Risk :
1 in 2 people born after 1961 will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer in their lifetime. This is exceedingly high as compared to the past. It is important to identify carcinogens and minimise their exposure.
Carcinogen :
It is a substance which is capable of causing cancer. In this blog, we will identify common carcinogens around us.
- Food Preservatives & Emulsifiers:
Decrease your intake of food with preservatives. Eat natural and organic foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain wheat, fresh white meat, or plant based protein. Avoid packaged products with Emulsifiers such as E407, E440, E450, E471, E500, P80, and CMC. They have shown links with cancers such as breast and colon cancer. Look at the back of the package for ingredients.
- Red meat :
Red meat and protein containing amino acid leucine has shown to cause cancer
- Air pollutants :
PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5) released from petrol & diesel engines is strongly linked with Lung cancer. Electric & Hydrogen cell vehicles are way to go.
- UV radiation :
Avoid prolong and direct exposure to sunlight as it increases risk of skin cancers.
- Tobacco :
Cigarettes have confirmed link with lung cancer.
- Alcohol :
Alcohol causes liver, oesophagus and colon cancers.
- Mobile devices :
Studies have shown that excess exposure to radio-frequency radiation can cause rare types of cancers in Rats. However, evidence of its carcinogenic potential in humans is still awaited. A cautious approach with moderation in screen time is advisable.
Symptoms related to Cancer :
Unexplained weight loss , severe fatigue , bone pains, pallor and anaemia , lump in breast, change in bowl habits , blood in stools, blood in urine or unexplained headache should be immediately reported to doctor. Cancer is among top three causes of death in 21st century. Mitigating risks is key to healthy lifestyle.
Dr Oraizi Jafery
Consultant in General Internal Medicine, Endocrine & Diabetes.
Bedfordshire , United Kingdom.
