop as many as 7 types of malignant tumors:
- stomach cancer,
- bowel cancer,
- laryngeal cancer,
- esophageal cancer,
- breast cancer,
- cancerliver
- and pancreatic cancer.
The latest reports on the effect of "blood alcohol" on women's bodies are particularly surprising. It turns out that as little as0.2 liters of beer or just a glass of wine a day significantly increases the risk of breast cancer . This relationship appears to be related to endocrine disrupting alcohol.
Studies also show that there are no safe drinking patterns, whether it is consumed regularly in small doses or in larger doses, but once a week. It always has a carcinogenic effect on our body.The carcinogenic effect of alcohol is also intensified by a cigarette that is often used in drinks .
What to do to avoid the negative effects of alcohol on the body?
In order to reduce the negative he alth effects of alcohol, the most important thing to avoid is drinking regularly to "relieve stress" or to encourage yourself.
The safest solution is absolute abstinence.
Viral agents
Some viruses (so-called oncogenic viruses) are biological factors associated with the risk of neoplastic disease. Infection with them may result in the activation of specific genes (oncogenes) related directly to the initiation of neoplasm or inhibition of suppressor genes acting as a brake on the neoplastic transformation process.
Human oncogenic viruses are:
- HPV(Human Papilloma Virus) - human papillomavirus - types 16 and 18 are called high-risk types, associated with the development of cervical cancer, oral cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer,
- EBV(Epstein-Barr Virus) - responsible for the occurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer and Burkitt's lymphoma,
- HBV(Hepatitis B Virus) andHCV(Hepatitis C Virus) - hepatitis B viruses and hepatitis hepatitis C - the infection caused by them may consequently lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer,
- KSHV / HHV-8(Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus / Human gammaherpesvirus 8) - Kaposi's sarcoma virus - associated with the formation of skin lesions and the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and primary lymphoma exudative,
- HTLV-I, HTLV-II(Human T-cell Leukemia / Lymphoma Virus) - human T-cell leukemia viruses - increase the risk of acute leukemia and cell lymphoma T in adults.
Find out more: HPV, EBV, HBV and HCV - viruses that can lead to cancer
What to do to minimize the risk of infection with oncogenic viruses?
Actionspreventive measures that protect against infection with the above-mentioned viruses include:
- restricting sexual partners,
- correct and consistent use of condoms,
- delay in beginning sexual intercourse by adolescents,
- avoid contaminated needles, blood transfusions, contact with contaminated blood.
Bacterial infections
Apart from viral agents, some bacterial infections can also significantly increase the risk of some cancers.
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori- causing chronic gastric infections - contributes to the cancer of this organ.
It is not known exactly what the mechanism of carcinogenic activity of this microorganism is, but the most likely key factors here are long-term inflammation of the epithelium and the production of harmful free radicals that act mutagenically.
Interestingly, although as many asapproximately 50% of the human population is carriers of Helicobacter pylori, only 5% of them will develop gastric cancer .
Scientists predict that the most important role in the development of the disease will be played by additional factors acting synergistically - mainly smoking, improper diet and obesity.
Improper, highly processed diet
Bad diet is a consequence of, inter alia, weight gain.Overweight and obesity are now referred to as one of the most common carcinogens .
Processed meat
One of the most dangerous food ingredients is definitely processed meat - i.e. products such as sausages, frankfurters, and burgers preserved with nitrogen compounds. Heat treatment converts nitrogen compounds into carcinogenic nitrosamines and nitrosamides, increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer or rectal cancer.
Excess red meat
Likewiseexcessive consumption of red meat is linked to the formation of tumors . Especially grilling, frying and smoking it favors the generation of dangerous and carcinogenic products of incomplete combustion of organic compounds, e.g. heterocyclic amines or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) considered to bemutagens .
Artificial dyes
A number ofartificial colors and flavor enhancershidden under mysterious "E" codes in ingredient lists are also considered potentially carcinogenic, e.g.
- E-202 - potassium sorbate,
- E-211 - sodium benzoate,
- E-151 - brilliant black.
Simple sugars
Excess of simple sugars(e.g. glucose orfructose syrup), present in more and more food we eat, is one of the main causes of obesity (BMI>30).
More and more studies indicate that it is the excessive amount of adipose tissue that significantly increases the risk of cancer. It is probably related to the body of an obese person: Such systemic disorders favor development: Exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace and the lack of adequate protection can also contribute to an increasing risk of many types of cancer. The following are particularly at risk: It has been proven thatexcessive exposure to elements such as arsenic, chromium or nickel increases the risk of lung cancer . In turn, polyvinyl chloride (the so-called PVC) - associated with, for example, green floor tiles from the times of the Polish People's Republic - is one of the most dangerous plastics. PCV is a mixture of many toxic compounds. An interesting fact is that as many as 60 chemicals, including carcinogens, have been identified in the air tested over the PVC floor covering. In case of fire, this material releases extremely toxic gases - hydrogen chloride and dioxins. A special poison is asbestos, which is still present in the form of panels and roofing in Poland. It causesserious diseases of the respiratory system: With prolonged contact, this carcinogen can also cause: In order to protect yourself against the effects of carcinogenic substances, you must absolutely follow the he alth and safety regulations and rules for a given workplace. The existing standards (both at the national and European level) are primarily used to protect the he alth of employees, but also to inform them about the risks and minimize the risks. The described environmental factors may largely contribute to the formation of neoplastic diseases. Although we often have no influence on their occurrence, our behavior and conscious choices allow us to reduce the individual risk to which we expose our body. Taking into account the cumulative effects of their actions and the role of individual genetic predispositions - it is worth consciously taking care of your own he alth to the extent possible.
How to modify your diet to minimize the risk of cancer?
Carcinogens associated with occupational risk
Polyvinyl chloride
Asbestos
How to protect yourself against carcinogenic substances?