​Cancer risk: Doctors say these are the most UNDERESTIMATED risk factors of cancer​

As per the data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In 2018, it had claimed close to 10 million lives.

Of the different types of cancer, the most prevalent ones among men are those which occur in the lungs, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver. In women, the most common types of cancer are those which start in the breasts, colorectal, lungs, cervical and thyroid.

Of the several risk factors that increase the chance of developing cancer, here we will discuss the common ones and the ones which are underestimated by the general population.

As per a Lancet study, consuming processed foods in bulk amounts cuts down the nutritional requirement of the body. It also makes the body exposed to several harmful additives which are chemically laden.

Intake of processed foods increases risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

"Replacing 10% of processed foods (and for some cancers ultra-processed foods) with an equal amount of minimally processed foods was associated with reduced risks of overall cancer, head and neck cancers, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, colon cancer, rectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and postmenopausal breast cancer," a Lancet study found.

Not much is talked about safe sexual practices and the risk of cancer. A health report, published a few weeks before, had talked about the risk of developing throat cancer due to oral sex.

"HPV is sexually transmitted. For oropharyngeal cancer, the main risk factor is the number of lifetime sexual partners, especially oral sex. Those with six or more lifetime oral-sex partners are 8.5 times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer than those who do not practise oral sex," The Conversation report had said.

Hepatitis B virus is held accountable for approximately 13% of cancers diagnosed in 2018 which were attributed to carcinogenic infections. The other pathogens were Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis C virus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

"Hepatitis B vaccines must be given to everyone to reduce the chances of liver cancer," says Dr Akash Shah, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Apollo CBCC Cancer Care, Ahmedabad.

Another important virus which accounts for cervical cancer risk in women is the human papillomavirus.

Contrary to the aggressive nature of HPV, less is talked and known about the HPV vaccine.

"HPV vaccines for young women can help prevent 70% chances of development of cervical cancer," says Dr Shah.

“Avoid eating processed food, junk food, and red meat. Instead consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Maintain your Body Mass Index (BMI). Being overweight or obese increases the chances of certain types of cancers like breast and endometrial cancer,” recommends Dr Shah.

“I recommend getting regular health-checkups done which include blood tests, mammography, and Pap smear. This doesn’t prevent cancer but helps in detecting and diagnosing it at a very early stage, which is mostly curable,” he adds.

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