The causes of cancer are still a mystery for the most part. However, some cancer cases have been discovered. Genetics plays a huge role. If you had a parent that had one type of cancer such as colon cancer, for instance, then there is a greater chance that you are predisposed to it. This is why anyone who has a family history of colon cancer must have a colonoscopy at a younger age such as 40 instead of 50 when it is recommended.
However, other causes of cancer have been found, and you would be surprised to know what they are. Listed below are 12 causes of cancer that would likely surprise you.
#12 – Working Near The Microwave
The microwave itself is not the cause of cancer. However, it has been found that the transmitters can be the culprit. You are exposed to radiation which is why you will want to step away from the microwave each time it is going. That is not a risk that you want to take as the radiation can cause cancer.
#11 – Ordering Meat That Is Very Well-Done
You want to make sure that your meat is cooked well because that is how foodborne illnesses happen if the meat is not cooked enough. But you don’t want it to be cooked too much. If your meat is blackened from it being cooked for too long, it develops compounds that can trigger cancer-causing cells to wake up and multiply. If the meat is cooked enough to fill off microbes, then that is all you need.
#10 – Not Eating Enough Fiber
If you don’t eat enough fiber, that means you are more likely to become constipated which is not fun. However, fiber is important to your diet as it helps reduce the chances of cancer. Therefore, it is important to eat those fruits and vegetables daily!
#9 – Spending Even A Little Time In The Sun
You are told not to spend long periods of time in the sun due to the fact that it emits high UV rays. However, even a little bit of UV ray exposure can increase your chances of skin cancer. Always keep yourself protected with sunscreen that is at least 15 SFP in order to stay safe while you get your dose of vitamin D.
#8 – Drinking Piping Hot Beverages
If you are drinking piping hot beverages or eating scalding food that is too hard to eat, then the heat can cause cell damage and that can become a cancer risk. You don’t have to eat food that is cold or even at room temperature. But as long as it is not scalding hot, it is fine. Blow on your coffee before drinking it if it is freshly brewed.
#7 – Using Toothpaste With Triclosan
The next time you shop for toothpaste, make sure it does not contain triclosan. This additive is known to cause endocrine illnesses as well as cancer. In fact, even soaps and facial cleansers can be known to contain this additive. It is best to no longer use any of it.
#6 – Not Getting Enough Sleep
You need to get the right amount of quality of sleep which is ideally 7 to 8 hours a night. And you can get by on 6 hours of quality sleep. However, you need that sleep for your body to repair itself which means it flushes out toxins that can cause cancer. If you don’t get enough sleep, you will feel terrible and be prone to developing many illnesses which include getting cancer. Getting too much sleep which is more than 9 hours a day can also lead to poor health.
#5 – Too Much Sugar Consumption
If you drink too many sugary drinks in a day and/or eat too much refined sugar and candy, then that not only increases your chances of obesity and high blood sugar. That increases your chances of cancer as well. Moderation is the key, and one sugary treat a week is just fine.
#4 – Living A Sedentary Life
If you are working 8 hours a day at a desk with very few breaks, and then you drive back home in rush hour and after dinner, you sit on the sofa – that means you are not active enough. And living a sedentary lifestyle can be risky for the development of many health complications such as diabetes and cancer. You will want to sneak in a workout for at least 20 minutes a day.
#3 – Menstruation Timeline
If a girl gets her period before 12 and if a woman does not start menopause until 55, those are cancer risks right there. Hormones are introduced either too early or are still in the system too late and that can increase the chances of breast cancer. If you are a woman that has experienced one or the other, or both then you will want to get regular screenings.
#2 – Drinking Too Much Booze
It is a known fact that drinking too much alcohol can increase the chances of liver disease. However, if you have more than 3 drinks a day, that can increase the chances of other types of cancer, and not only within the liver. One glass of wine a day is the best to stick to.
#1 – Not Acknowledging Your Family History
Not everyone knows about their family history. They may be adopted, may have been orphaned at a young age, or they are not on speaking terms with their parents and other family members. That is why taking a DNA test is important. If you know your genetics and family history, then you will be aware if you are predisposed to different types of cancers. Knowledge is power so you can do what you can to minimize the risks.
There are other cancer-causing culprits, but those are the ones to really be aware of and you will want to stay healthy and fit! Get your checkups once a year to maks sure that your health is good.
